Service tax to be levied on law firms

The very basic intention of the legislature was to bring those services which can be brought under the Service Tax Net as far as possible. Hither to the legal professionals who were in to the legal consultancy (not only on IPC / Cr PC / Civil Code) were indulged into the Taxation related matters too. This was nothing but overlooking the CA's Role and was benefitted without any payment of Service Tax. However, to bring uniformity the FM had introduced this Service Tax on Legal professionals which would include all the legal issues not restricting to the taxation matter alone. Futhre this will bring a level playing field between two professionals.

I think legal professionals who provide legal advice to the companies are covered.

Dear Members

According to S T Act, CA's who do service of representation before tax and other similar authorities is not treated as taxable service and is exempt.

service tax is levied on the advice given by the law firm to corporates. Individuals giving advice to individual are out of service tax. Individuals included sole proprietorship.

Anant Vats

The notification issued in this behalf makes the position clear. 

service tax levied on law firms it unnecessary cost more on the clients.

it is very difficult to run profession now a days. people are asking for seven rupees against their one rupee. imposing service tax and professional tax on advocates is to snatch away their bread from their hands and mouth. government should reconsider and removed it totally.

sir,

you are absolutely right here, i also think that this step of the government to impose tax i.e service tax or professional tax is not justfied anyway. The profession of advocacy is not like as such as before. They have to earned thier bread after a very hard work and concentration.  

When Chidambaram was there as Finance Minister, as he is also Advocate he knows all corners of legal profession. Pronob Mukerjee, as former civil servent , he has small mind. He has no other sources of income other than petrol hike and service tax to us. 

Can any one provide a copy of the Notification.