Service Tax exemption withdrawn for online information and database access or retrieval [OIDAR] service w.e.f 01.12.2016

By | November 11, 2016
(Last Updated On: November 11, 2016)

To provide a level playing field to Indian service providers, the exemption given to service providers located in foreign territory but providing taxable online information and database access or retrieval [OIDAR] services including electronic services in India, is being withdrawn with effect from 1st December, 2016

With a view to provide a level playing field to Indian service providers providing taxable online information and database access or retrieval [OIDAR] services including electronic services in India, the exemption to such services provided in India by service providers located in foreign territory is being withdrawn with effect from 1st December, 2016. Thus cross border business to consumer [B2C] OIDAR services provided by a foreign service provider to a person in India will become taxable from 1st December, 2016 onwards.

The salient features of this levy are as under:

  • A simplified online mechanism of taking registration has been prescribed and registration will be deemed to be granted online on submission of registration application.
  • A simplified mechanism of online payment of taxes and online filing of returns is being prescribed.

A detailed Circular No. 202/12/2016-Service Tax dated 09.11.2016 has been issued by CBEC, explaining the likely issues arising from the withdrawl of this exemption.

Useful links:

1)      http://www.cbec.gov.in/ServiceTax-Notifications

2)      http://www.cbec.gov.in/htdocs-servicetax/st-circulars/st-circulars-2016/st-circ-202-2016

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