Sania summoned for service tax evasion

The Commissioner of Service Tax has summoned tennis star Sania Mirza for alleged non-payment of service tax.

Sania is alleged to have not paid service tax on the amounts she received from different sources including that of Rs 1 cr gifted to her by the Telangana government in 2014 when she become the brand ambassador of the newly created state.

It is estimated that Sania, who ended 2016 as the World No 1 in women's doubles, has earned around Rs 43 crore in prize money in her career. Her net worth is reported to be more than Rs 53 crore including other sources of income, including endorsements.

The department, which has not specified the case under which she was summoned, has directed her to appear in person or through an authorised agent on or before February 16.

The department has also directed her to not to leave the country without permission.  "Whereas an investigation against you about non-payment/evasion of service tax/contravention of provisions of Finance Act 1994 and Rules made there under is being inquired, I have reasons to believe you are in possession of facts or/and documents and things which are relevant to the inquiry,” the notice reads.

"If you fail to comply with this summons and intentionally avoid to attend or to give evidence and to produce the documents and things, without a lawful excuse, you will be liable to be punished under the relevant provisions of IPC," the notice said.