Tax Management India. Com
Law and Practice  :  Digital eBook
Research is most exciting & rewarding
  TMI - Tax Management India. Com
Follow us:
  Facebook   Twitter   Linkedin   Telegram

Home Case Index All Cases GST GST + AAR GST - 2022 (5) TMI AAR This

  • Login
  • Cases Cited
  • Referred In
  • Summary

Forgot password       New User/ Regiser

⇒ Register to get Live Demo



 

2022 (5) TMI 1493 - AAR - GST


Issues Involved:
1. Rate of tax for the works contract related to Railways.
2. Whether the work awarded can be covered under the definition of Works Contract as per Section 2(119) of the CGST Act, 2017.
3. Applicability of Notification No. 11/2017-CT(Rate) dated 28/06/2017 for the construction of rail infrastructure facilities.
4. Whether the work can be considered as pertaining to railways.

Detailed Analysis:

1. Rate of Tax for the Works Contract Related to Railways:
The applicant sought clarity on the rate of tax applicable for the works contract involving the construction of railway infrastructure facilities. The applicable rate of tax for such works contracts is 12% (CGST @6% + SGST @6%) as per entry No. 3(v)(a) of Notification No. 11/2017-CT(Rate) dated 28/06/2017, amended by Notification No. 1/2018-Central Tax (Rate) dated 25th January 2018, provided the works undertaken satisfy the definition of 'Works Contract' as defined in Section 2(119) of the CGST Act, 2017.

2. Definition of Works Contract:
The term 'Works Contract' is defined under Section 2(119) of the CGST Act, 2017 as a contract for building, construction, fabrication, completion, erection, installation, fitting out, improvement, modification, repair, maintenance, renovation, alteration, or commissioning of any immovable property wherein the transfer of property in goods (whether as goods or in some other form) is involved in the execution of such contract. The applicant's work involves a composite supply of goods and services naturally bundled and supplied in conjunction with each other, fulfilling the criteria of a 'Works Contract' for immovable property.

3. Applicability of Notification No. 11/2017-CT(Rate):
The eligibility for the reduced rate of 12% GST under entry No. 3(v)(a) requires that:
- The service should be under Heading 9954 (Construction Service).
- The supply should be a 'Composite Supply'.
- The work should be a 'Works Contract' as defined in Section 2(119) of the CGST Act.
- The work should be by way of construction, erection, commissioning, or installation of 'original works' pertaining to railways, including monorail and metro.

The applicant's work, as described in the letter of acceptance, involves construction services for railways, including the supply of materials and execution of various construction activities, fitting the criteria under SAC 995421.

4. Pertaining to Railways:
The term 'railways' is defined in Section 2(31) of the Railways Act, 1989, and includes all lands, lines of rails, electric traction equipment, rolling stock, stations, and other works constructed for the purpose of or in connection with a railway. The applicant's work involves constructing a feeder line for the East West Rail Corridor within the leasehold boundary of SECL for coal evacuation, which pertains to railways. The courts have held that the phrase 'public carriage of passengers or goods' does not exclude works related to railways from the definition.

Conclusion:
The ruling confirms that the rate of tax for the works contract related to the proposed feeder line of the East West Rail Corridor is 12%, provided the works undertaken satisfy the definition of 'Works Contract' as per Section 2(119) of the CGST Act, 2017. The work awarded to the applicant is covered under the definition of Works Contract and pertains to railways, thus qualifying for the reduced rate of GST.

 

 

 

 

Quick Updates:Latest Updates