(1) A person entitled to a refund under this Act, shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the refund, simple interest at the annual rate notified by the Government from time to time, computed on a daily basis from the later of –
(a) the date that the refund was due to be paid to the person; or
(b) the date that the overpaid amount was paid by the person, until the date on which the refund is given.
PROVIDED that the interest shall be calculated on the amount of refund due after deducting therefrom any tax, interest, penalty or any other dues under this Act, or under the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 (74 of 1956):
PROVIDED FURTHER that if the amount of such refund is enhanced or reduced, as the case may be, such interest shall be enhanced or reduced accordingly.
Explanation.- If the delay in granting the refund is attributable to the said person, whether wholly or in part, the period of the delay attributable to him shall be excluded from the period for which the interest is payable.
(2) When a person is in default in making the payment of any tax, penalty or other amount due under this Act, he shall, in addition to the amount assessed, be liable to pay simple interest on such amount at the annual rate notified by the
Government from time to time, computed on a daily basis, from the date of such default for so long as he continues to make default in the payment of the said amount.
(3) Where the amount of tax including any penalty due is wholly reduced, the amount of interest, if any, paid shall be refunded, or if such amount is varied, the interest due shall be calculated accordingly.
(4) Where the collection of any amount is stayed by the order of the Appellate Tribunal or any court or any other authority and the order is subsequently vacated,interest shall be payable for any period during which such order remained in operation.
(5) The interest payable by a person under this Act may be collected as tax due under this Act and shall be due and payable once the obligation to pay interest has arisen.
