Learner
3134 Points
Posted on 08 April 2011
Service Tax on Under Construction Property
It should be noted that the service tax would be levied only on under construction property. A property is considered “under construction” till the builder receives a “completion certificate” from the relevant authorities.
Thus, if an amount for the purchase of a property is paid to the builder before he obtains a completion certificate, it would be subject to service tax. Only if the entire amount for the property purchase is paid after the receipt of a completion certificate, there would be no levy of the service tax.
Abatement allowed
But don’t get too shocked – you won’t pay service tax on the entire amount. 67% of the amount charged by the builder is considered to be cost of land, materials, etc. Only the remaining 33% amount is considered as “service” provided.
Therefore, you would pay 10.3% service tax only on 33% of the amount that you have paid. Thus, the effective rate of tax for you would be about 3.34% of the total amount paid by you.
What does it mean for you?