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Service Tax Registration – An Overview

Service Tax Registration was mandatory for businesses and professionals providing taxable services in India before GST implementation. Though GST has replaced Service Tax since 2017, businesses still require old Service Tax records for past compliance, audits, and refunds. Obtaining Service Tax registration allowed businesses to charge, collect, and remit service tax to the government as per the Finance Act, 1994.

Mandatory for Service Providers: Businesses crossing the prescribed turnover limit had to register under Service Tax and file returns.
Centralized Registration Option: Providers operating from multiple locations could obtain a centralized Service Tax registration for easier compliance.
Necessary for Refunds & Audits: Old Service Tax registration details are still needed for claiming refunds or completing departmental audits.

Documents Required for Service Tax Registration


To successfully obtain Service Tax registration, the following documents were required:

PAN Card of the Business or Proprietor

Address Proof of Business Place (Electricity Bill/Rent Agreement)

Identity and Address Proof of Proprietor/Partners/Directors

Cancelled Cheque or Bank Statement

Passport-size Photograph of Applicant

Mobile Number and Email ID of the Applicant

Service Tax Registration Timeline


The timeline for obtaining Service Tax registration was generally 5 to 7 working days upon submission of complete documents and application with the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Service Tax Registration?

Service Tax Registration was a legal requirement for businesses providing taxable services in India before the introduction of GST. It allowed service providers to collect and remit tax to the government.

Is Service Tax Still Applicable in India?

No. Service Tax was subsumed under Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 1st July 2017. However, registration details are still needed for past filings, audits, and refund claims.

Can I Apply for Service Tax Refunds Now?

Yes. If you have pending Service Tax credits or refunds, you can still apply for them through appropriate channels even after GST implementation.