<h1>Finance Minister Clarifies Service Tax Scheme: Focus on Fair Declarations, Narrow Inquiries, and Post-May 2013 Dues Eligibility.</h1> The Union Finance Minister conducted interactive sessions in major cities to address concerns about the Service Tax Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme (VCES). Key clarifications include ensuring declarations are not returned due to minor defects and should be acknowledged promptly. Declarations should not be rejected on frivolous grounds, and the scope of inquiries must be narrowly interpreted. The scheme benefits apply to tax dues declared after May 10, 2013, even if partial payments were made earlier, provided no Cenvat credit was used. If all dues were settled before the scheme's start, no declaration is needed, but leniency on penalties may be considered.