Sevice Tax not applicable for Residential building
The counter affidavit filed on behalf of the Respondents also affirms
the above Circular as clarifying that service tax was not applicable in
respect of construction/development by a developer/builder engaged in the
business of developing real estate for selling units to prospective buyers. It
is affirmed on behalf of the Respondents that the "Circular was issued
within the existing law because at that time, no service tax was applicable
on such services within the Finance Act, 1994. The same was specifically
inserted by way of amendment in the Finance Act, 2010". Thus, even
according to the Respondents, prior to the Finance Act, 2010 -by virtue of
which the impugned explanation to Section 65(105)(zzzh) and clause
(zzzzu) were introduced - service tax was not chargeable on
builders/developers who were engaged in construction of real estate
residential projects and selling residential units in those projects to
prospective buyers. Thus, unless the builder was rendering the service of construction of a complex simplicitor, no service tax was chargeable for
service covered under clause (zzzh) of Section 65(105) of the Act.
Still builders are taking service tax from the customers both for flat and PLC.
How to tackle it guidance reqested. more