Laying of water pipe line

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NIRAJ (Querist)
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25 November 2015 SIR,
PLS. UPDATE ME THAT FOR LAYING OF WATER PIPE LINE BY A CONTRACTOR IN A FACTORY WILL BE COVERED UNDER SERVICE TAX OR NOT? IF YES, UNDER WHICH CATEGORY.

REGARDS
NIRAJ

CMA Ramesh Krishnan

CMA Ramesh Krishnan (Expert)
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25 November 2015 yes. it will cover under service tax works contract

NIRAJ

NIRAJ (Querist)
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26 November 2015 sir,
thanks for your advice. but there is no involvement of any material. material will be provided from our end. in that case, how works contract service will attract to this service.

regards
niraj

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Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma

(Expert)
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02 August 2024 The laying of a water pipeline within a factory is classified as a works contract service under both the Service Tax and GST regimes. Let’s break down the details for both scenarios:

### **Under Service Tax (Pre-GST Era):**

1. **Service Classification:**
- For the period when Service Tax was applicable, the service related to laying pipelines would fall under the category of **"Works Contract Service"**.

2. **Service Tax Applicability:**
- Service Tax on works contracts was generally applicable under Section 65(105)(zzza) of the Finance Act, 1994. It covered works contracts involving construction, erection, installation, etc.

3. **Nature of Contract:**
- Even though you are providing the materials, the service of laying the water pipeline is still considered a works contract service because it involves both the provision of service and labor.

4. **Service Tax Rate:**
- The Service Tax rate for works contracts was 40% of the total value of the contract (for the service portion), resulting in an effective rate of 4.8% (as service tax was 12.36% and 40% of that was applicable).

### **Under GST (Post-GST Era):**

1. **Service Classification:**
- Under GST, the laying of a pipeline would be classified as **"Works Contract Service"**.

2. **GST Applicability:**
- For works contracts, including those involving the laying of pipelines, GST is applicable on the composite supply of both goods and services. Since you are providing the material and the contractor is providing the service, the applicable GST rate is 18% (9% CGST + 9% SGST/UTGST).

3. **Nature of Contract:**
- Even if the material is provided by you, the service provided by the contractor (laying the pipeline) is still treated as a works contract. Under GST, works contract services are taxed at 18% regardless of who provides the materials.

4. **Input Tax Credit (ITC):**
- You can claim ITC on the GST paid to the contractor for the service portion. Ensure that the contractor's invoice reflects GST charges properly, so you can claim ITC on the input tax.

### **Key Points:**

- **For Service Tax:** The service of laying pipelines was categorized under works contract services with specific tax implications.
- **For GST:** The service of laying pipelines is still considered a works contract, and GST applies at 18% on the contract value.

### **Conclusion:**

- **Before GST (Service Tax Era):** Laying pipelines was classified under "Works Contract Service" with Service Tax applicable on the service portion.
- **After GST Implementation:** Laying pipelines is still considered a works contract service with GST applicable at 18% on the total value of the contract.

You should ensure compliance with the applicable tax regulations and maintain proper documentation and invoices for claiming any eligible input tax credits. For detailed guidance, especially for specific contracts and scenarios, consulting a tax professional or GST consultant is recommended.