If rented immovable property is used for furtherance of business or commerce, it is liable to service tax. It does not matter whether Government or private parties rent it. Many Government offices like Service Tax, Central Excise, Income Tax, Accountant General Office, and State government offices have taken buildings on rent for performing the respective functions.

The Governor is pleased to sanction the implementation of a new Incentive Scheme for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises in West Bengal in the following manner with an eye to promoting growth and development of such enterprises in the State.

West Bengal has a long history and tradition in textiles. The sector still provides employment, both directly and indirectly to a large number of people in the State. The State has the potential to revive its textiles industry and be a major part of global value chain in this sector.

The rate of service tax has been restored to 12% w.e.f. 1st April 2012. Representation have been made seeking clarification on the rate of tax applicable wherein invoices were raised before 1stApril 2012 and the payments shall be after 1st April 2012.

Shilpa Sathi comprising representatives of various Departments/Directorates of Government at West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC)’s office provides single window application services to the entrepreneur for doing business with minimal hassle and transaction costs.