2025 (6) TMI 598 - AT - Service Tax

Liability of appellant to pay service tax on advances received from customers prior to rendering services - correct point of levy of Service Tax - entitlement to the benefit of cum-duty valuation - invocation of extended period of limitation - levy of equal penalty - HELD THAT - Regarding the cum-duty benefit the appellants have submitted that this Bench has already take a view in the case of M/s. Crimson Foods 2025 (4) TMI 959 - CESTAT CHENNAI relying the Hon ble Apex Court in the case of Advantage Media Consultants 2008 (10) TMI 570 - SC ORDER it is found that this Bench has held in the case of M/s. Crimson Foods that 2025 (4) TMI 959 - CESTAT CHENNAI Extended period of limitation - imposition of equal penalty - HELD THAT - Other than alleging that the appellants have suppressed the facts etc. Revenue has not come up with any evidence showing any positive act on the part of the appellants in order to invoke extended period of limitation. The Tribunal and Courts in a catena of cases held simple non-payment of tax would not amount to suppression of facts and there should be a positive act on the part of the appellant with intent to evade payment of tax. Therefore the extended period is invokable in the impugned case before us; we also come to the conclusion keeping in mind that the appellants have deposited the applicable duty before the Lower Authorities even before the confirmation of the demand raised - the imposition of penalty does not survive and is liable to be set aside. Conclusion - i) The adjudicating authority ought to have granted cum-tax benefit in respect of the demand confirmed vide the impugned orders. ii) Where Service Tax is not separately charged the valuation should be considered inclusive of tax. Both the issues are decided in favour of the appellant the appeal is allowed.

Summary

The core legal questions considered in this appeal are:

1. Whether the appellants were liable to pay Service Tax on advances received from customers prior to rendering services, and the correct point of levy of Service Tax in such cases.

2. Whether the appellants are entitled to the benefit of cum-duty valuation (i.e., treating the amount received as inclusive of Service Tax) in calculating the taxable value.

3. Whether the extended period of limitation for demand and the imposition of equal penalty were justified in the facts of the case.

Issue 1: Liability to pay Service Tax on advances received prior to rendering services and point of levy

The appellants, a registered partnership firm engaged in auditing services, received advances from customers before the services were rendered. The question arose whether Service Tax was payable on such advances at the time of receipt or only upon actual provision of services. The appellants contended that since services were yet to be undertaken, and there was uncertainty whether the services would be rendered or the amounts refunded, Service Tax was not yet leviable.

The legal framework involves the Finance Act provisions relating to Service Tax levy and the point of taxation rules. The Tribunal noted that the issue involved interpretation of statutory provisions regarding the point of levy on advances. The appellants had paid a portion of the tax demanded based on their calculation, but the Revenue issued a Show Cause Notice demanding additional tax, interest, and penalty.

The Tribunal observed that the appellants had paid the applicable duty before confirmation of the demand, indicating no deliberate evasion. The Revenue alleged suppression but did not provide evidence of any positive act to justify invocation of the extended period of limitation. The Tribunal referred to precedents holding that mere non-payment does not amount to suppression warranting extended period invocation.

Applying the law to facts, the Tribunal concluded that the extended period was not invokable, and the penalty imposed was not sustainable. The appellants' position that Service Tax on advances should be considered with reference to the stage of service provision was acknowledged, but the factual determination of whether tax was collected and not paid was remanded for further examination.

Issue 2: Entitlement to cum-duty valuation benefit

The appellants argued that the amounts received were inclusive of Service Tax (cum-duty basis), and thus the taxable value should be computed accordingly. They relied on the judgment of the Hon'ble Apex Court in Advantage Media Consultants, which held that where Service Tax is not charged separately, the value for taxation purposes should be considered inclusive of tax.

The Tribunal referred to its earlier decision in the case of M/s. Crimson Foods, which applied the Advantage Media Consultants principle, allowing cum-duty valuation benefit. The Tribunal emphasized that the lower authority had not adequately examined whether the appellants had collected Service Tax from customers but failed to pay it to the exchequer-a factual issue crucial to granting the cum-duty benefit.

The Tribunal held that the original authority should reconsider this issue during remand proceedings, ensuring proper application of the cum-duty principle and re-quantification of duty if necessary. The Tribunal underscored the necessity of a reasoned order, citing the Apex Court's ruling that arbitrariness due to non-application of mind or absence of reasons renders an order legally unsustainable.

Issue 3: Justification for invocation of extended period and imposition of equal penalty

The Revenue invoked the extended period of limitation and imposed equal penalty alleging suppression of facts by the appellants. The Tribunal analyzed whether there was any positive act of suppression or intent to evade tax payment.

Relying on established precedents, the Tribunal held that simple non-payment of tax does not constitute suppression. There must be evidence of a deliberate act to conceal facts or evade tax. The Revenue failed to produce such evidence. Moreover, the appellants had deposited the disputed tax amount before the demand was confirmed, indicating no mala fide intention.

Consequently, the Tribunal concluded that the invocation of the extended period was unjustified and the penalty imposed was liable to be set aside.

Significant holdings and principles established:

- "The adjudicating authority ought to have granted cum-tax benefit in respect of the demand confirmed vide the impugned orders." The Tribunal affirmed the principle from Advantage Media Consultants that where Service Tax is not separately charged, the valuation should be considered inclusive of tax.

- "Absence of reasons either in the order passed by the authority or in the record contemporaneously maintained is clearly suggestive of the order being arbitrary hence legally unsustainable." The Tribunal reiterated the Apex Court's principle that due application of mind and recording of reasons is essential for a valid order.

- "Simple non-payment of tax would not amount to suppression of facts and there should be a positive act on the part of the appellant with intent to evade payment of tax." The Tribunal emphasized the need for evidence of deliberate concealment to invoke extended period and penalty provisions.

- The Tribunal set aside the penalty and held the extended period invocation unsustainable, while remanding the issue of cum-duty valuation for fresh consideration with proper examination of factual aspects.