Service tax exemption on Agricultural produce.

[Rajendra Kumar Mandourney]

Sir,
Hello,
As per govt service tax notificaiton 12/2012 Agricultural produce has been exempted for service tax. This Agricultural Produce does not indicate the variety of produce following in it, hence unable to get correct defination. I am having my transhipment commision agent buisness, therfore I want to know wether following items comes under Agricultural Produce or not. Are these items are exempted or not as service tax point of view.

Turmeric, Tapioca Sago, Ground Nut Seeds, Pulses, Mustard, Ajwain, Watery Coconut, Dry Coconut, Desicated Coconut Powder / Flakes, Magnesium Sulphate, Sugar, Jaggery, Red chilly, Nut (Supari) , Mustard seeds,  ........ etc.

Please guide me on this issue so as to pay correct service tax to the govt.

Thanks

Rajendra Kumar

AI Summary

Service Tax Exemption for Agricultural Products: Transshipment Commission Not Covered Under Notification 12/2012 A forum participant inquired about the applicability of service tax exemptions on various agricultural products, citing government notification 12/2012. The participant, a transshipment commission agent, sought clarification on whether items like turmeric, tapioca sago, and various seeds and nuts were exempt from service tax. Two responses clarified that the exemption does not apply to the participant's business activities. Although services related to agriculture are generally exempt, earning commission for transshipment does not qualify under the definition of 'agriculture' for service tax purposes, thus making the services liable for taxation.