Government has extended date of e-filing of service tax return for the second half of 2012-13 to August 31, 2013 as the forms will be available by the end of July.

Earlier the date of submission was fixed at April 25.

“...the Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) has extended the date of submission of the Form ST-3, for the period from 1st October 2012 to 31st March 2013, from 25th April, 2013 to 31st August, 2013,” an official statement said on Wednesday.

The date of submission has been extended as the form to file service tax return i.e., Form ST-3, for the period October-March of 2012-13 is expected to be available on ACES (Automation of Central Excise and Service Tax) around July 31, 2013 it said.

The exact date of the availability of the form will be announced later.

ACES is aimed at realising revenues in fair, equitable and efficient manner and administering government’s economic, tariff and trade policies with practical and pragmatic approach.

This is also directed at facilitating trade and industry by streamlining and simplifying customs and excise processes and helping business to enhance competitiveness.

Besides, it also aims to create a climate for voluntary compliance by guiding and building mutual trust, combating revenue evasion, commercial frauds and social menace in an effective manner.