2009 (11) TMI 9 - AT - Service Tax

Rent-a-cab operator service short payment of service tax deposited with interest demand based on TDS certificate held that - TDS certificate issued by service recipient cannot be treated as if a separate income different from service charges mentioned in the service tax return by the appellant. However, certain discrepancy was noticed between the amount mentioned in the service tax return and the TDS certificate issued by Power Grid Corporation. This does not justify brushing aside the submission of the appellant and demand of service tax on the full amount. The authorities below have not indicated that the appellant has rendered services to any party other than Power Grid Corporation also. No reasoning has been given as to why the claim that they have already paid the tax on the entire amount of service charges received from Power Grid Corporation. Under these circumstances, the orders of the Commissioner (Appeals) and the original authority cannot be sustained matter remanded.

Summary

Issues involved: Discrepancy in service tax payment amount, double taxation, interpretation of TDS certificate, penalty under Section 76 and 78.

Analysis:
1. Discrepancy in Service Tax Payment Amount: The appellant, a rent-a-cab operator, provided services to Power Grid Corporation and filed service tax returns. A TDS certificate from the corporation showed a higher amount than what was reflected in the appellant's returns. The original authority demanded service tax on the higher amount, leading to a penalty under Section 76 and 78. The appellant claimed an oversight in not paying tax on the balance amount and rectified it with interest. The Tribunal noted that the discrepancy between the TDS certificate and the return does not automatically justify taxing the full amount. The authorities failed to establish that services were rendered to other parties, and the matter was remanded for fresh consideration.

2. Double Taxation Issue: The appellant argued that the demand for service tax on the entire amount mentioned in the TDS certificate amounted to double taxation. The Tribunal agreed that treating the TDS amount as separate income was incorrect. The lack of reasoning behind the demand for tax on the full amount, especially when the appellant claimed to have paid tax on the entire service charges received from Power Grid Corporation, led to the decision to set aside the orders for fresh consideration.

3. Interpretation of TDS Certificate: The Tribunal clarified that a TDS certificate from the service recipient should not be considered distinct from the service charges reported in the service tax return. The discrepancy between the TDS figure and the return figure required a more thorough examination by the original authority to determine the actual tax liability. The remand was aimed at allowing the appellant a fair opportunity to present their case and for a reasoned decision to be made based on all relevant factors.

4. Penalty under Section 76 and 78: The original authority imposed penalties under Section 76 and 78, with the Commissioner (Appeals) upholding the penalty under Section 78 but waiving the penalty under Section 76. The Tribunal's decision to remand the case for fresh consideration encompassed a review of the penalty aspects as well, ensuring that any penalties imposed are justified and in accordance with the law.

In conclusion, the Tribunal allowed the appeal by remanding the case for a fresh assessment, emphasizing the need for a detailed review of the discrepancy in amounts, the potential for double taxation, and the proper interpretation of the TDS certificate in determining the service tax liability.