CA Madhukar N Hiregange
CA Rajesh Kumar T R
CA Sudhir VS
Service tax is a subject which has been posing quite a few problems to assessees since its introduction in the year 1994 through Chapter V of Finance Act 1994. Over Rs.131,000 Crores has been collected last year on this count. The service tax law like other tax laws prevalent in the country is not simple, not equitable, not certain and tax administration not fair. Over the years there have been number of instances where assessees have had to face litigations with the department at various levels mainly due to lack of clarity in the subject matter. It has been observed that though the Tribunals and Court provide the clarity, the demands from the revenue for the past periods are raised. Now with the Negative List slated to augment revenues to at least Rs. 1,80,000 crores, the earlier understanding of the provisions have substantially changed. The professional advisor would also face difficulties while advising the clients in this area which is in a developing stage.
Though an attempt has been made to remove confusion by appropriate clarifications [education guide] where ever applicable, the assessee‘s woes and the advisors problems are far from over. One of the main reasons for this has been the fact that the subject has not yet developed to the fullest extent and we continue to see changes every year by way of amendments, exemptions, clarifications being given even after 1.7.2012. The comprehensive approach to cover the taxes has not been correspondingly found seamless cenvat credit with most major restriction still remaining. Invariably it is seen that the changes have been primarily been aimed at increasing the revenue to the government even if it means arming the tax administrators unduly.
It is not uncommon to find entrepreneurs ‘ business advisors’ chartered accountants new to service tax who are doubtful’ unclear about the legal provisions pertaining to the same. This brief online book is aimed at such Chartered Accountants in employment as well as practice ‘ assessees who are new to service tax practice and are interested in understanding the basic concepts of the subject so that they can take steps to ensure effective compliance with the law. The attesting auditor may also like to have a handily easy to refer book for ensuring compliance under laws he certifies when he signs off the financials for corporate. Keeping this fact in mind and as well as the constraints as to space, this book deals with concepts of service tax to guide the assessee’ professional rather than an in-depth discussion of the legal provisions, especially the taxable services individually.
This book has attained its present form partly due to the efforts of the partners of Hiregange & Associates, Chartered Accountants namely – CA Madhukar N Hiregange, CA Rajesh Kumar TR, CA Sudhir V S and also the efforts of qualified staff who have contributed especially CA Roopa Nayak.. We acknowledge their efforts.
The book contains an overview of service tax initially which would provide the reader with a bird‘s eye view of service tax. The reader is advised to go through the same before proceeding onto the subsequent chapters. This book also contains some of the important procedures which would be useful to the assessee in complying with the legal provisions of service tax.
The authors have tried their best to make this online book as complete as possible but where the readers have any doubt regarding the subject matter are advised to refer a more comprehensive publication regarding the same or seek expert opinion.
The chapters in this book have been arranged in such a way as to give the reader a fairly good idea as to the provisions of law. The authors would also welcome valuable suggestions from the readers, which would help us in ensuring a better offering next time around. For any comments or feedback please write to mhiregange@gmail.com, rajesh@hiregange.com or sudhir@hiregange.com For your queries on the subject you may also host your queries on pdicai.org under Service Tax segment.
Link to Download Free e-Book – ‘Understanding Service Tax Concepts’ Updated till June 2013
Author Bio
Thank U Sir
Yr student
Thanks a lot it is very helpful to me
Thanks Sir ,
For Excise and Service Tax guidness very deeply.
Thanks for such a great job. Keep it Up.
Thanks sir this is realy very usefull tool for practicener .
Realy a excellent efforts by u and ur team
how to upload a file on taxguru site
URGENT NOTE
Dear Mr. Sandeep Kanoi,
The Booklet is very exhaustive and explains the whold gambit of service tax lucidly.
HOWEVER IT STILL DOES NOT ANSWER THE BASIC QUESTIONS OF CERTAIN CONTROVERSIAL PROBLEMS LIKE :
APPLICABILITY OF SERVICETAX TO NON PROFIT ORGAINSATIONS AND MUTUAL ASSOCIATIONS WHERE THERE IS NO SERVICE AT ALL.
e.g. IN A COOPERTAIVE HOUSING SOCIETY OR CULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS ETC……( THE VIEWS AS HELD BY SUPREME COURT AND HIGH COURTS ARE THAT IN MUTUAL ASSOCIATION, THERE IS NO SERVICE AND NO INCOME FROM ONE TO ONE OWN SELF.
We once again request you to take up with the author of this lovely book to examine this aspect and include as a supplementary to their book.
the time could be running out for such mutual organisations, if they have to take advantage of service tax voluntary disclosure scheme now in vogue.
Thanks for your efforts