17 July 2013
Mobile phones eligible for Cenvat Credit :-
1) Earlier Service Tax Rules required ‘installation’ of telephones in the business premises.
2)Hence, CBE&C had clarified vide circular No. 59/8/2003-ST dated 20-6-2003 that Cenvat credit will not be available in case of mobile phones.
3)Now there is no such requirement. Hence, service tax paid on mobile phones will be eligible for Cenvat credit w.e.f. 10-9-2004, so long as these are used for ‘activity relating to business’ –
view confirmed in Indian Rayon v. CCE 2007 (6) STT 328 = 4 STR 79 (CESTAT SMB) –
followed in Nice Telecommunication v. CCE (2007) 8 STT 159 (CESTAT) and
it was held that Cenvat credit on mobile phones will be eligible even if the cell phones are in name of employees, if the phone is used for business of assessee.
3)Legally, the telephone need not be in name of manufacturer/service receiver. What is essential is that the input service should be utilised for purpose of business of person utilising Cenvat credit. It is advisable to take endorsement from employee on the invoice.