 "IT, ITeS stocks trade mixed on reports of Rs 10,000 cr service tax demand")
Shares of Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITeS) companies such as Infosys, TCS, and Mindtree were trading mixed on Thursday following news reports that the tax department has demanded from them the service tax worth nearly Rs 10,000 crore.
Although the Nifty IT (up 1%) index was the leading sectoral gainer in the noon trade, most of the gains came from Infosys (up 2%), KPII (up 3%) and Tech Mahindra (up 2%). Mindtree, Wipro and Oracle Financial Services Software lost up to 1% on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
An Economic Times report claimed that the service tax department has sent notices to about 200 companies so far, asking them to return export benefits claimed in the last five years (2012-2016) on software provided to clients outside India. The report also said that the tax department has additionally sought 15% service tax along with fines.
The report did not mention names of individual companies.
Industry experts believe this will be a serious blow to the IT sector, which is already grappling with tighter US immigration laws and increasing automation.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%