NTR Jr clarifies on non-payment of service tax

Actor NTR Jr refuted the allegations of non-payment of service tax for his film ‘Nannaku Prematho’, which was produced in England (London).

In a statement released by the actor on Saturday, he said, “I was advised by legal and tax experts that any service (in this case as an actor) rendered outside India for which payment is received in Foreign Exchange, is not taxable for service tax in India. Accordingly, I have not collected the service tax from the producer of ‘Nannaku Prematho’.

In 2016, when CAG officials conducted a review of my service tax returns and raised a query, my legal and financial team gave an explanation in writing about the same. After sending that reply in 2016, Till date, we have not received any further communication, like a show cause notice or demand, from the authorities.

If and when I receive any communication from the authorities, I will respond as per the applicable law. I have been a law abiding citizen and faithful income tax and service tax payer for the last several years. I have the highest respect for the laws.

In the present matter, if it is found by the competent authority that I have to pay the service tax, I will pay every single penny as required of me. I am waiting to hear from the authorities regarding the same.