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2014 (12) TMI 461 - AT - Service TaxInvocation of extended period of limitation - Whether extended period can be invoked in a case where penalty imposition under Section 78 has been waived as per Section 80 of the Finance Act, 1994 - Held that:- Even in the case of where Section 78 is invokable and established the penalty imposed upon an assessee can be set-aside under Section 80 of the Finance Act, 1994 in case it can be proved by an assessee that there was a reasonable cause for failure. Therefore, it can be independently examined whether extended period can be invoked, where waiver of Section 78 penalty upon the appellant is allowed as per the provisions of Section 80 of Finance Act, 1994. The case of Gujarat High Court in the case of Ankleshwar Taluka ONGC Land Loosers Travellers Co.Op vs. CCE, Surat (2012 (4) TMI 326 - GUJARAT HIGH COURT) relied upon by appellant was different on facts. There was a written contract between M/s. ONGC and that appellant having no service tax clause. M/s. ONGC refused to pay tax to the appellant in that case. It was specifically brought to the notice of High Court that in those circumstances the service tax could not be deposited in time. In the present case before this bench, no written contract is produced to indicate that service tax clause was not there. There is also no indication that M/s. Gujarat Borosil Limited refused to pay service tax to the appellant. There is also no evidence that appellant had any confusion that service tax payment on Rent-a-Cab services was disputable. In the present case the entire demand is not time barred and appellant has not shown his bonafides by paying the service tax along with interest for the period within limitation period. Appellant is not able to convince the Bench, with any documentary evidence that there was any confusion in his mind regarding non payment of service tax. Extended period is applicable in the present appeal even if waiver from Section 78 penalty has been extended to the appellant under Section 80 of the Finance Act, 1994. - Decided against assessee.
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