Implication on joint development agreement

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Querist : Anonymous

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Querist : Anonymous (Querist)
01 May 2014 The land owner and developer signed the joint development agreement according to which the land owner would give the development right to the developer to develop the plot (only road, fencing, temple, garden is constructed and no construction is done on the plot). The owner and the developer would share 60:40 of the total sales consideration received from the sale of plot. Whether any service tax is applicable on sale of developed / developing plot sale? Also whether service tax is applicable on the service provided by the developers to unincorporated JV.?

01 May 2014 YES
APPLICABLE UNDER CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSES.
READ ABATEMENT NOTIFICATION NO 26/2012-ST LAST COLUMN.

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Querist : Anonymous

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Querist : Anonymous (Querist)
03 May 2014 The land owner and developer signed the joint development agreement according to which the land owner would give the development right to the developer to develop the plot (only road, fencing, temple, garden is constructed and no construction is done on the plot). The owner and the developer would share 60:40 of the total sales consideration received from the sale of plot. Whether any service tax is applicable on sale of developed / developing plot sale? Also whether service tax is applicable on the service provided by the developers to unincorporated JV.?


28 July 2024 **Implications of Service Tax on Joint Development Agreements (JDA)**

### **Understanding the Scenario**

In a Joint Development Agreement (JDA), the landowner and the developer collaborate to develop a plot of land. The landowner provides the land, while the developer undertakes the development work. The revenue generated from the sale of the developed plot is typically shared between the landowner and the developer based on an agreed ratio.

### **Applicability of Service Tax**

#### **1. Sale of Developed Plot**

**Service Tax on Sale of Developed Plot:**

- **Not Applicable on Sale of Plot:** Service tax is not applicable on the sale of immovable property. The sale of land or developed plots is considered a transaction of sale of immovable property and is not subject to service tax. Service tax primarily applies to services and not to the sale of land or immovable property.

- **VAT/GST Implications:** The sale of immovable property is typically subject to VAT or GST depending on the jurisdiction and the date of the transaction. For transactions post-GST implementation (1st July 2017), GST would be applicable.

#### **2. Service Tax on Joint Development Agreement**

**Service Tax on Services Provided by Developers:**

- **Before GST (Pre-July 2017):** Prior to the implementation of GST, the services provided under a JDA were subject to service tax. The developer’s services, including development work, could attract service tax under the category of 'Construction Services' if the agreement involved construction activities.

- **After GST (Post-July 2017):** With the introduction of GST, service tax has been replaced by GST. Under GST, the developer’s services would be subject to GST, and the applicable rate would depend on the specific nature of the services and the GST laws in force.

**Taxation on Services to Unincorporated JV:**

- **Unincorporated Joint Ventures:** If the developer provides services to an unincorporated joint venture (JV) or to the landowner in a non-incorporated JV, the services provided may still attract GST. The JV or the landowner would be liable to pay GST on the services rendered, based on the nature of services and the GST provisions.

**Key Points to Note:**

1. **Construction Services:** If the developer's work involves construction services, such services would have attracted service tax (pre-GST) or GST (post-GST) depending on the period and nature of services provided.

2. **Revenue Sharing:** The revenue-sharing aspect of the JDA (e.g., 60:40 split) does not inherently impact the service tax/GST applicability. The tax implications are determined by the nature of the services provided and the applicable tax laws.

3. **Documentation and Compliance:** Proper documentation of the agreement, services provided, and revenue sharing is crucial for tax compliance. Ensure that any invoices issued for services provided under the JDA comply with GST requirements (post-GST implementation).

### **Practical Steps for Compliance**

1. **Review Agreement:** Ensure that the JDA specifies the nature of services and revenue-sharing arrangements clearly.

2. **Consult Tax Professionals:** Seek advice from tax professionals to ensure compliance with GST laws and proper handling of any tax liabilities.

3. **File Returns:** Ensure timely and accurate filing of GST returns for any services provided under the JDA.

4. **Maintain Records:** Keep detailed records of transactions, agreements, and tax payments to facilitate compliance and avoid disputes.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your JDA complies with tax regulations and mitigate any potential issues related to service tax or GST.



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