2018(12)LCX0133(AAR)
AAR-MAHARASHTRA
E-SQUARE LEISURE PVT LTD
decided on 29/12/2018
MAHARASHTRA AUTHORITY FOR
ADVANCE RULING
GST Bhavan, 8th floor, H-Wing, Mazgaon, Mumbai - 400010.
(Constituted under section 96 of the Maharashtra Goods and Services
Tax Act, 2017)
BEFORE THE BENCH OF
(1) Shri B. Timothy, Addl. Commissioner of
Central Tax, (Member)
(2) Shri B. V. Borhade, Joint Commissioner of State Tax,( Member)
GST1N Number, if any/ User-id | 27AAACG5176C1ZT | |
Legal Name of Applicant | E-SQUARE LEISURE PVT LTD | |
Registered Address/Address provided while obtaining user id |
132A ESQUARE University Road, Pune Maharashtra - 411016 |
|
Details of application | GST-ARA, Application No. 71 Dated 23.08.2018 | |
Concerned officer | Dy. Commr. S.T.(E-201), PUN-VAT-E-201, PUNE | |
Nature of activity(s) (proposed / present) in respect of which advance ruling sought | ||
A | Category | Service Provision |
B | Description (in brief) |
The Company intends to enter in to a contractual agreement of renting of immovable property with tl lessee for leasing of the immovable property forrer Apart from rent, E-Square also plans to collect expenses electricity, water charges, property tax and cooking fu from the lessee. |
Issue/s on which advance ruling required |
(v) Determination of the liability to pay tax on any goods or services or both |
|
Question(s) on which advance ruling is required | As reproduced in para 02 of the Proceedings below[ |
PROCEEDINGS
(Under Section 98 of the Central Goods and Services Tax
Act, 2017 and the Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017)
The present application has been
filed under section 97 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and the
Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 [hereinafter referred to as the
CGST Act, and MGST Act ] by E-square leisure pvt ltd., the applicant, seeking an
advance ruling in respect of the following questions :
1- Whether GST is levied on the reimbursement of expenses from the lessee
by the lessor at actuals?
2- In case GST is levied what is the rate of GST applicable to said
reimbursement of expenses.
2. At the outset, we would like to make it clear that the provisions of both the
CGST Act and the MGST Act are the same except for certain provisions. Therefore,
unless a mention is specifically made to such dissimilar provisions, a reference
to the CGST Act would also mean a reference to the same provision under the MGST
Act. Further to the earlier, henceforth for the purposes of this Advance Ruling,
a reference to such a similar provision under the CGST Act / MGST Act would be
mentioned as being under the GST Act .
02. FACTS AND CONTENTION - AS PER THE APPLICANT
The submissions, as reproduced verbatim, could be seen thus-
3.1 STATEMENT OF THE RELEVANT FACT SHAVING A BEARING ON THE QUESTION(S) ON WHICH
THE ADVANCE RULING IS REQUIRED
The application is being filed by E-SQUARE LEISURE PRIVATE LIMITED
(hereinafter referred as E-square or
Applicant or the Company ); having GSTIN 27AAACG5176C1ZT and is engaged in the business of exhibition and business
services, accommodation in hotels, inn, guest house, club or camp site, etc
services, and restaurant services; submits that,
The Company intends to enter in to a contractual agreement of renting of
immovable property with the lessee for leasing of the immovable property for
rent. Apart from rent, E-Square also plans to collect expenses of electricity,
water charges, property tax and cooking fuel from the lessee.
Further, the aforesaid electricity, water charges, property tax and cooking fuel
are expected to be recovered from lessee at actual in accordance with the
contractual agreement.
We submit that, the Lessor has fixed the value of renting of property by way of
contractual agreement between them. Apart from that, whatever expenses incurred
are recovered at actual (i.e. apportioned on the basis of usage as may be
agreed) hence could vary from month to month. Given this, it could be construed
that there is no supply of goods or services from the lessee to lessor.
We further submit that; as per Rule 33 of CGST Rules, Determination of Value of
Supply Rules , reimbursements are not liable to GST if the same are incurred in
the capacity of pure agent .
In view of the above, the issue for determination before the Authority for
Advance Ruling(ARA) is :
Whether GST is levied on the reimbursement of expenses from the lessee by the
lessor at actual?
In case GST is levied, what is the rate of GST applicable on the said
reimbursement of expenses.
3.2 STATEMENT CONTAINING THE APPLICANT S INTERPRETATION OF LAW AND OR FACTS, AS
THE CASE MAY BE, IN RESPECT OF THE QUESTION(S) ON WHICH THE ADVANCE RULING IS
REQUIRED
(i) ISSUE FOR DETERMINATION -
The question/ issue before Your determination is -
- Whether GST is levied on the reimbursement of expenses from the lessee by the
lessor at actuals?
- In case GST is levied what is the rate of GST applicable to said reimbursement
of expenses.
(ii) OUR SUBMISSIONS
We hereby submit that, the case under consideration is covered under clause (e)
of Section 97(2) of the CGST Act called as determination of the liability to
pay tax on any goods or services or both;
At the outset, we would like to submit that the provisions of both the CGST Act
and the MGST Act are the same except for certain provisions. Therefore, unless a
mention is specifically made to such dissimilar provisions, a reference to the
CGST Act would also mean a reference to the same provision under the MGST Act.
We request you to consider the following submission
Reimbursement of expenses may not constitute supply from Lessor to lessee as
defined under Section 7 of the CGST Act.
GST is levied on Supply as defined under Section 7 of the CGST Act. Supply
includes:
a) all forms of supply of goods or services or both such as sale, transfer,
barter, exchange, licence, rental, lease or disposal made or agreed to be made
for a consideration by a person in the course or furtherance of business;
b)
c)
d)
We submit that, to qualify a certain transaction as supply the condition given
below are required to be satisfied
A. Supply includes all forms such as sale, transfer, barter etc. Of goods and
service.
B. Said transaction shall be made or agreed to be made for a consideration
C. Two or more person shall be involved (By one person to another)
D. in the course or furtherance of business
Hence, it is essential to analyse whether all the conditions as above are
satisfied in case of reimbursement of expenses
Reimbursement is nothing but to repay for certain expenses incurred by the
person on behalf of other. e.g. in case of electricity the supply of
transmission is from the State Electricity Board hence it could be construed
that Lessor has not supplied any goods or services but incurred certain expenses
in relation to property which lessee is liable to pay.
Erstwhile, in Finance Act, 1994 there were plethora of judgement wherein it was
held that reimbursement of expenses is not incurred towards services rendered as
value for services is already charged but said expenses are incurred by service
provider on behalf of their client.
No. |
Case Laws |
Judgement |
1 | Rolex Logistics Pvt. Ltd.] 2008 (9) TMI 123 CESTAT Bangalore), |
It was held that, 'reimbursement of expenses are not for services rendered but expenditure incurred on behalf of client by service provider. Gross amount for service rendered means only for services rendered. It also interpreted 'reimbursement' as payments made on behalf of service recipient by service provider in the course of rendering services. The gross receipt for the services rendered means only for the services rendered'. |
2 | Anandram developers Pvt. Ltd [2017(6) G.S.T.L. 75 (Tri. - hennai)] |
Held that, 'the electricity charges and diesel charges are seen included in the total value of taxable service to arrive at the demand. Such reimbursable expenses cannot be included in the gross value o f taxable services as held in the case of Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Pvt. Ltd. (supra) and ICC Reality (India) Pvt. Ltd (supra). Applying the ratio laid down in the above judgments, we hold that the electricity and diesel charges have to be deducted from the gross value to arrive at the net value of taxable services. For this limited purpose, 3the matter will be required t4o be remanded to the adjudicating authority who shall re-quantify the demand of service tax after deducting the electricity and diesel expenses. |
3 | S. K. Education Pvt. Limited [2017 (6) G.S.T.L. 70 (Tri. - Del.)] |
In view of the above discussions, we find that there is no justification for levy of service tax on the amounts received by the assessee towards royalty, cost of manuals and certificates as well as advertisement reimbursement charges. Hence, the demand of service tax for the entire period from 1-7 2003 till 30-6-2012 is required to be set aside. In view of the above, the appeal filed by the assessee is allowed and the appeal filed bv Revenue is dismissed. |
4 | Sercon India Pvt. Ltd. [2013 (30) S.T.R. 454 (Del.)] |
Having examined the matter at some length, we find that, prima facie, the issue of levying and charging service tax on reimbursable expenditure has been settled by the decision of this Court in Intercontinental Consultants & Technocrats Pvt. Ltd. (supra). Therefore, prima facie, the amount of 14.22 crores, which has been actually received by the petitioner from its clients towards reimbursement of expenses, could not be the subject matter of service tax. |
Also, we submit that, what the
Lessor recovers from the Lessee by way of reimbursement of water charges,
electricity charges, taxes etc, do not have the character of revenue or value
addition in the hands of the Lessor.
Also, it is important to note that water, electricity charge, taxes etc. has a
co-relation with exact quantity of water or electricity consumed, hence, it is
variable on the basis of usage whereas component of rent is always fixed by way
of contractual agreement. (for example, rate of water tax/charge levied for
hospitals differs from rate chargeable for commercial or industrial users).
Given the aforesaid, it could be constructed that reimbursement is not covered
under the definition of supply hence GST is not applicable.
Without prejudice to aforesaid submission reimbursement of expenses by the
lessor to lessee can be qualified as expenses incurred by the lessor as a Pure
Agent .
Without prejudice to aforesaid we submit that, even said reimbursement construed
as Supply as defined under Section 7 of the CGST Act, GST could not be levied if
expenses are incurred by the service provider on behalf of service recipient in
the capacity of Pure Agent .
As Per Rule 33 of Determination of Value of Supply Rules, if reimbursement
qualified as expenditure incurred in the capacity of pure agent, will not be
considered in the value for levy of GST.
As per Section 2(5) of the CGST Act, agent means a person, including a factor,
broker, commission agent, arhatia, del credere agent, an auctioneer or any other
mercantile agent, by whatever name called, who carries on the business of supply
or receipt of goods or services or both on behalf of another;
Further, for qualifying a pure agent, there are 4 conditions which required to
be satisfied unanimously. The said conditions with detailed elaboration is
discussed below.
No |
Conditions |
Remarks |
1 | The contractual agreement by the supplier with the recipient to act as his pure agen t to incur expenditure or costs in the course of supply of goods or services or both." |
The contractual agreement is entered in between lessee and lessor for renting of property. |
2 | receives only the actual amount incurred to procure such goods or services in addition to the amount received for supply he provides on his own account |
Amount of electricity, water charges, property charges etc are apportioned on the basis of usage. |
3 | the pure agent does not use the goods or services so procured in his own interest." | The expenses specified are incurred only for lessee. |
4 | Neither holds nor intends to hold any title to the goods or services so procured or supplied as pure agent of the recipient of supply | Refer Para 2.5-2.16 |
One of the condition to qualify Pure Agent is Neither holds nor intends to hold any title to the goods or
services so procured or supplied as pure agent of the recipient of supply
What constitutes as a title in goods is not defined GST law. In the ordinary
parlance, title means the ownership.
it is important to note that, electricity or other connections are generally
registered in the name of the owner, At the time of renting, right to use
electricity is implied right given to the lessee. Hence, the question under
consideration is whether implied right or possession constitute title in goods
or service or both.
In the law of property, title in its broadest sense refers to all rights that
can be secured and enjoyed under the law. It is frequently synonymous with
absolute ownership. However, the term does not necessarily imply absolute
ownership, however; it can also mean mere possession or the right thereof.
Given this, it could be construed that, even the invoice is in the name of
lessor it constitutes as lessee hold the possession of the Goods. (Like
Electricity bill is in the name of lessor however used by the lessee hence it
could be construed that lessee hold or enjoy the title in goods).
We submit that, when water charges, electricity charges, taxes etc. are
reimbursed by the lessee then the Lessor acts as an Agent of the lessee. In the
event of the failure to pay such water charges, etc., the Corporation will treat
it as a statutory charge over the property of the lessor (see: Section 141 of
the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act).
Given the aforesaid, it could be construed that GST is not levied on the
reimbursement of expenses at actual.
However, as per Section 15 of CGST Act, transaction value includes any taxes,
duties, cases, fees, and charges levied under any law for the time being in
force other than this Act, the State goods and Services Tax Act, the Union
Territory Goods and Services Tax Act and the Goods and Services Tax
(Compensation to States) Act, if charged separately by the supplier
The same is also explained in GST Flyers issued by the Government by way of
example given below:
Illustration:
Suppose a Customs Broker issues an invoice for reimbursement of a few expenses
and for consideration towards agency service rendered to an importer. The
amounts charged by the Customs Broker are as below:
Sr. No. |
Component charged in invoice |
Amount |
1 | Agency Income | Rs. 70000/- |
2 | Traveling expenses; Hotel expenses | Rs. 15,000/- |
3 | Customs Duty | Rs. 55,000/- |
4 | Docks Dues | Rs. 5000/- |
In the above situation, agency
income and travelling/ hotel expenses shall be added for determining the value
of supply by the Customs Broker whereas Docks dues and the Customs Duty shall
not be added to the value, provided the conditions of pure agent are satisfied
As discussed aforesaid, as per Section 15 of the CGST Act, the value will be
inclusive of all taxes except CGST, SGST, UTGST and IGST. So, all taxes will be
included in the value for the purpose of GST except where benefit of Pure agent
as provided in Rule 33 of CGST Rules, 2017 is availed.
Given the aforesaid, even the property taxes recovered from the tenant could be
liable to GST.
Thus, we are seeking clarity on the aforesaid as to whether the GST will be
applicable on the reimbursement of electricity charges, property tax, water
charges etc. which are recovered at actual. Also clarify whether E- square can
be treated as a pure agent?
If reimbursement of expenses qualifies as supply as defined under section 7
of the CGST Act what is the rate of GST applicable?
Another school of thought is that reimbursement of expenses by the lessor from
the lessee forms the part of consideration received towards rented property.
Given this, it is important to analyse the other conditions of the supply
No. |
Conditions |
Remark |
1 |
Transaction is made or agreed to be made for a consideration |
Consideration is defined under Section 2(31) of the CGST Act, includes the monetary value of any act or forbearance, in respect of, in response to, or for the inducement of, the supply of goods or services or both, whether by the recipient or any other person. |
2 | Two or more person shall be involved | in case of transaction under consideration two persons are involved (i.e. lessor and lessee) |
3 | in the course or furtherance of business | As per Section 2(17) of the CGST Act, business includes any activity or transaction in connection with or incidental or ancillary of the trade |
As discussed in the aforesaid
paras, the definition of supply is inclusive and includes all supply other than
supply specified in Schedule III of the CGST Act. Hence it could be construed
that reimbursement of expenses is also covered under Supply as defined under
Section 7 of the CGST Act.
However, for the purpose of levy of GST there are two scenarios required to be
considered under GST Law
Whether GST is levied at the rate as applicable to expenses reimbursed or
GST could be levied at the rate as applicable to renting of immovable property,
A. GST could be levied at the rate which is applicable to expenses reimbursed by
the Landlord
In case of reimbursement of expenses at actual by the lessor from lessee it
could be construed that GST is levied at a rate as applicable at the time of
procurement of said expenses. The rationale behind it is that, reimbursement of
expenses is nothing but original supply,
As per Section 15 of the CGST Act, the value of a supply of goods or services or
both shall be the transaction value, which is the price actually paid or payable
for the said supply of goods or services or both where the supplier and the
recipient of the supply are not related and the price is the sole consideration
for the supply
Hence, GST is levied on transaction value which is price actually paid or
payable. Given this, GST is levied on the value recovered from lessee.
One of the example of reimbursement from lessee at actual is an electricity.
Constitution (101) Amendment Act, 2016 (through which Centre and State got power
to levy GST) has not amended entry no. 53 of State List. Entry No. 53 of State
List - Taxes on the consumption or sale of electricity
Hence, to levy any tax on electricity is a subject matter of State Government
and no GST is to be levied on same.
Further, we would like to bring your kind attention that it is well settled
through a Panthera of judgments from the Apex Court that electricity is goods ?
No. | Case Law | Judgement |
1 | Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board, Jabalpur [2002- TIOL- 226-SC-CT LB] | It was held that, electricity is goods for the purposes of imposition of sales tax under the Madhya Pradesh General Sales Tax Act, 1959 . |
2 | National Thermal Power Corpn. Ltd (2002-TIOL-107-SC-CT) | held that electricity, though an intangible object is 'goods' covered by Entry 54 of List II of Schedule VII to the Constitution of India |
3 | M/S ICC Reality (India) Pvt Ltd. (2013-TIOL-1751-CESTAI- MUM) |
We find that as per the provisions of Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act, 2002, electricity is also covered under Schedule. A sr.no.20 and charged to Nil rate of tax. In view of this, we find the electricity is goods chargeable to duty under Central Excise Tariff as well as under the Maharashtra Value Added Tax Act, 2002. Therefore, the supply of electricity to tenant amounts to sale of goods and not supply of service. Further the Notification No. 12/03 ST dated 20/6/2003 exempt from service tax, any value of goods supplied by service provider to service recipient. |
Hence, it could be construed that
electricity is separate independent supply and does not constitute the part of
renting contract.
Further, the category, electricity has been kept aside under the purview of GST
at present.
Further, it is to be noted that, electricity is an exempt supply covered under
HSN 2716 00 00 [Notification No.1/2017-Central Tax (Rate)],
Also, transmission or distribution of electricity by an electricity transmission
or distribution utility is exempt from GST under sr. No.25 of Notification No.
12/2017-CT (R).
Given the aforesaid, electricity expenses are not liable to GST when procured by
the Company.
Further, in case of reimbursement of expenses, it could be construed that the
GST is levied at the rate applicable to original supply. As electricity is not
leviable to GST hence reimbursement of electricity is also not liable to GST.
Given below are certain expenses recovered by the lessor from the lessee and
applicability of GST Rate if the rationale as discussed in the aforesaid para is
applied
No. | Nature of Reimbursement | GST applicable |
1 | Electricity | Nil |
2 | Water | Nil, 5%, 12%, and 18% as applicable |
3 | Property Tax | NA |
4 | Cooking fuel | 18% |
B. GST could be levied
at the rate which is applicable to renting of immovable property.
2.1 Alternately, it could be construed that the rate as applicable to rent is
applicable to reimbursement of expenses.
2.2 As per section 2(30) of the CGST Act composite supply means a supply
made by a taxable person to a recipient consisting of two or more taxable
supplies of goods or services or both, or any combination thereof which are
naturally bundled and supplied in conjunction with each other in the ordinary
course of business, one of which is a principal supply;
2.3 As per the definition the following are the essential characteristic of the
Composite Supply made by a taxable person to a recipient:
consisting of two or more taxable supplies of goods or services or both, or any
combination thereof
Said supply is naturally bundled and supplied in conjunction with each other in
the ordinary course of business.
One of which is a principal supply as defined under section 2(90) of the CGST
Act.
Further, as per section 8 of the CGST Act, the tax liability on a composite or a
mixed supply shall be determined in the following manner, namely
a composite supply comprising two or more supplies, one of which is a principal
supply, shall be treated as a supply of such principal supply; and
b.
Given he aforesaid, it could be constructed that, the GST rate applicable to
reimbursement of expenses is the rate as applicable to principle supply
However, said rate is applicable subject to the condition that service provided
is naturally bundled to each other hence it could be construed that only the
expenses which are naturally bundled are liable for, GST at a rate applicable to
Principle Supply.
Hence reimbursement towards the expenses which are capable of differential
treatment and can be provided separately like cooking fuel could not be covered
under Composite supply.
Hence, clarity is required whether the rate of GST applicable in case of
reimbursement of expenses at actual.
PRAYER
In view of the submissions made above, it is most humbly prayed that Hon ble
authorities may kindly pass advance ruling to clarify:
- Whether GST is levied on the reimbursement of expenses from the lessee by the
lessor at actual?
- In case GST is levied what is the rate of GST applicable to said reimbursement
of expenses.
Additional submissions made by the applicant -
3.3 ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION TO BE CONSIDERED WITH RESPECT TO PURE AGENT
We refer the application filed by E-square leisure pvt ltd ( The Company ) dated
23rd August 2018 where in the Company intends to seek below clarification
Whether GST is levied on the reimbursement of expenses from the lessee by the
lessor at actuals?
In case GST is levied what, is the rate of GST applicable to said reimbursement
of expenses?
With regards to same the GST authority has raised query that,
Amongst the 4 conditions specified in the rule the given below condition is not
fulfilled with respect to underlaying transaction as there is no contractual
agreement with the supplier (i.e. Electricity Board) and recipient (I.e. Lessee)
:
The contractual agreement by the supplier with the recipient to act as his pure
agent to incur expenditure or costs in the course of supply of goods or services
or both.
The methodology used by the Company for apportionment of electricity charges and
water charges to lessee is not specified.
In this regard, we request to consider following submissions:
3.4 Applicant s SUBMISSIONS -
a. We hereby submit that, there is Contractual Agreement with the Lessee and
lessor..
b. We request you to consider the following submission to support our view.
Pure agent is a person who provides services with respect to main service.
(1) Rule 33 of CGST Rules provides that the expenditure or costs incurred by a
supplier as a pure agent of the recipient of supply shall be excluded from the
value of supply if specified conditions are satisfied.
(2) There are three conditions prescribed in Rule 33 of CGST Rules:
(i) the supplier acts as a pure agent of the recipient of the supply, when he
makes the payment to the third party on authorization by such recipient;
(ii) the payment made by the pure agent on behalf of the recipient of supply has
been separately indicated in the invoice issued by the pure agent to the
recipient of service; and
(iii) the supplies procured by the pure agent from the third party as a pure
agent of the recipient of supply are in addition to the services he supplies on
his own account.
(3) Further, Rule 33 of CGST Rules defines pure agent as under:
Explanation.- For the purposes of this rule, the expression pure agent means
a person who
(a) enters into a contractual agreement with the recipient of supply to act as
his pure agent to incur expenditure or costs in the course of supply of goods or
services or both;
(b) neither intends to hold nor holds any title to the goods or services or both
so procured or supplied as pure agent of the recipient of supply:
(c) does not use for his own interest such goods or services so procured; and
(d) receives only the actual amount incurred to procure such goods or services
in addition to the amount received for supply he provides on his own account
(4) Given the aforesaid pure agent is a person who supplies something in
addition to the services he supplies.
(5) Further as per FAQ issued by the CBEC, A pure agent is one who while making
a supply to the recipient, also receives and incurs expenditure on some other
supply on behalf of the recipient and claims reimbursement (as actual, without
adding it to the value of his own supply) for such supplies from the recipient
of the main supply.
(6) Hence, the relationship between provider of service and recipient of service
in respect of the main service is on a principal to principal basis, the
relationship between them in respect of other ancillary services is that of a
pure agent.
(7) Additionally, we would like to refer the example given in the FAQ issued by
the Government with respect to pure agent:
Let s understand the concept by taking an example. A is an importer and B is a
Custom Broker. A approaches 8 for customs clearance work in respect of an import
consignment. The clearance of import consignment and delivery of the consignment
to A would also require taking service of a transporter. So A, also authorizes
B, to incur expenditure on his behalf for procuring the services of a
transporter and agrees to reimburse B for the transportation cost at actuals. In
the given illustration, B is providing Customs Brokers service to A, which would
be on a principal to principal basis. The ancillary service of transportation is
procured by B on behalf of A as a pure agent and expenses incurred by B on
transportation should not form part of value of Customs Broker service provided
by B to A. This, in sum and substance is the relevance of the pure agent concept
in GST.
(8) This aspect was specifically clarified in erstwhile Service Tax regime by
CBEC vide Circular No. 175 101/2014 - ST, Dated: January 10, 2014;
3 |
If a RW A provides certain services such as payment o f electricity or water bill issued by third person, in the name of its members, acting as a 'pure agent' o f its members, is excluded from the value o f taxable service 'available for the purposes of exemptions provided in Notification 33/2012-ST or 25/2012- ST? |
In Rule 5(2) o f the Service Tax (Determination o f Value) Rules, 2006, it is provided that expenditure or costs incurred by a service provider as a pure agent o f the recipient of service shall be excluded from the value of taxable service, subject to the conditions specified in the Rule, For illustration, where the payment for an electricity bill raised by an electricity transmission or distribution utility in the name o f the owner o f an apartment in respect o f electricity consumed thereon, is collected and paid by the R W A to the utility, without charging any commission or a consideration by any other name, the R W A is acting as a pure agent and hence exclusion from the value o f taxable service w ould be available, However, in the case o f electricity bills issued in the name of RW A , in respect of electricity consumed for common use o f lifts, motor pumps for water supply, lights in common area, etc., since there is no agent involved in these transactions, the exclusion from the value of taxable service would not be available. |
(9) Further, electricity charges
are not liable to Service Tax has been upheld in numerous earlier judgments
[refer ICC Reality (India) Pvt. Ltd v. CCE (2013) 32 STR 427 (Tri-Mum), EON
Hinjewadi infra. Pvt. Ltd (2012 TIOL-1688-CESTAT-Mum)].
(10) Further, it is pertinent to note that Entry no. 53 i.e. Taxes on the
consumption or sale of electricity is continued even after the Constitution of
India was amended [vide Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act,
2016. Effectively, this means that electricity remain a subject matter of State
and cannot be subject to GST.
(11) In the instant scenario, the facts can be summarised as under:
r. No |
Parties to contract |
Underlying transaction |
Type of supply |
1 | Renting of property | Renting | Main Supply |
2 | Supply of electricity | Supply of Electricity to lessee on behalf of electricity board | Supply of goods/services in respect of main supply. |
(12) Given this, pure agent is a
person who provides services with respect to main service to the service
recipient and same is a per the contractual agreement between provider and
recipient of the main service.
Rule 33 of Determination of Value of Supply Rules specify the contractual
agreement between supplier and recipient of the main service (i.e. Renting)
(13) As per Rule 33 of CGST Rules, the contractual agreement by the supplier
with the recipient to act as his pure agent to incur expenditure or costs in the
course of supply of goods or services or both.
(14) Hence, the contractual agreement specified between the supplier (Lessor) to
recipient (Lessee) to act as his pure agent to incur specified expenditure (i.e.
Electricity) and later on provider of main service will take reimbursement of
the actual expenses incurred.
(15) Further FAQ has also clarified that, the important thing to note is that a
pure agent does not use the goods or services so procured for his own interest
and this fact has to be determined from the terms of the contract. In the
illustration of Importer and Customs Broker given above, assuming that the
contract was for clearance of goods and delivery to the Importer at the price
agreed upon in the contract. In such case, the Customs Broker would be using the
transport service for his own interest (as the agreement requires him to deliver
the goods at the importers place) and thus would not be considered as a pure
agent for the services of transport procured.
(16) Given this, we will submit that, contractual agreement specified in the
said rule is between the person who entered in to contract to provide main
service and act as a pure agent to incur certain expenses which are required to
supply main service.
(17) Accordingly, we submit that the condition as specified in Rule 33 of
Determination of Value of Supply with respect to contractual agreement is
satisfied.
Methodology of monitoring the system to track water and electricity consumption
of building
i) The Company has installed IBMS Project of Siemens Building Technologies Ltd
2018 to monitor the energy and water consumption of the buildings.
ii) This system integrates all the third-party systems to ensure more visibility
on the energy data and water consumption through energy meter integration.
iii) This system helps to measure accurate reading of consumption of water and
electricity.
3.5 ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION TO BE CONSIDERED WITH RESPECT TO PURE AGENT
We refer the application filed by E-square leisure pvt ltd ( The Company ) dated
23rd August 2018 where in the Company intends to seek below clarification
- Whether GST is levied on the reimbursement of expenses from the lessee by the
lessor at actuals?
- In case GST is levied what is the rate of GST applicable to said reimbursement
of expenses?
With regards to same the GST authority has asked to submit the detailed note on
conditions specified in the rule with respect to pure agent.
In this regard, we request to consider following submissions
OUR SUBMISSIONS
We hereby submit that, there is Contractual Agreement with the Lessee and lessor.
Rule 33 of Determination of Value prescribes the condition to qualify certain
expenses as a Pure agent. The table given below depict the condition along
with detailed analysis thereof
N |
Conditions |
Remark_ |
1 | The contractual agreement by the supplier with the recipient to act as his pure agent to incur expenditure or costs in the course of supply of goods or services or both." | The contractual agreement is entered in between the E-Square Leisure Pvt. Ltd and Carnival Films Pvt. Ltd. for renting of property |
2 | Receives only the actual amount incurred to procure such goods or services in addition to the amount received for supply he provides on his own account |
We would like to refer
para 8(i) of the agreement of E- Square Leisure Pvt. Ltd and Carnival
Films Pvt. Ltd 'Electricity charges (including running cost of DG &
HVAC) for electricity consumed in the Theatre and for any Signage of the
Lessee installed at the Complex /facade of the Complex shall be
reimbursed by the Lessee based on the reading shown in the sub-meter/
BTU provided by the Lessor at the Multiplex, at such rate (which shall
be arrived at by diving the total electricity bill by the number of
units measured excluding any late payment charges) as may be charged by
the electricity /power supply, company. |
3 |
The^pure agent does not use the goods or serves so procured in his own interest." |
The electricity charges
are to be recovered on the basis of Actual usage of the lessee. |
4 |
Neither holds nor intends to hold any title to thee goods or services so procured or supplied figure agent of the recipient of supply |
What constitutes as a
title in goods is not defined GST law. In the ordinary parlance, title
means the ownership. |
5 |
The supplier acts as a pure agent of the recipient of the supply, when he makes the payment to the third party on authorisation by such recipient; |
As the agreement clearly
mentioned the fact that electricity used is collected from the lessee it
could be construed that, E-Square Leisure Pvt Ltd makes the payment of
electricity charges on behalf of Carnival Films Pvt. Ltd. |
6 |
the payment made by the pure agent on behalf of the recipient of supply has been separately indicated in the invoice issued by the pure agent to the recipient of service |
Invoice is yet to be raised on Lessee. |
7 |
the supplies procured by the pure agent from the third party as a pure agent of the recipient of supply are in addition to the services he supplies on his own account |
The contractual agreement
is entered in between lessee and lessor for renting of property and not
providing electricity. |
Accordingly, we submit that the
condition as specified in Rule 33 of Determination of Value of Supply with
respect to contractual agreement is satisfied.
3.6 ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION TO BE CONSIDERED WITH RESPECT TO PURE AGENT
We refer the application filed by E-square leisure pvt ltd ( The Company ) dated
23rd August 2018 where in the Company intends to seek below clarification
Whether GST is levied on the reimbursement of expenses from the lessee by the
lessor at actuals?
In case GST is levied what is the rate of GST applicable to said reimbursement
of expenses?
With regards to same we hereby submit that we had applied for determination of
the question of applicability of GST of the reimbursement of expenses from
lessee to lessor given below
- Electricity charge
- Water Supply
- Property Taxes
- Cooking fuel
In this regard, we would submit that, at the time of filing of application for
advance ruling the Company was intent to enter in to the Agreement with Carnival
Films Private Limited (herein under referred as Lessee ). Hence, the terms of
the agreement were not final. Given this, we had applied for the determination
of GST liability on the expenses which we were intent to collect from lessee.
However, it is to be noted that, in the registered agreement the Company has
agreed to reimburse the expenses given below at actual
Electricity charge
Water Supply
Given the aforesaid, we submit that kindly consider the revised details of
reimbursement of expenses given below for determination of GST liability.
Electricity charge
Water Supply
04. CONTENTION - AS PER THE CONCERNED OFFICE
The submissions, as reproduced verbatim, could be seen thus-
Issues on which advance ruling is sought are
1. Whether GST is to be levied on reimbursement of expenses from the lessee by
the lessor at actuals?
2. In case GST is to be levied, what is the rate of GST applicable to said
reimbursed expenses?
With reference to facts as per Annexure I, additional information was sought
from Vaishali Kharde, Chartered Accountant, regarding method for at actual
determination of expenses of electricity, water charges, property tax, cooking
gas.
In response, additional submission in proforma Annexure II is given by dealer on
10.09.2018 through email. Also, copy of contractual agreement between E-square
leisure pvt ltd and Carnival Films PVT LTD was produced by her.
As per point no.4 of the submission, E-square leisure pvt ltd has installed IBMS
project- () to monitor energy and water consumption of building, (ii) to
integrate all third party systems to ensure more visibility on energy data and
water consumption through energy meter integration and, (iii) to help to measure
accurate reading of consumption of water and electricity.
As per para 8 (i) of contractual agreement, about utility charges, electricity
charges (including running cost of DG and HVAC) for electricity consumed in
theatre and for the signage of the lessee installed at the complex/ facade of
the complex shall be reimbursed by the lessee based on the reading shown in the
sub-meter/ BTU provided by the lessor at the theatre, at such rate (which shall
be arrived at by dividing the total electricity bill by the number of units
measured excluding any late payment charges) as may be charged by electricity
power supply company. And,
As per para 8 (ii), charges for potable water and RO treated water shall be
metered separately and charged at actual cost. And,
As per para 9 (i), Property tax shall be borne and paid solely by the lessor
E-square leisure pvt ltd. Said contractual agreement does not include any terms
for reimbursement of cooking gas and about method of actual determination of the
charges.
Further, copies of outward supply invoices that show separate collection of
expenses of electricity, water charges, property tax, and cooking gas are not
produced by the applicant.
After taking into consideration facts as elaborated in annexure, submission and
contentions vide annexure II and contractual agreement, submission on part of
jurisdictional authority is as follows:
1. Issue whether GST is to be levied on reimbursement of expenses from the
lessee by the lessor at actuals?
Reply: YES
GST is leviable on reimbursement of expenses from the lessee by the lessor, at
actuals. Applicant has submitted that as per rule 33 of CGST Rules,
Determination of value of supply rules , reimbursements are not liable to GST
if the same are incurred in the capacity of pure agent .
For ready reference, Rule 33 of CGST Rules is reproduced as follows:
Rule 33. Value of supply of services in case of pure agent, Notwithstanding
anything contended in the provisions of this Chapter, the expenditure or costs
incurred by a pure agent of the recipient of supply shall be excluded from the
value of supply, if all the following conditions are satisfied, namely, -
(i) The supplier acts as a pure agent of the recipient of the supply, when he
makes the payment to the third party on authorization by such recipient;
(ii) The payment made by the pure agent on behalf of the recipient of supply has
been separately indicated in the invoice issued by the pure agent to the
recipient of service; and,
(iii) The supplies procured by the pure agent from the third party as a pure
agent of the recipient of the supply are in addition to the services he supplies
on his own account.
Explanation- For the purpose of this rule, the expression pure agent means a
person who-
(a) Enters into a contractual agreement with the recipient of supply to act as
his pure agent to incur expenditure or costs in the course of supply of goods or
services or both;
(b) Neither intends to hold nor holds any title to the goods or services or both
so procured or supplied as pure agent of the recipient of supply;
(c) Does not use for his own interest such goods or services so procured; and
(d) Receives only the actual amount incurred to procure such goods or services
in addition to the amount received for supply he provides on his own account.
It is submitted that explanations in rule have to be read with conditions. As
per condition (i), the supplier acts as a pure agent of the recipient of the
supply, when he makes the payment to the third party on authorization by such
recipient. Here, applicant, E-square leisure pvt ltd is lessor, the supplier.
Contractual agreement is between E Square Leisure PVT LTD and recipient of
supply for renting of immovable property. There is incidental supply of
electricity, water, cooking fuel from supplier to lessee. As per point no.3 to
annexure I, in accordance with contractual agreement, aforesaid electricity and
water charges, though are recovered from lessee at actual, condition (i) to Rule
33 of CGST Rules is not fulfilled. Therefore, for reimbursed electricity charges
where electricity is supplied by power company and water charges where potable
water is supplied by municipal corporation, applicant does not fulfil all the
conditions to be a pure agent , as laid down in Rule 33 of CGST Rules:
Therefore, contention of applicant that reimbursement of expenses of
electricity, water charges can be qualified as expenses incurred by lessor
E-square leisure pvt ltd, as pure agent, is not acceptable. Reimbursed
electricity, water charges even though charged separately in supply invoices are
liable for tax under GST Act.
Further, for electricity supplied thorough DG and HVAC, and for RO treated
water, these are supplies from applicant and not from third party. Therefore for
such supplies, applicant is not a pure agent and corresponding reimbursed
electricity, water charges even though charged separately in supply invoices are
liable for tax under GST Act. About reimbursement Property Tax: Vide terms of
Contractual agreement, applicant E-square leisure pvt ltd has himself agreed to
bare the Property Tax.
About reimbursement of cooking gas: In absence of supporting documents, the
question can not be answered.
2. In case GST is to be levied, what is the rate of GST applicable to said
reimbursed expenses?
Supply of services- renting of premises and supply of electricity, potable water
are, not naturally bundled nor are they supplied in conjunction with each other
in ordinary course of business. Therefore, such supplies are not composite
supply as per section 2(30) of the CGST Act.
Further, as per terms of contractual agreement, electricity charges and water
charges are charged in addition to rent. As per verbal contention, these charges
are intended to be collected separately in the outward supply invoices, on as
actual basis. Therefore, this is not a mixed supply, as provided under section
2(74) of the CGST Act.
Therefore, reimbursed expenses, if collected separately, will be liable to tax
at scheduled rates.
05. HEARING
The Preliminary hearing in the matter was held on 12.09.2018, Sh. Pritam Mahure,
C.A., along with Ms. Vaishali Kharde, C.A. appeared and made oral and written
submissions for admission of application as per detailed contentions made in
their ARA submissions. Jurisdictional Officer Ms. Kiran Sonawane, Dy. Commr. Of
S.T.(E-201 ), Pune appeared and stated that they would be making submissions in
due course.
The final hearing in the matter was held on 18.12.2018 Sh. Pritam Mahure, C.A.,
along with Ms. Vaishali Kharde, C.A., appeared and made arguments on
submissions. Jurisdictional Officer Ms. Kiran Sonawane, Dy. Commr. Of S.T.
(E-201), Pune appeared and made written submissions. We heard both the parties.
06. OBSERVATIONS
We have gone through the facts of the case, oral & written submissions made by
the applicant as well as the jurisdictional officer and the applicable
provisions of the GST laws in this regard. In this case applicant intends to
enter into a contractual obligation/agreement of renting of immovable property
that is to say Theatre , with the lessee on fixed rentals. The applicant has
fixed monthly amounts towards rent, based on periods, from the commencement
date. Applicant has no issue on paying GST on rental income, property tax,
cooking fuel and security deposits. In addition to the giving of the immovable
property on lease, the applicant also intends to provide utilities, such as
electricity, for Theatre and for any signage of the lessee installed at the
complex/facade of the complex through power Supply Company and running of DG and
HVAC sets and potable water and RO treated water through facilities installed in
the complex. The utility charges such as electricity charges including cost of
DG and HVAC for electricity consumed would be recovered from lessee based on the
reading shown in the sub-meter provided by the applicant, so also the
consumption of potable water and RO treated water charges would be recovered
based on the reading shown in the water meter installed for the purpose. The
utility reimbursement charges such as electricity charges and water charges from
the lessee is the central point of this ARA.
Applicant is of the view that reimbursement of water charges, electricity
charges, is nothing but repayment of certain expenses incurred by a person on
behalf of other and they do not have character of supply as defined under the
GST Act. Alternatively, applicant is of the view that the reimbursement of
expenses by them can qualify as an expenses incurred as a Pure Agent and would
not be considered in the value of supply for the levy of tax.
In order to ascertain the true nature of transaction we feel it necessary to
refer to certain clauses of the sample agreement as below:
Section II - Recitals
WHERE AS:
I. The Lessor is the absolute, exclusive and lawful owner and is otherwise
well and sufficiently entitled to the Theatre more particularly described in
Schedule: I hereunder.
II. The Complex including the Theatre is constructed in accordance with the
sanctioned plans duly approved by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on the
piece of land purchased by the Lessor from. Ms. Tara Gopalji Bhuta by executing
Deed of Indenture dated 1.7.03.1987 registered at the office of the
Sub-Registrar at Haveli No. I having registration number 3724/2/12
III. The Lessee has represented to the Lessor that, it owns and/or operates
several Multiplex theatres in various cities all over the country and has
established for itself high reputation and considerable goodwill in such
business and has been operating Cinemas under the brand name Carnival Cinemas
and shall run and operate the Theatre under the name of E-Square Carnival
cinemas.
IV. After negotiations between the Parties, the Lessor has agreed to lease out
the Theatre into the lessee and the lessee has agreed to take over the Theatre
on lease, to conduct and operate the Theatre on and from Commencement Date.
SECTION III- COVENANT-
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSETH AND IT IS HEREB YAGREED AND DECLARED BY BETWEEN THE
PARTIES HΓRETO AS FOLLOWS:
THEATRE: -
1.1 The Lessor hereby agrees to demise unto the Lessee the Theatre (more
specifically mentioned in the Schedule 1) along with the assets (more
specifically mentioned in the Annexure B) on and from the Commencement Date and
to carry on business, within the Theatre premises, of conducting, operating and
running, the business of exhibition of cinema/films/movies and entertainment in
and/or from the Theatre and includes the business/es similar, allied, ancillary,
incidental and related thereto by the Lessee viz. retailing of variety of food
and beverages; concession counter/s, advertisement of any available formats of
any nature (including on and off screen advertisements), promotional activity,
salt of cinema/ movie merchandise, memorabilia, food courts, gaming and
entertainment, ATM, etc., along with the right to the Lessee, its management,
employees, servants, agents, customers and persons authorized by the Lessee, to
use the entrances; doorways, entrance hall, stair cases, landings are passages
in the complex for the purpose a fingress and egress from the Theatre the
exclusive use and benefit of the utilities/ facilities provided in the Theatre,
the exclusive use and benefit of the operating licenses for operating the
Theatre.
1.2. The reference to the Theater in this DEED shall means and include what is
provided in this clause:
2. TITLE / MORTGAGE: -
6. TENURE & LOCK-IN-PERIOD -
The Tenure of this DEED shall be for a period of 18 (eighteen years ( Term ) to
be computed from the Commencement Date during which period, the Lessee shall be
entitled to the Theatre. The entire Term shall be a Lock-in-period for the
Parties ( Lock-in-Period wherein the Parties shall not be entitled to terminate
this DEED save and except as mentioned in this DEED.
7. RENT -
On and from the Commencement Date, the lessee shall pay to the Lessor the
following amounts towards Rent:
Period (starting from the Commencement Dates) | Monthly Rent Rs. |
For the first 3 years | 29,16,667/- |
4th to 6th Year | 38,54,167/- |
7th Year to 9th Year | 38,57,292/- |
10th Year to 12th Year | 44,35,885/- |
13th Year to 15th Year | 51,01,268/- |
16th Year to 18th Year | 58,66,458/- |
The Rent is exclusive of
applicable GST and/or any other indirect Taxes or cesses by whatever name called
which Lessor may require to pay either at the commencement of this DEED or any
time during the Tenure of lease by reason of Lessor giving the Theatre to the
Lessee on lease excluding any taxes levied on the Theatre building (property
tax).
The Rent shall be subject to deduction of tax at source in accordance with
applicable laws. The Rent shall be paid by the Lessee to the Lessor on or before
the say of the succeeding month i.e. in arrears. Lessor shall raise invoice for
the Rent received
8. UTILITY CHARGES:-
In addition to the Rent, the Lessee shall also be liable to pay the following:
(i) electricity charges (including running cost of DG & HVAC) for electricity
consumed in the Theatre and for any Signage of the lessee installed at the
Complex / facade of the Complex shall be reimbursed by the Lessee based on the
reading shown in the sub-meter/ BTU provided by the Lessor at the Theatre, at
such rate which shall be arrived at by dividing the total electricity bill by
the number of units measured excluding any late payment charge) as may be
charged by the electricity power supply company.
(ii) Charges for potable water and RO treated water shall be metered
separately and charged at actual cost. The GST and/or any taxes as are
applicable on the reimbursement of electricity payment and water consumption
charges, shall be borne and paid by the lessee. Lessor shall along with the
invoice shall provide supporting documents. The utility charges as mentioned
above shall be paid within 10 days from the date of invoice. Lessee shall always
keep deposited an amount equivalent to 2 months of estimated consumption of
utility charges with the Lessor in advance.
9. TAXES:
Property Taxes: The past, present and future municipal taxes,
property taxes and also all other taxes, duties, cases, fees and levies of any
nature whatsoever levied and / or imposed by the concerned statutory/local
Authority in respect of and / or relating to the Theatre and the Complex
(collectively referred to as Property Taxes ) shall be borne and paid solely
by the lessor
GST on Rent and Security Deposit: The applicable GST on the Rent and
Security Deposit shall be paid by the lessee. Subject to the lessee paying the
GST in time, the Lessor shall, in due compliance of its obligations, remit the
GST so charged (if any) to the Lessee, to the appropriate government authority
and file GST returns as prescribed, within the statutory timelines, mentioning
all appropriate and relevant information on the GST platform, which enables the
Lessee to claim timely credit of GST in the appropriate GST registration against
the Tax invoice issued by the Lessor. In the event, the credit of GST is not
granted or denied under the applicable laws for non-payment of taxes charged or
on account of any non-compliance (including but not limited to non-filing of
information, non-filing of returns, non-payment of appropriate GST to
appropriate government / incorrect submission of information on the GSEN
Platform), then the lessor shall rectify the said non-compliances/errors in the
event, the non-compliance/ error is pot rectified in a timely manner, then the
lessor shall have to pay the amount of GST charged along with the interest.
Penalty and/or any other cost.
10 SECURITY DEPOSIT AND GST THEREON:
a) The Lessee shall deposit with the lessor an amount of ₹ 57, 50,00,000/-
(Rupees. Fifty Seven Crore Fifty Lakh only) towards interest, Free Refundable
Security Deposit ( Security Deposit ) in the following manner:
(i) ₹ 8,62,50,000/- (Rupees Eight Crore Sixty Two lakh Fifty Thousand only) has
already been paid by the Lessee to the lessor receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged by the Lessor; and
(ii) ₹ 48,87,50,000/- (Rupees Forty Eight Crore Eighty Seven Lakh Fifty Thousand
only) shall be paid simultaneously with the registration of Lease Deed.
b) Lessor will seek advance ruling of the applicabiliL0fGST on the Security
Deposit. In case, if the ruling states that GST is applicable on the Security
Deposit or if there is a demand of GST from the concerned Government department,
then lessee hereby agrees to forthwith reimburse the appropriate GST on the
security deposit with interest and penalty, if any, and to indemnify and keep
indemnifies the Lessor from and against any liability/ penalty which the Lessor
has to bear on account of non-payment of GST on the Security Deposit. The Lessor
shall issue tax invoice/debit note for GST on Security Deposit.
C) The Security Deposit shall remain interest free with the Lesson throughout
the Tenure and it shall be refundable on the expiry of Tenure in the manner
specified herein this DEED.
12. COMMON AREA MAINTENANCE (CAM):
(a) During the Term hereof the lessor shall ensure, including but not limited
to the following:
(i) that the Common Areas including the Parking Area and areas outside the
Theatre, are always kept clean and are maintained in good condition;
ii) that the ingress and egress for the patrons should remain available, lifts
should be operational, lighting in areas leading to the Theatre and Parking are
made available, at least 45 minutes, before the beginning of the first show
till, at Least 45 minutes, after the end of last show
(iii) to engage proper agencies for cleaning, washing, Sweeping and housekeeping
all the Common Areas and areas outside the Theatre, provide garbage bins and
ensure the service of garbage collection and timely disposal of the same.
(iv) that the common Areas and areas outside the Theatre, lighting and HVAC
shall be fully operational and functional at their full or requisite capacity,
on an uninterrupted basis every day for 365/366 days in a Year and shall
attend/cause to attend all repairs and servicing in respect thereof in a timely
and prompt manner;
(v) to maintain. repair, replace & upkeep of common and dedicated, equipment &
utilities, not limited to gardening and landscaping expenses, all Parking Area,
passages. corridors, courtyards, lift halls, elevators, escalators, Diesel power
Generating ( DG set (if not dedicated for Theatre), electrical units and panels,
basement, passages, staircases, lobbies, air conditioning system, firefighting
plant rooms, roads, paving s, lights, drains, sewers and other amenities
located in the Common Areas;
(vi) Cost of AMC s for the equipment and services outside the Theatre and in the
Complex;
(vii) To make adequate provision for round the clock security for the Complex
excluding the Theatre. The services set out at (i) to (vii) hereinabove are
collectively referred to as CAM Services . The Lessor may appoint specialized
service provider, agency or agencies (hereinafter referred to as CAM Agency)
entrusting them the responsibilities to provide the CAM Services. However, any
such appointment shall absolve the Lessor from fulfilling its obligations
towards the Lessee relating to CAM Services and in the event of default or
deficiency on part of CAM agencies in fulfilling its obligations towards the
lessee, the lessee shall be entitled to call upon the lessor to rectify the
default or deficiency on the part of CAM Agencies by giving written notice and
the lessor shall be bound to rectify any default or deficiency on the part of
the lessor/ CAM Agencies in fulfilling its obligations towards the lessee within
72 hours from the date of notice.
(b) if the services provided by Lessor or its nominated agency are deficient
with respect to CAM Services for a continuous period of more than 7 (seven)
days, then the Lessee shall have the liberty to do And deeds for and on behalf
of the lessor and at the Lessor s cost to remove such deficiency. The lessee
shall raise an invoice along with GST on the cost incurred on the lessor and
lessor shall pay the same within 15 days of receipt of invoice.
(c) Lessee shall pay to the Lessor/CAM Agency, CAM Charges plus GST as
applicable at actuals. Th estimated CAM Charges for every period of 6 (Six)
months of the Term shall be paid by the Lessee in advance and the same shall be
adjusted against the monthly CAM Charges for the following 6 (six) months.
It is clarified that any amount paid towards Sinking fund and/or any other fund
created for replacement of plant and machinery which is outside the Theatre
shall not be a part of the CAM Charges did not paid by the Lessee.
It is clarified that the Common Areas have not been leased to the lessee and
will be used by all the occupants in the Complex.
13 MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT, AMENITIES & FACILITIES IN COMMON AREAS AND
THEATRE
The Lessor shall ensure that the equipment and amenities required for
operating the Theater except any such equipment which to provide within the
Theatre, shall be provided and maintained in the Complex throughout. The Tenure
of this DEED and the same shall, subject to Force Mgjeure, be fully operational
and functional, at their full load / capacity, or an uninterrupted basis at all
times during the Tenure of this DEED at the costs of the Lessor. On and from the
Commencement date lessee shall be liable to maintain the equipment in Theatre at
its cost. The existing AMC s for the equipment in the Theatre shall be renewed
by lessee as and when it is due. Any consumables I not part of AMC shall be
procured/billed to the lessee. During the Tenure of the leases the lessee shall
be liable to maintain the plant and machinery, equipment, fitting, fixtures,
etc., installed inside the Theatre and the Lessor shall maintain the plant and
machinery, lights, fittings, fixtures, DG, etc. installed outside the Theatre
which includes the facade and Complex roof. It is clarified that any equipment
outside the Theatre premises but dedicated for the Theatre shall be maintained
by lessee. However any replacement of such equipment shall be done by the lessor.
The lessee shall be at liberty to carry out during every 6(six) years span from
the commencement Date renovation of the Theatre. In case, the lessee decides to
carry out renovation of theatre, the lessee shall provide advance 7 seven days notice to the lessor before commencing such renovation activity, in such a
case, the Lessee shall be entitled to reduction of proportionate rent per screen
for a period closure for such renovation not exceeding 30 days. Such activity
shall be done as per the mutual consent of the Parties.
No structural changes will be permitted during such refurbishment, repairs and
renovation without the written consent of the lessor,
14. PARKING AREA -
15. HOARDINGS/SIGNAGE -
16. LESSOR S REPRESENTATIONS & COVENANTS:
18. LESSEE S ASSETS
From the conjoint reading of above clauses of the agreement we find applicant
has agreed to lease out the Theatre which is an immovable property to lessee to
conduct and operate the Theatre for rent. As per entry no. 5 (a) of Schedule II
- Activities of Transaction to be treated as supply of Goods or supply of
Services; renting of immovable property is a supply of services and liable to
tax under the provisions of GST Act. We strongly feel that Theatre business will
not be organic unless it is accompanied with supply of power and water. The
utilities such as electricity, supply and water supply are basic amenities
subject to which competent authority will not issue No objection Certificate
to conduct business of running a Theatre. As such applicant is providing more
than two services such as renting of immovable property, supply of power through
DG set and water through RO besides cooking fuel. In this view of the matter we
shall now discuss whether the provision of impugned supplies, constitute
composite supply or mixed supply as defined under GST. The expression composite
supply has been defined under the Act as below:
Section 2(30) composite supply means a supply made by a taxable person to a
recipient consisting of two or more taxable supplies of goods or services or
both, or any combination thereof, which are naturally bundled and supplied in
conjunction with each other in the ordinary course of business, one of which is
a principal supply;
The concept of composite supply has been explained in GST Flyer No 4 as below: -
The nature of the various services in a bundle of services will also help in
determining whether the services are bundled in the ordinary course of business.
If the nature of services is such that one of the services is the main service
and the other services combined with such service are in the nature of
incidental or ancillary services which help in better enjoyment of a main
service. For example, service of stay in a hotel is often combined with a
service or laundering of 3-4 items of clothing free of cost per day. Such
Service is an ancillary service to the provision of hotel accommodation and the
resultant package would be treated as services naturally bundled in the ordinary
course of business.
From the scrutiny of clauses of the agreement and applying the above test to the
facts of the present case we find that renting of immovable property would be
the main supply and provision of other utilities such as electricity, and water
supply, fuel etc. would be in the nature of ancillary supply which help in
better enjoyment of the main supply that is Theatre. Principal supply or main
supply basically signifies the supply of goods or services that is formed as a
substantial constituent of a composite supply and any other supply being
ancillary. We must accept as a matter of fact all provision of services as
envisaged by the contract are interdependent and if one or more is removed the
nature of supply would be affected.
From the above discussion we conclude that utility charges in the nature of
electricity charges and water reimbursed by the applicant from lessee forms part
of composite supply.
The second line of argument adopted by the applicant is that even if the
reimbursement is construed as a supply under the GST Act, tax can not be levied
as the expenses are incurred by them as pure agent .
Section 15 of CGST Act which has assigned meaning to the expression transaction
value . is reproduced as below:
Value of taxable supply.
(1) The value of a supply of goods or services or both shall be the transaction
value, which is the price actually paid or payable for the said supply of goods
or services or both where the supplier and the recipient of the supply are not
related and the price is the sole consideration for the supply.
(2) The value of supply shall include-
(a) any taxes, duties, cesses, fees and charges levied under any law for the
time being in force other than this Act, the Central Goods and Services Tax Act
and the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act, if charged
separately by the supplier;
(b) any amount that the supplier is liable to pay in relation to such supply but
which has been incurred by the recipient of the supply and not included in the
price actually paid or payable for the goods or services or both.
(c) incidental expenses, including commission and packing, charged by the
supplier to the recipient of a supply and any amount charged for anything done
by the supplier in respect of the supply of goods or services or both at the
time of, or before delivery of goods or supply of services;
(d) interest or late fee or penalty for delayed payment of any consideration for
any supply; and
(e) subsidies directly linked to the price excluding subsidies provided by the
Central Government and State Governments.
Explanation.-For the purposes of this sub-section, the amount of
subsidy shall be included in the value of supply of the supplier who receives
the subsidy.
(3) The value of the supply shall not include any discount which is given-
(a) before or at the time of the supply if such discount has been duly recorded
in the invoice issued in respect of such supply; and
(b) after the supply has been effected, if-
(i) such discount is established in terms of an agreement entered into at or
before the time of such supply and specifically linked to relevant invoices; and
(ii) input tax credit as is attributable to the discount on the basis of
document issued by the supplier has been reversed by the recipient of the
supply.
Thus the value of supply includes all amounts that pertains to specific supply
for the purpose of levy of tax except, subsidies provided by the government and
the value of discount. However, as per Rule 33 of GST Valuation Rules, 2017 the
expenditure or cost incurred by a supplier, as a pure agent of the recipient of
the supply shall be excluded from the value of supply. However, such exclusion
of expenditure incurred as a pure agent is possible where the conditions are
required to be considered as a pure agent and further conditions stipulated in
the rules are satisfied by the supplier. The relevant rule is reproduced as
below:
Rule 33. Value of supply of services in case of pure agent, Notwithstanding
anything contended in the provisions of this Chapter, the expenditure or costs
incurred by a pure agent of the recipient of supply shall be excluded from the
value of supply, if all the following conditions are satisfied, namely, -
(i) The supplier acts as a pure agent of the recipient of the supply, when he
makes the payment to the third party on authorization by such recipient;
(ii) The payment made by the pure agent on behalf of the recipient of supply has
been separately indicated in the invoice issued by the pure agent to the
recipient of service; and,
(iii) The supplies procured by the pure agent from the third party as a pure
agent of the recipient of the supply are in addition to the services he supplies
on his own account.
Explanation- For the purpose of this rule, the expression pure agent means a
person who-
(a) Enters into a contractual agreement with the recipient of supply to act as
his pure agent to incur expenditure or costs in the course of supply of goods or
services or both;
(b) Neither intends to hold nor holds any title to the goods or services or both
so procured or supplied as pure agent of the recipient of supply;
(c) Does not use for his own interest such goods or services so procured; and
(d) Receives only the actual amount incurred to procure such goods or services
in addition to the amount received for supply he provides on his own account.
Therefore the issue before us is to decide whether on the facts of the
transaction the applicant can be treated as a pure agent? Broadly speaking a
pure agent is one who, whilst making a supply to the recipient, also receives
and incurs expenditure on some other supply on behalf of the recipient and
claims reimbursement (as actual, without adding it to the value of his own
supply) for such supplies from the recipient of the main supply. While the
relationship between them (provider of service and recipient of service) in
respect of the main service is on a principal to principal basis, the
relationship between them in respect of other ancillary services is that of a
pure agent.
With regards to pure agent, applicant contents that the reimbursement of
expenses, incurred by them, such as electricity charges, water supply charges
etc. from lessee are towards payment to the third party suppliers. However we
find that the facts state otherwise. The applicant has installed the main
electric connection and has different sub connections at each location for
reading actual consumption of electricity. Applicant has also installed the DG
sets for generation of electricity in case of power failure. The water required
is also provided through RO system. All these goes to show that these supplies
are on their own account and is for effective enjoyment of activities related to
the Theatre. Further, we find that the provision of supply is made by the
applicant to comply with the mandatory requirements of the local body and the
Licensing Authority under Cinema Act and Cinema Rules 3 to operate the Theatre.
Further, from the terms of the agreement and the transaction, we do not find any
authorization, obtained by the applicant from the recipient of the services, to
act as pure agent and to make payment to third parties.
In view of the above, we accept the contention of the jurisdictional officer
that the applicant has failed to establish themselves as a pure agent as defined
under the GST Valuation Rules and therefore the expenditure or cost incurred by
the applicant and subsequent reimbursement thereof cannot be excluded from the
value of supply.
06. In view of the deliberations as held hereinabove, we pass an order as
follows:
ORDER
(Under section 98 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and the
Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017)
NO.GST-ARA-71/2018-19/B-171
Dated 29-12-2018
For reasons as discussed in the
body of the order, the questions are answered thus -
Question:- Whether GST is levied on the reimbursement of expenses from the
lessee by the lessor at actuals?
Answer: Answered is in affirmative.
Question :- In case GST is levied, what is the rate of GST applicable to said
reimbursement of expenses ?
Answer :- As the reimbursement of the expenses constitute composite supply GST
would be payable at a rate as applicable to the principal supply.
Place:- Mumbai
Date: 29/12/2018
-sd-
B. TIMOTHY
(MEMBER)
-sd-
B. V. BORHADE
(MEMBER)
Copy to:
1. The applicant
2. The concerned Central / State officer
3. The Commissioner of State Tax, Maharashtra State, Mumbai
4. The Commissioner of Central Tax, Churchgate Mumbai
5. Joint commissioner of State Tax , Mahavikas for Website.
Note :- An Appeal against this advance ruling order shall be made before The Maharashtra Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling for Goods and Services Tax, 15th floor, Air India building, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021.
Equivalent .