Harsh steps for service tax evaders : CBEC

The Central Board of Excise and Customs has decided to take some very harsh steps against service tax evaders, including attachment of property. A Finance Ministry official stated that that service tax evasion was growing at an alarming rate of over 70% and that data showed that of the 15 lakh registered service tax assesses only about six lakh are filing returns. This large scale evasion has forced the CBEC to take some very tough measures to ensure compliance with the law, which includes seizing property of, assesses not filing returns. The CBEC has instructed its field officers to take all necessary steps in order to increase service tax collections and to take strict actions against all evaders.