This happened at the restaurant.
It is observed that "service tax" is being mis-used and charged to customers like you and me.
For example.
Food and Beverage = Rs. 1000.00
Service Charges @ 10% = Rs. 100.00 (10% on the Food and beverage amount)
Service Tax @ 4.94% = Rs. 54.34 (4.94% on F&B + Service Charges)
VAT @14.5% = Rs. 145.00
Total = Rs. 1299.34
As per the definition - "Service Tax can be charged only for the services provided to the customer".
Now, see what is happening here in the above said example.
Service Tax should be charged only on the Service Charges amount i.e Rs.100 and not on the entire amount (1000+100).
In this example, the customer should be charged only Rs 4.94, whereas he has been charged Rs. 49.00 extra.
Where does this money go? Only the restaurant owner and the chartered accountants who work for them know.
Question this, and you will be surprised to see the reactions from the famous restaurants. Either they say: 'Sir we cannot change the format of the bill - so , we will recalculate and tell you the revised amount. You may pay only that.' OR
'Sir, you do not need to pay the Service Tax amount'
Every bill must carry the TIN number and Service Tax Number, if they charge it. So, ask for the Service tax number if it is not available in the receipt that they provide.
It is not feasible to go to any government official/office and ask them to set this right - because of our (CORRUPT) system.
Please remember - we cannot change any political leader - but we can change ourselves. If we change ourselves - things will change.
Please do share this with every one of your friends and known people.
Ask for the right tax calculation and pay only the tax which is supposed to be paid. Verify every bill and receipt that you make payment on.
