28 August 2009
My client filed return for the FY 2007-08. But FY 2008-09, his total turnover is below 4 lakhs. Is it compulsory to file the return for the same.
03 August 2024
### Classification and Filing Requirements for Medical Transcription Services
#### 1. **Classification of Medical Transcription Services**
**Under Service Tax (Pre-GST Era):**
- **Taxable Service Classification:** Medical transcription services were classified under the broader category of "Business Support Services" before the implementation of GST. This category was used to encompass a variety of business-related support services, including medical transcription.
- **Specific Notification:** Medical transcription services fell under the scope of taxable services covered by the Service Tax Rules. Notifications and circulars issued by the CBEC (Central Board of Excise and Customs) would have provided specific details on their classification.
#### 2. **Filing Returns for Turnover Below ₹4 Lakhs**
**Service Tax Filing Requirements:**
- **Threshold for Filing:** For the financial year 2008-09, if a service provider’s turnover was below ₹4 lakhs, they were generally not required to pay service tax but were still obligated to file service tax returns to report their turnover. The exemption was applicable for turnover up to ₹10 lakhs under the relevant notifications at that time.
- **Compulsory Filing:** Even if the total turnover was below ₹4 lakhs, filing the return was generally mandatory to comply with legal requirements. It ensured that the revenue authorities were aware of the turnover and that the service provider was adhering to the regulations, even if no service tax was payable.
**Filing Requirements for Service Tax:** - **Returns:** Service providers had to file service tax returns periodically, regardless of whether service tax was payable, to maintain compliance and report their income and taxes to the authorities.
#### 3. **Post-GST Scenario**
**GST Filing Requirements:**
- **Registration and Filing:** With the introduction of GST from July 1, 2017, all service providers, including those in medical transcription, must obtain GST registration if their aggregate turnover exceeds the prescribed threshold limits. Even if turnover is below the threshold, filing GST returns is generally required to report income and claim input tax credits.
- **Zero-Rated Exports:** For exports, including medical transcription services provided to clients outside India, GST is zero-rated, and input tax credits can be claimed.
### Summary:
1. **Pre-GST (Service Tax Era):** Medical transcription services were classified under "Business Support Services" or similar categories. For the financial year 2008-09, even if the turnover was below ₹4 lakhs, filing the service tax return was mandatory to comply with regulations.
2. **Post-GST:** Medical transcription services are subject to GST. Providers must obtain GST registration if their turnover exceeds the threshold limit and file GST returns, even for zero-rated exports.
3. **Filing Returns:** Regardless of turnover, filing returns is necessary for compliance. For the period before GST, this was required under service tax rules, and for the post-GST era, it is necessary under GST rules.
For detailed guidance on compliance and historical requirements, consulting with a tax professional or chartered accountant is advisable. They can provide assistance tailored to specific circumstances and ensure that all filing requirements are met.