Cenvat Credit on documents

[ASHOK AMIN]

Dear Experts,

A manufacturer maintains pre-printed invoice in five copies - Original for buyer, duplicate for transporter, triplicate for assessee, fourth copy for accounts and fifth copy as extra copy. While dispatching the goods the manufacturer encloses the original, duplicate & extra copy, whereas, the third & fourth copy are retained by the manufacturer. Now, the buyer (also a manufacturer) misplaces all the copies (original,duplicate & extra copy) in their factory premises which is not traceable. Can the buyer avail cenvat credit on the photo copy of the invoice duly signed as "certified true copy". If not, then what is the solution since there is no such provision available in the law at present.

AI Summary

Cenvat credit on invoices: photocopies may be accepted if loss is evidenced and the tax officer is satisfied.
Cenvat credit may be taken on the basis of the invoice copies recognized by the Cenvat Credit Rules, 2004; the Rules do not mandate a specific numbered copy. A photocopy or certified true copy may be accepted depending on circumstances if the buyer can satisfy the Range officer about loss of original copies, produce corroborative evidence such as an FIR and accounting records, or rely on copies retained by the supplier.