Services by way of Transfer of a going concern - Service Tax Practice Manual / Ready Reckoner - Service Tax

Chapter 37 Services by way of Transfer of a going concern (w.e.f. 1st July, 2012) Scope of Exempt Service - Notification no. 25/2012 dated 20.06.2012 37. Services by way of transfer of a going concern, as a whole or an independent part thereof. Clarification by the Board ( Taxation Guide Guidance Note 7 Exemptions dated 20.06.2012) 7.11.14 I am in the business of running a chain of restaurants. I intend to sell my business. Am I required to pay service tax? Services by way of transfer of a going concern, as a whole or an independent part thereof, are exempt from service tax. Therefore, you are not required to pay service tax on such sale of your business. Sale of assets of a business that has closed will be outside the definition of service 7.11.15 What does the term 'transfer of a going concern' mean? Transfer of a going concern means transfer of a running business which is capable of being carried on by the purchaser as an independent business, but shall not cover mere or predominant transfer of an activity comprising a service. Such sale of business as a whole will comprise comprehensive sale of immovable property, goods and transfer of unexecuted orders, employees, goodwill etc. Since the transfer in title is not merely a transfer in title of either the immovable property or goods or even both it may amount to service and has thus been exempted.