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Amit Mundhra, FCA, ISA(ICAI)

Education sector is one of the most important sectors in the Indian Economy in terms of the quantum of finances involved. Taxation on educational institutions has always been a matter of various issues and disputes. I am summarizing below the provisions under the Service Tax Laws as applicable to Educational Institutions as amended by Finance Bill 2013.

There are 2 types of tax provisions in terms of educational institutions under the service tax laws.

  • Services provided BY the Educational Institutions
    • Here educational Institution is Service Provider
  • Services provided TO the Educational Institutions
    • Here educational Institution is Service Receiver

There are different provisions for above 2 cases. In this article I will try to summarize the provisions relating to Services Provided by the Educational Institutions.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Generally educational institutions collects charges and fees under different heads from the students and other persons. Broadly these heads can be illustrated as below.

  • Admission Fees
  • Tuition Fees
  • Prospectus Charges / Admission Form Charges
  • Sale of Books and Uniforms
  • Examination Fees
  • Computer Fees
  • Hostel Fees
  • Day Boarding Charges
  • Digital Classroom Fees
  • Mess/ Canteen Charges
  • Transportation Charges
  • Renting of Auditoriums/ Halls
  • Staff Quarter Charges.
  • Extra Curricular Activities Charges
  • Picnic Fees / Special Tour Charges
  • Library Fees

I am examining the applicability of service tax on such charges under various provisions of service tax law.

DEFINITION OF SERVICE

In the Finance Act 2012, for the first time term “service” has been defined in the act :

[Section 65b(44)]

“Service means any ACTIVITY carried out by a person for another for CONSIDERATION, and includes a DECLARED SERVICE, but shall not include;

(a)                An activity which constitutes MERELY,

(i)     A transfer of title in GOODS or IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, by way of sale, gift or in any other manner; or

(ii)   Such transfer, delivery or supply of any goods which is deemed to be sale within the meaning of clause (29A) of article 366 of the Constitution, or

(iii) A transaction in money or ACTIONABLE CLAIM

(b)               A provision of service by an employee to the employer in the course of or in relation to his employment.

(c)                Fees taken in any court or tribunal established under any law for the time being in force.

The educational services provided by educational institutions clearly fall within the ambit of definition of Service. For detailed analysis of Definition of Service, you can refer to my earlier article by following this link (Click Here)

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE NEGATIVE LIST

Negative list of service tax signifies the services on which Service Tax is not Chargeable.

As per Section 66D clause (L), which governs the Negative List, following entry appears;

(i)                 Pre-school education and education upto higher secondary school or equivalent.

(ii)               Education as a part of curriculum for obtaining a qualification recognized by any law for the time being in force.

(iii)             Education as a part of an approved vocational education course.

Definition Of Education

The term “Education” has not been defined in the Service Tax Laws. So, we should go by the dictionary meaning and general meaning of this term.

As per www.dictionary.com the word “Education” means:

1. The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoningand judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.

2. The act or process of imparting or acquiring particular knowledge or skills, as for a profession.

3. A degree, level, or kind of schooling: a university education.

4. The result produced by instruction, training, or study: to show one’s education.

5. The science or art of teaching; pedagogics.

Thus, the term Education is a term of wide range and it should be understood in a wide manner.

ANALYSIS OF CLAUSE (L) IN NEGATIVE LIST – SEC. 66D

Clause (L) of Negative List

Implication

(i)                 Pre-school education and education upto higher secondary school or equivalent.

 

  • All play schools, crèches, nursery schools, pre-primary schools are covered here and no service tax is chargeable on such services.
  • All schools providing schooling upto higher secondary or equivalent are covered here and no service tax is chargeable on such services.

 

(ii)               Education as a part of curriculum for obtaining a qualification recognized by any law for the time being in force.

 

  • Conduct of degree courses by colleges, universities or institutions which lead grant of qualifications recognized by law would be covered here and no service tax is chargeable on such services.

 

(iii)             Education as a part of an approved vocational education course.

 

  • Approved vocational education courses are covered here as per detailed discussion herein under

 In above clauses, clause (i) and (ii) are more or less self explanatory but clause (iii) covers approved vocational education course which requires further analysis as below.

Meaning of Approved Vocational Education Course

Definition before Enactment of Finance Bill 2013

Definition after enactment of Finance Bill 2013

(i)                 A course run by an industrial training institute or an industrial training centre affiliated to the National Council for Vocational Training offering courses in designated trades notified under the Apprentice Act, 1961 (i)                 A course run by an industrial training institute or an industrial training centre affiliated to the National Council for Vocational Training or State Council of Vocational Training, offering courses in designated trades notified under the Apprentice Act, 1961

 

(ii)               A modular employable skill course, approved by the National Council of Vocational Training, run by a person registered with the Directorate General of Employment and Training, Union Ministry of Labour and Employment (ii)               A modular employable skill course, approved by the National Council of Vocational Training, run by a person registered with the Directorate General of Employment and Training, Union Ministry of Labour and Employment

 

(iii)             A course offered by an Institute affiliated to the National Skill Development Corporation set up by Government of India.
  •  By Finance Act 2013, in the definition of “Approved Vocational Education Course” the courses offered by Industrial Training Institutes or Industrial Training Centres affiliated by State Council of Vocational Training has been included.
  • By Finance Act 2013, in this definition, the courses offered by an Institute affiliated to the National Skill Development Corporation has been deleted. Thus in affect, the courses offered by such institutes have now been brought into the Service Tax Net w.e.f. enactment of Finance Act, 2013.

Now if we go through the charges collected by educational institutions, such fees which is charged in respect of educational services as specified in clause (l) of negative list will not be charged to service tax. Going by the wider meaning of “education” charges relating to Admission Fees, Tuition Fees, Examination Fees, Computer Fees and Digital Classroom Fees falls into the negative list and are not subject to charge of service tax.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE EXEMPTION LIST

Service Tax notification No. 25/2012 dated 20-06-2012 as amended by Service Tax Notification No. 03/2013 dated 01-03-2013 covers all the exemption available under the Service Tax Provisions. Point numbers. 4, 8, 9, 18, 19, 23 and 35 in said notification covers the exemptions relevant to Educational Institutions in respect of services provided by them.

I am trying to summarize all the exemptions available to Educational Institutions as Service Providers under these respective points.

POINT NO. 4 OF MEGA EXEMPTION NOTIFICATION

Services by an entity registered under Section 12AA of the Income Tax Act

By way of Charitable Activities

 Relevant Definitions

Term

Definition

 

 

 

“Charitable Activities”

Clause (k) of Definitions part of mega exemption notification defines this term “Charitable Activities” as follows. (As amended on 01-03-2013)

“Charitable Activities” means activities relating to –

(i)                 public health by way of –

(a)    care or counseling of

(i)                 terminally ill persons or persons with severe physical or mental disability

(ii)                persons afflicted with HIV or AIDS, or

(iii)             persons addicted to a dependence-forming substance such as narcotics drugs or alcohol; or

(b)    public awareness of preventive health, family planning or prevention of HIV infection;

(ii)               advancement of religion or spirituality;

(iii)             advancement of educational programmes or skill development relating to,-

(a)    abandoned, orphaned or homeless children;

(b)   physically or mentally abused and traumatized persons;

(c)    prisoners; or

(d)   persons over the age of 65 years residing in a rural area;

(iv)             preservation of environment including watershed, forests and wildlife;

 Important Points :

  • Mostly all the educational institutions are registered under Section 12AA of the Income Tax Act by way of Charitable Organizations.
  • But under service tax law, entities registered under Section 12AA of Income Tax Act doing Charitable Activities which are covered in above definition only are eligible for exemption from Service Tax.
  • Thus, mere registration u/s 12AA of the Income Tax Act does not grant said entity exemption from Service Tax.
  • If we go through the definition, only educational programmes or skill development relating to abandoned, orphaned or homeless children, physically or mentally abused and traumatized persons, prisoners or persons over the age of 65 years residing in a rural area are covered as “charitable activities” and exemption will be available only in respect of these services.

POINT NO. 8 OF MEGA EXEMPTION NOTIFICATION

Services

by way of

Training or Coaching

In

Recreational Activities

Relating to

Arts, Culture or Sports

 Important Points

  • In this point, services relating to training or coaching in recreational activities such as dancing, painting, sports etc. which are relating to Arts, Culture or Sports are exempted. Such services may be provided by Educational Institutions in addition to their normal educational curriculum.
  • Thus, by virtue of this entry, the charges for Extra Curricular Activities received by educational institutions, if such activities fall into Art, Culture or Sports category, are eligible for exemption from service tax under this clause.

POINT NO. 18 OF MEGA EXEMPTION NOTIFICATION

Services

by way of

Renting of a

Hotel, inn, guest house, club, campsite or other commercial places

Meant for

Residential or lodging purpose

Having declared tariff

of a unit of accommodation

below ruppes one thousand per day

or equivalent

 Meaning Of Relevant Terms

 

 

“Renting”

Section 65B(41) of the Finance Act defines “Renting” as

“renting” means allowing, permitting or granting access, entry, occupation, use or any such facility, wholly or partly, in an immovable property, with or without the transfer of possession or control of the said immovable property and includes letting, leasing, licensing or other similar arrangements in respect of immovable property.

“Declared Tariff”

Clause (n) of Definitions part of Mega Exemption Notification defines “Declared Tariff” as under

“Declared Tariff” Includes charges for all amenities provided in the unit of accommodation (given on rent for stay) like furniture, air conditioner, refrigerators or any other amenities, but without excluding any discount offered on the published charges for such unit.

 Important Points

  • In this point, services relating to Hostel or renting of Hall or Auditorium, provided by Educational Institutions will be covered. If the declared tariff / rental of the property is Rs. 1000/- per day or more, then only service tax is chargeable otherwise, it will be exempt under this entry.

However, here it is worthwhile to mention the Point No. 9 of the Mega Exemption Notification.

POINT NO. 9 OF MEGA EXEMPTION NOTIFICATION

Services Provided

TO

An Educational Institution

In respect of Education

Exempted from Service Tax

By Way of

(a)    Auxiliary educational services

(b)   Renting of immovable property

 Important Points

  • Here, the significance of this point is, if the Educational Institution is providing Renting service to another Educational Institution, then such service will be exempted under this point no. 9.

CLAUSE (M) OF NEGATIVE LIST – SECTION 66D

Here, it is also worthwhile to mention the clause (m) of Section 66D which covers negative list under Service Tax.

(m)       Services by way of renting of residential dwelling for use as residence.

Thus, the renting of a residential dwelling for use of residence is covered under negative list and is not chargeable to service tax.

By virtue of this point, the charges collected by educational institutions from Staff Quarters will not be chargeable under Service Tax.

POINT NO. 19 OF MEGA EXEMPTION NOTIFICATION

Services Provided in relation to

Serving of Food or Beverages

By

A Restaurant, eating joint or a mess

Other than those having

The facility of air-conditioning or

Central air heating in

any part of establishment

At any time during the year.

 Important Points

  • In this point, services relating Mess, Canteen etc provided by Educational Institutions will be covered. If such mess or canteen are air-conditioned then service tax will be levied otherwise exemption can be claimed under this entry.

POINT NO. 23 OF MEGA EXEMPTION NOTIFICATION

Transport of Passengers,

With or without accompanied belongings

BY

(i)                 Air embarking from or terminating in an airport located in the state of Arunanchal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, or Tripura or a Bagdogra located in West Bengal.

(ii)               A contract carriage for the transportation of passengers, excluding tourism, conducted tour, charter or hire; or

(iii)             Ropeway, cable car or aerial tramway.

 Meaning Of Relevant Terms

 

 

“Contract Carriage”

Clause (m) of Definitions part of mega exemption notification defines “Contract Carriage” as

“Contract Carriage” has the meaning assigned to it in clause (7) of section 2 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (59 of 1988)

 

“Contract Carriage”

As per Section 2(7) of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

 

Contract Carriage means a motor vehicle which

Carries a passenger or passengers

for hire or reward

and is engaged under a contract,

whether express or implied,

for the use of such vehicle as a whole

for the carriage of passengers

mentioned therein

and

entered into by a person with a holder of a permit in relation to such vehicle

or any other person authorized by him

in this behalf on a fixed or an agreed rate or sum –

(a)    On a time basis, whether or not with reference to any route or distance; or

(b)   From one point to another

 

And in either case,

without stopping to pick up or set down passengers not included in the contract

anywhere during the journey and includes

(i)                 A maxi cab, and

(ii)               A motor cab notwithstanding that separate fares are charged for  its passengers;

Important Points

  • This point covers the educational institutions which are providing transport services to its students or staff, the clause (ii) of point no. 23 of mega exemption notification will be applicable.
  • Here, it is important to understand the meaning of Contract Carriage. For a vehicle to be classified as a contract carriage, should satisfy all of the following conditions.
  • Vehicle carries passengers under a contract (whether express or implied)
  • There is a pre determined specific list of passengers who use the transportation facility
  • Transportation is fixed between one point to another and can be different for each passenger.
  • Vehicle operator cannot pickup or set down any person other than the list of passengers in the contract.

Generally, the transport facilities provided by educational institutions satisfies all the above conditions and they generally fall into the definition of “Contract Carriage”. Thus by virtue of this point, the transport facility provided by educational institutions to its students and staff will be exempt.

However, there is a fine exception here.

 If we again look at the clause (ii) of point no. 23 of mega exemption notification, there is a exclusion in the point which is highlighted below.

Clause (ii) : A contract carriage for the transportation of passengers, excluding tourism, conducted tour, charter or hire;

It means that Contract carriage used for tourism, conducted tour, charter or hire cannot claim the benefit of exemption under this point, and they will have to pay service tax on such receipts.

Normally, there are cases, where an education institution takes its students for tour under tour packages using the services of Contract Carriage, and charges separately for such tour from the students. In my view, the Educational Institutions cannot claim the exemption from service tax on such charges received from students under this point no. 23.

POINT NO. 35 OF MEGA EXEMPTION NOTIFICATION

Services of Public Libraries

 

By way of lending of books, publications,

or any other

knowledge enhancing content or material

 Important Points

  • This entry is self explanatory, which governs the library fees received by educational institutions.

CLAUSE (E) OF NEGATIVE LIST – SECTION 66D

Clause (e) of Section 66D – which is Negative List is as under

(e)    Trading of Goods

  • This clause governs the amount charged by educational institutions towards, books, uniforms and other material which are covered in the definition of Goods. Such charges are not subject to charge of service tax by virtue of this entry.

I have tried to compile the provisions of Negative List and Mega Exemption Notification which are relevant to Educational Institutions considering the services which are generally provided by them. If there is an omission about any kind of service which is provided by such institutions, please let me know, I will try to update it in this article.

 —————

Amit Mundhra, FCA

Author is a member of ICAI and can be reached at amit.mundhra@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The views express here in above are based on author’s interpretation of law, which may differ from case to case and person to person. Views expressed above are neither intended nor liable to be used as professional advice or a legal opinion in any manner. The author or publisher is not responsible for the result of any action taken on the basis of this work or for any error or omission to any person.   

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67 Comments

  1. J.Venkateswarlu. says:

    Sir,
    We have a Pvt Ltd Company the company given to building rent to Educational institution (up to 10th Class) in 2013, 2014,2015,2016 years .Please clarify the service tax applicability for that years.

  2. Srinivasa says:

    HI sir,

    we providing Safety of children’s service to an education institution by tracking their movements whether it is taxable or non taxable

  3. manoj soni says:

    sir,
    we are running computer training institute. we received fees from students. we have to forward the major part of fee to university. Is their any tax liability on the received fees.

  4. KAMAL SINGH BISHT says:

    DEAR SIR, I HAVE AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE WHERE I AM PROVIDING COMPUTER BASIC COURSES TO STUDENT. SHOULD I NEED REGISTRATION IN SERVICE TAX DEPARTMENT AND WHAT IS THE SERVICE TAX RATE APPLICABLE FOR THIS SECTOR. PLEASE HELP ME

  5. Sagar Desai says:

    I go to a study center where they charge 6100 for entire year to let the studentus sit and study on their own. In the name of receipt they give a piece of paper that states the amount and date of admission and name of student. Does such study centres come under the ambit of service tax? As they are making lakhs of rupees out of these.

  6. DINESH says:

    dear sir
    please proper guide me
    i have a private computer teaching classes, how to fild income tax return under income tax act. detils send & reply

  7. Rajesh says:

    A skin treatment by a Qualified Dermatologist: will it be under service tax ?
    If yes, kindly elaborate Negative list

    Dr Buddhadev

  8. PRADEEP JAIN says:

    Education charitable Trust Reg. with Devsthan Dept & having 12 A & 10 (23) C certificate & PAN in Trust Name running engg. College, University.

    Query: Trust Provide facilities to TCS for conducting on line competition exam LIKE BANK, INSURANCE COMPANT ETC.
    On our Computers in college Premises under a MOU and received charges from TCS.

    Total amount of the Invoices raised by trust to TCS for the FY 14-15 will be estimated more than Rs 20.00 Lac

    Pls Clarify whether Service tax is applicable or not on us.

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