<h1>Exploring Service Taxation in India: From 1994's Modest Beginnings to the 2012 Negative List System Transformation.</h1> The press release discusses the evolution of service taxation in India, starting from its inception in 1994 with a modest collection of Rs 407 crore, to Rs 97,444 crore in 2011-12. The document highlights the challenges faced due to overlaps in service categories and the lack of clarity in definitions, leading to tax leakages and litigation. The 2012 budget introduced a new taxation system known as the Negative List, where all services are taxable unless specified otherwise. This guide aims to educate taxpayers and administrators about the new system, providing guidance notes on various topics such as service definition, taxability, exemptions, and valuation.