- Reverse charge mechanism was first introduced in 1997 for goods transport agencies and clearing agents but was struck down by the Supreme Court. It was reintroduced in 2000 and 2003 and upheld by the Supreme Court.
- As of July 2012, reverse charge was expanded to apply to 11 additional services including rent a cab, manpower supply, works contract, legal services, and services provided by non-residents.
- Under reverse charge, the liability to pay service tax shifts from the service provider to the service recipient. The recipient must register and file returns under reverse charge.