Government notifies Service Tax Dispute Resoluti on Scheme Rules, 2008 and issues detailed guidelines

By Vijay Kumar

This great amnesty scheme which covers Service Tax arrears of a princely amount of Rs. 25,000/- is open from 1.7.2008 to 30.9.2008. And an elaborate procedure is prescribed.

1. The Commissioners are to appoint Designated Officers.
2. The Declaration has to be made before the Designated Officers in the prescribed form.
3. The Designated officer shall issue an order specifying the amount payable.
4. The declarant shall pay the amount within thirty days.
5. If the demand is less than Rs. 25,000/- amnesty is granted if 50% of the Service Tax demanded is paid.

The Rule stipulates that,

5. Sum payable under the Scheme: Any sum payable under the Scheme shall be paid in cash.

Now do they collect cash in the Service Tax Department?

Notification No. and Circular No. Dated: June 4, 2008