SERVICE TAX RETURNS

8.1     Every assessee is required to submit a half yearly return in form S.T.3 or S.T.3A (in triplicate) along with proof of payment of tax. For the purpose of filing returns half year is counted from April to September and October to March. In case the assessee has opted for provisional payment of service tax, he is required to file the service tax return in form S.T.3A.

(Rule 7(1) of Service Tax Rules, 1994)

 8.2      The ST-3 Returns can also be got prepared and filed through the ‘Service Tax Return Preparers’ (STRPs) who have been duly accredited and authorized by the Department. The Board has issued relevant provisions and guidelines in regard of Service tax Return Preparer Scheme vide Notification No.07/2009-ST dated 03.02.2009 as amended. Currently, there are 1477 STRPs functioning at various locations spread out all across the country. The service tax assesses can log on to www trpscheme.com. to know the details of the STRPs available in their area.

8.3      An assessee may submit a revised return, in Form ST-3, in triplicate, to correct a mistake or omission, within a period of ninety days from the date of submission of the return under rule 7. (Rule 7B of Service Tax Rules, 1994)

8.4         Date of filing of Returns : The half yearly return is required to be filed by the 25^th of the month following a particular half year.

 (Rule 7(2) of Service Tax Rules, 1994)

8.5       E-filing of Returns: The department has extended the facility of filing the returns on-line (e-filing of returns). This facility is available for all the categories of service providers. However, in respect of assesses who have paid total service tax of rupees ten lakh or more including the amount paid by utilization of CENVAT credit, in the preceding financial year, electronic filing of return is mandatory. 

Source:
http://www.servicetax.gov.in/st-proc-home.htm