Definition of IT software covers anti-virus software; ST leviable: HC

  • Blog|News|GST & Customs|
  • < 1 minute
  • By Taxmann
  • |
  • Last Updated on 22 July, 2022

Information Technology Software Service; Anti-virus software; Service tax

Case Details: K7 Computing (P.) Ltd. v. Commissioner of GST & Central Excise, Chennai - [2022] 135 taxmann.com 305 (Madras)

Judiciary and Counsel Details

    • T.S. Sivagnanam and Sathi Kumar Sukumara Kurup, JJ.
    • N. Viswanathan for the Appellant. 
    • A.P. Srinivas, SSC for the Respondent.

Facts of the Case

The appellant had developed anti-virus protection software which were downloadable from appellant’s website. It filed writ appeal against the order levying service tax on anti-virus software. The contention of the appellant herein was that it developed anti- virus software for anti virus protection, anti-spy ware protection, e-mail scanner, firewall and privacy protection, etc. and did not provide any taxable service.

High Court Held

The Honorable High Court observed that the definition of ‘information technology software’ is wide enough to bring within its fold the anti-virus software, which would be obviously installed in the hardware and it would interact whenever the user of the computer engages the system. Therefore, the submission made by appellant that software was not capable of being manipulated or providing interactivity to a user was not tenable. Thus, writ appeal was liable to be dismissed.

List of Cases Referred to

Disclaimer: The content/information published on the website is only for general information of the user and shall not be construed as legal advice. While the Taxmann has exercised reasonable efforts to ensure the veracity of information/content published, Taxmann shall be under no liability in any manner whatsoever for incorrect information, if any.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Everything on Tax and Corporate Laws of India

To subscribe to our weekly newsletter please log in/register on Taxmann.com

Author: Taxmann

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.

The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:

  • The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
  • All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
  • Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
  • Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
  • All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
  • The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
  • Font and size that's easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied