Due Dates for Service Tax Payment & Return Filing

Service tax payment due dates vary according to the business structure of the entity. Individuals, proprietorships and partnerships must make payment once every quarter, while private limited companies, one-person companies and limited liability partnerships must make payment every month. The service tax rate is currently 15% and all payments collected can be deposited either online or physically. Remember, however, that due dates for physical payment fall a day before online payment due dates.

Service Tax Payment Due Date for Individuals, Sole Proprietors & Partnerships

Individuals, Sole Proprietors and Partnerships must make service tax payments once every quarter, regardless of the total tax payment. However, in case total payments exceed Rs. 1 lakh per annum, payment must be made online.

Online Due Dates: The due date for the first quarter (April to June) is July 6. For July to September, it’s October 6, for October to December, January 6, and for January to March, March 31.

Any Other Channel: The due date for the first quarter (April to June) is July 5, for July to September, it’s October 5, for October to December, it’s January 5, and for January to March, it’s March 31.

Service Tax Payment Due Date for Companies & LLPs

Private limited companies, one-person companies and limited liability partnerships must make service tax payments once every month. In case total payments exceed Rs. 1 lakh per annum, payment must be made online.

Online Due Dates: The due date is the 6th of the month, when payment must be made for the preceding month. For example, by May 6, service tax payment must be made for the entire month of April. The exception is March, the deadline for which is March 31. This means that service tax returns for the month of March are due on the last day of the same month.

Any Other Channel: The due date is the 5th of the month, when payment must be made for the preceding month. For example, by May 5, service tax payment must be made for the entire month of April. The exception is March, the deadline for which is March 31. This means that service tax returns for the month of March are due on the last day of the same month.

How to Make Service tax Payment

Online Payment: To make payment online, what is called e-payment, you must have a net banking account with one of the banks listed here. Do note that some private banks may only be available in certain divisions. If you already do, simply log on to this NSDL page and enter your 15-digit service tax number. Enter the captcha code and verify your personal details, which will appear on the screen.

Now tick the Service Tax accounting field. You must now select your industry you’re operating in (Air Travel Agency, Advertising Agency, etc). Then enter the Krishi Kalyan Cess field in the second table.

Once done, find your bank and make the payment. You will receive an acknowledgement indicating the Challan Identification Number. This is proof, to be shown at the time of filing your returns.

Physical Payment
Payment must be made at a branch via the GAR-7 challan, which you can download here. On payment, the teller will stamp the challan identification number, which contains the serial number of the challan, the BSR code of the bank and the date of deposit. All three must be stamped to be valid while filing the return.

Service Tax Returns

The due date of filing service tax returns for first half of the year is 25th October and 25th April for the second half of the year.

ST-3 Returns: Usually, a service tax assessee needs to file two types of returns: ST-3 Returns and ST-3A Returns. ST-3 Returns are applicable for a registered assessee. ST-3A Returns are applicable for those who make provisional assessment under rule 6(4) of the Service Tax Rules, 1994. You need to file ST-3 Returns twice in a financial year on a half-yearly basis.

If you want to file your service tax returns online, first you need to register with ACES (Automation Central Excise and Service Tax) by visiting website of Central Board of Excise and Custom.

Once, you register, the site will send you an user ID and password by using which you can log in to the site of central Board of Excise and Custom and get access to FORM ST-1. Then, fill up the online form by putting all required information and make an e-payment by using your chosen bank. You can also revise your service tax returns in order to correct an error or omit something. If you fail to file your returns within 15 days, from the prescribed due date of returns, you need to pay a penalty fee of Rs. 500.

source:https://vakilsearch.com/advice/due-dates-service-tax-payment-return-filing/