13 July 2009
Dear friends n respected seniors plz tell me how to avail cenvat credit of input srvice (e.g telephone)n how to open PLA A/C n wat docs n records are required to be maintained for the above purpose n where to apply for this plz send me appropriate details
28 July 2024
**CENVAT Credit for Input Service and PLA Account**
**1. Availing CENVAT Credit for Input Services**
Under the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004 (now replaced by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime), businesses could avail credit on input services used in the course of their business. The process for availing CENVAT credit on input services like telephone services involved several steps:
**1.1. Eligibility for CENVAT Credit**
1. **Input Service Definition:** Verify that the service qualifies as an 'input service' under the CENVAT Credit Rules. For example, telephone services are typically considered an input service.
2. **Usage in Business:** Ensure that the service is used for business purposes and not for personal use.
**1.2. Documentation Required**
1. **Invoice:** Obtain a proper invoice from the service provider, showing the service tax charged. The invoice must include details such as the name of the service provider, service recipient, service description, and the amount of service tax charged.
2. **Service Tax Payment Challans:** Maintain records of payment challans for service tax, showing that service tax has been paid to the government.
3. **Contracts and Agreements:** Keep copies of contracts or agreements related to the service to establish the business purpose.
**1.3. Recording and Claiming Credit**
1. **Accounting Entries:** Record the invoice in your books of accounts with proper accounting entries. Debit the input service account and credit the service tax payable account.
2. **Credit Register:** Maintain a CENVAT credit register to track the input service credits claimed.
3. **Filing Returns:** Report the claimed CENVAT credit in your monthly or quarterly service tax returns.
4. **Utilization of Credit:** Use the CENVAT credit to offset service tax liability, if applicable, or to claim a refund if eligible.
**2. Opening and Maintaining PLA Account**
The **Personal Ledger Account (PLA)** is a ledger maintained by the manufacturer or service provider to record payments made towards excise duty or service tax.
**2.1. Opening PLA Account**
1. **Application:** Apply for the PLA account with the local central excise department or the service tax authority. You may need to submit an application form along with your registration details.
2. **Registration:** Ensure you are registered with the Central Excise or Service Tax department.
**2.2. Documents and Records**
1. **Registration Certificate:** Provide a copy of the Central Excise or Service Tax registration certificate.
2. **Challans:** Keep copies of all payment challans used to deposit service tax. These challans will be recorded in the PLA account.
3. **Invoices:** Maintain copies of invoices showing service tax collected and paid.
4. **Returns:** Keep records of filed returns, which will provide details of the service tax paid and credited.
**2.3. Maintaining PLA Account**
1. **Record Payments:** Record all payments made towards service tax in the PLA account. Each entry should include details of the challan, payment amount, and date.
2. **Track Credits:** Track credits available and utilized against your service tax liability.
3. **Reconciliation:** Regularly reconcile the PLA account with the records of service tax returns and CENVAT credit records.
**3. Procedure for Availing CENVAT Credit and Managing PLA**
**3.1. Claiming CENVAT Credit**
1. **Eligibility Check:** Ensure the service is eligible for CENVAT credit under the CENVAT Credit Rules.
2. **Documentation:** Collect and maintain all necessary documents as listed above.
3. **Filing Returns:** Include the CENVAT credit details in your service tax returns.
4. **Record Keeping:** Maintain proper records for a minimum period as prescribed under the applicable laws.
**3.2. Managing PLA**
1. **Maintain Records:** Keep detailed records of all transactions affecting the PLA.
2. **Reconcile with Returns:** Regularly reconcile the PLA with service tax returns and financial records.
3. **Apply for Refund/Adjustments:** If there are excess credits in the PLA, apply for a refund or adjust against future liabilities as per the procedure laid out by the authorities.
### Summary
- **CENVAT Credit:** Ensure eligibility, collect documentation (invoices, payment challans), and maintain a credit register. - **PLA Account:** Apply with the excise/service tax department, maintain detailed records, and reconcile regularly. - **Procedure:** Follow prescribed procedures for claiming credits, managing PLA, and filing returns.
**Note:** With the introduction of GST, the CENVAT Credit Rules have been replaced by GST laws. Ensure compliance with the latest GST regulations for credit on input services and payment of taxes.