2013 (3) TMI 79 - AT - Service Tax

Cenvat Credit - Debit Note - Duty paying document - held that - Rule 9 of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 is a compendium Rule to deal Cenvat credit relating to goods and services. Invoices are normally issued for the goods cleared under Central Excise Rules, 1944. Similarly Bill of Entry is issued under Customs Act, 1962. Certificate is issued by Appraiser of Customs. A document issued in terms of Rule 9(1)(f) of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004, i.e. an invoice, a bill or challan are used to claim Cenvat credit. Apart from that, there is a document issued under Rule 4A of Service Tax Rules, 1994 by distributor of input services to enable the beneficiary to get Cenvat credit. By express provision of law, legislature has used three terms i.e. invoice , bill , and challan in Rule 9(1)(f) of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004. Once assessable value of service provider is intended to include even the reimbursement of expenses, the appellant cannot be denied benefit of Cenvat credit without finding no deposit of service tax by service provider. - At the interest of Revenue, if the Adjudicating Authority so chooses he may send copies of debit note relied by Assessee to the concerned jurisdictional officer for verifying whether the service tax realised by those debit notes have gone in to the treasury. - Decided in favor of assessee.

Summary

Issues:
1. Interpretation of Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 regarding the issuance of invoices for claiming credit.
2. Determining the eligibility of Cenvat credit based on the documents issued by the service provider.
3. Application of Rule 4A of Service Tax Rules, 1994 in relation to Cenvat credit.
4. Examination of the substance over format principle in granting Cenvat credit.

Analysis:

Issue 1: The judgment delves into the interpretation of Rule 9(1)(f) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004 concerning the issuance of invoices, bills, or challans for claiming Cenvat credit. It emphasizes that these documents play a crucial role in enabling the beneficiary to avail credit. The legislative intent behind the usage of specific terms like 'invoice,' 'bill,' and 'challan' is highlighted to establish the framework for claiming Cenvat credit.

Issue 2: The case involves a dispute regarding the eligibility of Cenvat credit based on the documents issued by the service provider. The appellant argues that the nature of services availed is evident from the documents provided, even if they are not termed as invoices. The judgment underscores the importance of substance over form in determining the eligibility for Cenvat credit, emphasizing that the essential requirement under Rule 4A of the Service Tax Rules, 1994 must be fulfilled.

Issue 3: The applicability of Rule 4A of the Service Tax Rules, 1994 in relation to Cenvat credit is discussed in the judgment. It is clarified that the appellant's case falls under Rule 9(1)(f) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004, rather than Rule 4A, as the appeal does not pertain to service distribution. This distinction leads to the rejection of the claim under Rule 4A.

Issue 4: The principle of substance over format is examined in the context of granting Cenvat credit. The judgment underscores that the essence of the transaction and compliance with legal requirements are paramount, irrespective of the terminology used for the documents. It is highlighted that the doctrine of substance over format, as sanctioned by Rule 9(1)(f) of the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004, guides the decision-making process in granting Cenvat credit.

In conclusion, the judgment allows the appeal, emphasizing the importance of substance in transactions and the legislative framework governing the issuance of documents for claiming Cenvat credit. The ruling provides clarity on the interpretation of relevant rules and underscores the significance of compliance with legal requirements for availing credit benefits.