Service Tax – Levy of 8% tax from 14-5-2003- Clarifications

Subject: Irregular Levy of Services Tax by the Service providers @ 8% after budget i.e. 1-3-2003- Regarding. 

It has come to the notice of the Board that service providers have started collecting service tax @ 8% immediately after the budget i.e. 1-3-2003. However, this rate will come into effect from 14^th May, 2003 on which the Finance Bill, 2003 received the assent of the President. In this connection it is stated that if any amount has been collected as Service Tax but the same is not deposited with the Government in terms of provisions of Section 83 of Finance Act, 1994, read with Section 11D of Central Excise Act, 1944 same becomes recoverable.

It is, therefore, requested to alert the field formations to verify the returns carefully for the above- mentioned period so as to ensure that amount collected in excess as Service Tax should by deposited with the exchequer.