Understanding the Scope and Purpose of the Audit Legacy audits are conducted to verify compliance during the service tax regime (pre-GST). The audit may cover periods up to June 30, 2017, or earlier based on pending assessments. The scope includes verification of tax...
Statutory Framework for Annual Return The concept of annual return was introduced under Rule 7A of the Service Tax Rules, 1994. It was notified via Notification No. 19/2016 – Service Tax, dated 1st March 2016. The rule required every assessee to furnish an annual...
Legal Basis for Retrospective Levy The Government had the authority to introduce service tax laws with retrospective effect. Such power was exercised through amendments in the Finance Act passed by Parliament. Article 265 of the Constitution allowed taxation by law,...
Basic Registration and Return Documents ST-1 application for service tax registration along with registration certificate. ST-2 certificate issued by the department acknowledging service tax registration. Filed ST-3 returns for each half-year along with proof of...
Understanding the Nature of the Query Carefully read the communication to identify whether it is a notice, summons, audit query, or clarification request. Verify the section of law or rule under which the query is issued. Determine the purpose—whether it's related to...
Legal Interpretation of Royalty and License Fee Royalty refers to the payment made for the use of intellectual property, patents, trademarks, or technology. License fee is charged for granting rights to use certain assets, services, or property without transferring...
Assistance in Filing Returns and Registrations Indirect tax practitioners assisted businesses in filing returns under service tax, excise, and VAT. They helped in registering entities under applicable tax laws and maintaining compliance. Their services ensured...
Purpose of the Service Tax Ledger The service tax ledger served as an official financial record of tax-related transactions. It documented the service tax payable, paid, and credit utilized by the assessee. It helped maintain clarity and accuracy in tax calculations...
Modes of Service Tax Payment Service tax could be paid through internet banking, NEFT, or challan at designated banks. Online payment was encouraged by the Central Board of Excise and Customs. Payment was made using GAR-7 challans in physical mode or through the NSDL...
Accessing the Centralized Portal The primary platform for service tax payment tracking was the ACES (Automation of Central Excise and Service Tax) portal. Registered users could log in using their Service Tax or Central Excise registration credentials. The portal...