one contractor is executing work contract of a govbernemnt building which is exempt. part work assigned to associated contractor name given in main contract. whether associate contractor is also liale to pay service tax as per latest circular of service tax. further if entire work sub assigned to sub contractor of said building. whether sub contractor is liable for service tax
tax on sub contract
RAM AVTAR
Sub-contractors exempt from service tax if main contractor is exempt; recent circular doesn't change this. A contractor executing a government building project, which is exempt from service tax, has assigned part of the work to an associated contractor named in the main contract. The query concerns whether the associated contractor and any sub-contractor are liable for service tax. The response clarifies that the recent circular does not impose new liabilities on sub-contractors. The nature of the job or service remains the same regardless of who executes it. Thus, if the main contractor is exempt from service tax, the sub-contractor is also exempt for performing the same work. (AI Summary)