Raghuveer
(Executive)
(167 Points)
Replied 09 December 2015
Dear Sir,
With regard to your query, I would like you to note that no service tax would be payable by you to your builder on purchase of residential apartment if the same is sold to you only after obtaining the completion certificate from the municipality/corporation or anyother designated to issue the certificate in your state, as the case may be.
However, if you had entered into a contract with the buyer prior to the completion of construction, then Service tax would be payable. In this regard, as the apartment is a residential unit of less than 2000 sq ft, if the total consideration payable to the builder is less than Rs. 1 crore, the builder Could avail 75% abatement on the consideration charged (including the value of land) and charge Service tax only on the remaining 25% of the consideration @ 14%.
In addition to the same, if the amount is paid after 15th November 2015, Swachh Bharat Cess @ 0.50% would also be payable on the abated value i.e. on 25% of the consideration. Thus the effective rate of tax shall be 3.50% or 3.625%, respectively.
Hope this clarifies.