GST department freezes Mahesh Babu's account over service tax dues
Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu's bank accounts were attached by the Goods and Services Tax department on Thursday after he failed to clear his service tax dues. In a press release, the Hyderabad GST Commissionerate said during 2007-08, the actor failed to pay money for taxable services like appearances, advertising, promoting products and being the brand ambassador. Here's more on this.
Understanding why action was taken against Mahesh
About the incident, the body's statement read, "Today the GST department has attached his bank accounts in Axis Bank and ICICI Bank for an amount of Rs 73.5 lakh which includes tax, interest, and penalty." The body said they recovered Rs. 42 lakh from Axis Bank account. Notably, Mahesh wasn't granted any relief by appellate authority on this issue.
Mahesh could severe action if money isn't recovered
The balance amount will be recovered from his ICICI account by Friday. In case this doesn't happen, Mahesh could face action under Section 74 of the Finance Act 1994, sources told PTI. Mahesh can't operate any of his accounts until the issue is resolved. The 43-year-old actor is yet to issue a statement clarifying his stand.
Meanwhile, Mahesh is filming for 'Maharshi'
Currently, Mahesh is busy filming Maharshi, which is directed by Vamsi Paidipally. Major parts of the movie will be shot in the United States. Apart from Mahesh, the movie also stars Allari Naresh and Pooja Hegde. The movie chronicles the life of three friends. It will hit screens on April 5. Earlier this year, Mahesh's Bharat Ane Nenu released to rave reviews.
