HYDERABAD: Tennis star Sania Mirza has been served summons by service tax sleuths for allegedly evading tax on the Rs 1 crore she received from Telangana government for being the ‘brand ambassador’ of the youngest state in the country. She has been directed to appear in person or through an authorised agent on Feb 16. The tennis star cannot go abroad now without official permission.
On July 22, 2014, CM K Chandrasekhar Rao had anointed Sania as the brand ambassador and also handed Rs 1 crore cheque to the tennis ace to promote Telangana. Subsequently , the CM rewarded her with Rs 1 crore on Sept 11, 2014, for winning the US Open mixed-doubles title. This reward for US Open win was non-taxable but service tax sleuths said that Sania has to pay about Rs 20 lakh (15% service tax on Rs 1 cr, fine and penalty) for the amount she has received for being the brand ambassador.
