Merchant discount rate in credit-card transactions is a...

Merchant discount rate in credit-card transactions is a composite charge comprising the acquiring bank fee, issuing bank interchange fee and platform fee. Where service tax has been paid on the entire merchant discount rate, subsequent allocation of the interchange fee to the issuing bank does not create a separately taxable service. A further levy on that retained interchange fee would amount to double taxation, particularly where there is no revenue loss. Service-tax demands on interchange fee, along with consequential interest and penalties, were therefore unsustainable and set aside.