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Overview

Excise and Service Tax Legacy Issues

Excise and Service Tax Legacy Issues address unresolved compliance, disputes, and refunds related to taxes levied under the Central Excise Act, 1944, and the Finance Act, 1994 (Service Tax) before the implementation of GST in July 2017. Businesses are required to resolve pending liabilities, file overdue returns, respond to notices, and settle disputes under the erstwhile excise and service tax regimes. Professional support ensures accurate resolution of these issues, maintaining compliance and avoiding legal or financial repercussions.

Importance

1. Regulatory Closure : Resolves outstanding excise and service tax matters for legal closure.

2. Avoidance of Penalties : Prevents fines, penalties, and interest for unresolved compliance issues.

3. Dispute Resolution : Handles legacy litigation and notices effectively.

4. Claiming Refunds : Recovers eligible refunds of excise duty and service tax.

5. Smooth Transition to GST : Ensures compliance continuity from the pre-GST regime.



Documents Required

For Excise Compliance


For Service Tax Compliance




Features

Features & Benefits of Excise and Service Tax Legacy Issues

End-to-End Compliance Support
Resolves all pending excise and service tax obligations.
Return Filing Assistance
Helps file overdue returns accurately.
Reconciliation of Liabilities
Ensures accurate reconciliation of tax payments and credits.
Notice Handling
Drafts and responds to notices and audit queries.
Litigation Support
Represents businesses in disputes before tax authorities or tribunals.

Excise and Service Tax Legacy Issues

CENVAT Credit Optimization
Ensures proper utilization of available credits.
Refund Assistance
Files and processes claims for eligible refunds.
Dispute Settlement
Facilitates settlement of disputes under schemes like Sabka Vishwas (if available).
Legacy Record Maintenance
Organizes and maintains records for future audits.
Regulatory Closure
Secures confirmation of compliance closure from tax authorities.



Comparison with VAT/Sales Tax Legacy Compliance

Feature Excise/Service Tax Legacy Issues VAT/Sales Tax Legacy Compliance
Scope Central excise and service tax State-level VAT and sales tax
Primary Concern Manufacturing and services Trade and commerce
Tax Period Pre-GST central taxes Pre-GST state taxes



Frequently Asked Questions

What are excise and service tax legacy issues?

These refer to unresolved compliance, disputes, or refunds under the excise and service tax regimes before GST implementation.

Are excise and service tax matters still relevant after GST?

Yes, pending liabilities, disputes, or refunds from the pre-GST era must be resolved.

What happens if legacy issues are not resolved?

Businesses may face penalties, interest, or legal action from tax authorities.

Can refunds for excise duty or service tax still be claimed?

Yes, eligible refunds can be claimed within prescribed timelines.

What is CENVAT credit, and how does it impact legacy compliance?

CENVAT credit is a tax credit on inputs and input services, which must be reconciled and utilized appropriately.

Are there penalties for non-filing of legacy returns?

Yes, penalties and interest may apply for overdue or incorrect returns.

Can businesses appeal against excise or service tax orders?

Yes, appeals can be filed with appellate authorities or tribunals.

What is the role of Sabka Vishwas Scheme in resolving legacy issues?

It was a dispute resolution scheme introduced to settle pre-GST tax disputes (currently closed but may reopen with similar initiatives).

How long does it take to resolve legacy issues?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the issue and responsiveness of tax authorities.

Why is professional assistance important for legacy compliance?

Experts ensure accurate filings, dispute resolution, and optimized refunds, reducing legal risks.