Service Tax Demand Unjustified: Unsupported GTA Classification, Invalid Extended Limitation, and Unmet Consultation Requirement.

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....Recovery of service tax from the appellant, where the turnover reported in the balance sheet exceeded the amount reported in the belatedly filed Form ST-3 returns. The key points are: Section 66B imposed tax on services, except those listed in the negative list u/s 66D. Clause (p) of Section 66D excluded transportation services by road for goods, except when rendered by a Goods Transport Agency (GTA) or courier agency. The revenue treated the services as taxable transportation by a GTA, but failed to provide consignment notes issued by the appellant as required by the GTA definition. Without such evidence, the turnover cannot be attributed to GTA services. The ST-3 returns, filed after inquiry initiation without late fees, lack evidentiary .........