Service tax demand based on third-party income-tax data was...

Service tax demand based on third-party income-tax data was contested on exemption and limitation. The services related to construction of a single residential unit under an agreement for construction with material, which fell within the exemption under Notification No. 25/2012-ST; consequently, no service tax was payable. Independently, the agreement evidenced a bona fide belief of non-taxability, and in the absence of suppression or wilful misstatement with intent to evade, the extended period could not be invoked; hence the demand was time-barred. The impugned order was set aside and the appeal was allowed. - CESTAT

---