Taxability of Set Top Box (STB’s) – DVAT

The Govt. of India has recently taken initiative of digitizing the Indian Television Industry in the next three years. As a result set top boxes were expected to be placed/installed by various cable operators in Delhi region by 31.10.2012, the deadline imposed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India.

The set top boxes are being supplied to the cable users by the cable operators on lease basis against refundable securities. It is reported that these operators are not paying VAT on these transactions terming the same as entrustment, thereby denying the state of its legitimate right to impose VAT on these transactions.

As per section 2(1)(zc)(vi) read with section 2(1)(zd)(vi) of the DVAT Act, 2004, the transfer of right to use goods is a deemed sale and liable to be taxed u/s 3 of the DVAT Act, 2004.

In the instant case, the set top boxes are goods, the transfer of right to use of which to cable users is clearly a deemed sale under the DVAT Act, 2004, as it has all the above attributes and hence liable to be taxed as per the provisions of DVAT Act,2004.

Some of these operators are also providing set top boxes on outright sale basis which also needs to be taxed as per provision of DVAT Act,2004.

Accordingly all assessing authorities are required to initiate appropriate steps to identify such operators in their respective jurisdiction & proceed to determine their tax liabilities as per law. The use of Internet for obtaining details of such operators can be a useful lead. This exercise shall be coordinated by Zonal Incharge.

An action taken report be forwarded to Addl. Commissioner (Special Zone) by all Zonal Incharges (consolidated report, for all wards under their control) giving specific no. of dealers identified and action initiated for assessment of liability. The first report be sent in a week from issue of this circular and thereafter fortnightly reports be sent by 1^st and 16th of every month.

CIRCULAR No 25 OF 2012-13
Dated – 14.12.2012 

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