CENVAT credit for common input services remains available, while leased-premises fit-out charges may attract service tax.
Rule 6(5) of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004 permits full credit for specified input services used for both taxable and exempt output services unless the input service is used exclusively for exempt services; separate credit accounts are not determinative. After renting of immovable property became taxable, input-service credit must be assessed by the nexus between the input service and the taxable renting output service, rather than by treating the immovable property itself as the relevant test. Fit-out infrastructure forming part of leased office premises is included in the leasing consideration for service-tax purposes. VAT payment does not independently exclude service-tax liability where both levies' factual requirements are met.
Issues: (i) Whether full CENVAT credit was available on specified input services used for both taxable management, maintenance and repair services and exempt renting of immovable property services for 16.06.2005 to 01.06.2007; (ii) Whether CENVAT credit relating to renting of immovable property services after 01.06.2007 could be denied under Board Circular No. 98/1/2008-ST dated 04.01.2008; and (iii) Whether fit-out charges forming part of leased office premises were liable to service tax despite payment of VAT.
Issue (i): Whether full CENVAT credit was available on specified input services used for both taxable management, maintenance and repair services and exempt renting of immovable property services for 16.06.2005 to 01.06.2007.
Analysis: Rule 6(5) of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004 permits whole credit of service tax on the specified taxable services notwithstanding Rule 6(1) to Rule 6(3), except where the input service is used exclusively in relation to exempt goods or exempt services. Management, maintenance and repair services were taxable output services, and the credit was used for both those services and renting of immovable property services. The requirement of exclusive use for exempt services was therefore not met, notwithstanding that separate credit accounts were not maintained.
Conclusion: Full CENVAT credit was available under Rule 6(5) of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, in favour of the assessee.
Issue (ii): Whether CENVAT credit relating to renting of immovable property services after 01.06.2007 could be denied under Board Circular No. 98/1/2008-ST dated 04.01.2008.
Analysis: After 01.06.2007, renting of immovable property was a taxable output service. The Circular incorrectly addressed eligibility of input-service credit with reference to immovable property rather than the taxable output service of renting. Eligibility was required to be determined by the nexus between the input services and the output service under Rule 2(l) of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004.
Conclusion: The Circular could not justify denial of the credit, in favour of the assessee.
Issue (iii): Whether fit-out charges forming part of leased office premises were liable to service tax despite payment of VAT.
Analysis: The lease documentation showed that the fit-outs included infrastructure forming part of the leased office premises, rather than merely movable articles independently supplied to tenants. The related consideration formed part of the value of the leasing arrangement. Payment of VAT does not, by itself, exclude service-tax liability where the factual requirements for both levies are satisfied; additionally, proof of VAT payment on the fit-outs was absent.
Conclusion: Fit-out charges were liable to service tax, in favour of the Revenue.
Final Conclusion: The assessee's common-credit claims for the relevant periods remain valid, but consideration attributable to fit-outs supplied as part of the leased premises is includible for service-tax purposes.
Ratio Decidendi: Full CENVAT credit under Rule 6(5) is available where the specified input service is used for both taxable and exempt output services, unless its use is exclusively attributable to exempt services.