SERVICE TAX: Exemption Limit, Rates, Forms, Challans, Interest Rates, Penalties, Due Dates

Basic Exemption Limit

• INR.10  lacs  is  available  to  small  Service Provider.

Rate of Service Tax - 14%

1. The rate of Service Tax is 12.36% up to 31st May, 2015.
2. The effective rate of service tax will go up by another 2% if and when the Central Government exercises its power to introduce a 'Swachh Bharat Cess' on all or any of the taxable service.

All services  will now attract  service  tax  except  services  specified  in the Negative List and Exemption Notifications (w.e.f. 01-07-2012).

Service Tax Registration Forms


Download ST-1
Download ST-2

Payment of Service Tax using challan GAR-7



* Note :

1. For the period ended March, due date is 31st March
2. E-Payment of the Service Tax is mandatory for ALL assesses w.e.f. 01-10-2014.
3. E-Payment will be considered valid up to 8:00 pm of the respective day.
4. If the Assistant Commissioner or the deputy commissioner of central excise, as the case may be, having jurisdiction, may for reasons to be recorded in writing, allow the assesses to deposit the ST by any mode other than internet banking. 

Interest Rate for Delayed Payment



Note: 3% concession in interest rate for assesses having turnover up to INR. 60 Lacs

Half yearly Return in Form ST-3 


Service Tax Late Filling Penalties


* The maximum penalty imposable u/s. 76 is up to 10% of the tax. Hence the maximum penalty payable in such cases would be 2.5% of Service Tax i.e. (25% of 10%)