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2007 (3) TMI 118 - AT - Service TaxClearing and forwarding agent - Alleged that appellant would liable to pay service tax under C & F Agent and according demand were made alongwith penalty - Held that allegation was not correct and demand & penalty were set aside.
Issues: Appellants required to pre-deposit duty amount and penalty for being covered under the definition of C & F Agents for levy of Service Tax. Contention regarding relationship between appellants and dealers. Classification under 'C & F Agents' or 'Business Auxiliary Services' disputed.
Analysis: 1. The appellants, involved in a dealership agreement with various companies for marketing products, were required to pre-deposit a duty amount and penalty under the levy of Service Tax as C & F Agents. The Commissioner (A) rejected their plea, categorizing them as 'C & F Agents' instead of 'Business Auxiliary Services.' 2. The appellants argued that the relationship with dealers was that of a seller and buyer, not principal and agent. They contended that as they were involved in outright sales of power tillers to dealers, they should not be classified as C & F Agents. The appellants emphasized that they were not taking commission but engaging in direct sales, supported by evidence of paying Sales Tax. 3. The learned JDR supported the Commissioner's finding, maintaining the classification of the appellants as 'C & F Agents.' However, the Tribunal, after careful consideration, observed that there was a prima facie case of the sale of goods by the appellants, who were also paying Sales Tax. The Tribunal found merit in the appellants' argument, granting a full waiver of the pre-deposit and staying the recovery of the amount until the appeal's disposal. 4. The Tribunal's decision to grant a stay on the pre-deposit, acknowledging the prima facie evidence of sale of goods and payment of Sales Tax by the appellants, indicates a favorable stance towards the appellants' position. The appeal was scheduled for a hearing at a later date, allowing for a comprehensive review of the case.
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