Service tax Return:
Para 9.3 states that persons who are not liable to pay service tax because of exemption including threshold exemption are not required to file ST-3 returns on the reasoning that that an ‘assessee’ is defined as a person liable to pay service tax. Going by this reasoning, the service providers who are between Rs 7 and 8 lakhs also need not file any ST-3 returns though they have obtained a registration. It would be of great help to such service providers who have obtained a registration but are within the threshold exemption, if CBEC clarifies explicitly that they do not have to file any ST-3 Returns. Board had In F.No. 137/58/2007-CX.4 dated 29.3.2007 clarified as follows:-
it has been stated that a large number of show cause notices are pending adjudications that have been issued for non-filing of ST-3 returns. It has also been pointed out that many of these cases pertain to ST registrants, whose annual turnover fall under the exempted limit of Rs. 4 lacs p.a (now raised to Rs. 8 lacs p.a). The issue requiring resolution is whether such notices can be dropped to reduce the pendency of adjudication.
02. The issue has been examined. The service tax return is required to be filled under Section 70 of the FA, 1994 by 'Every person liable to pay the service tax'. Similarly, as per Rule 7 of the ST Rules, 1994, 'Every assessee' is required to submit service tax return. By definition, an 'assessee' is a person liable to pay service tax. Thus, it can be concluded that for persons, who are not liable to pay service tax (because of the exemption) are also not required to file ST-3 returns. Pending show cause notices may be disposed of taking into consideration the view as above.
The Circular needs to clarify this issue more emphatically.