Clarifications regarding applicable GST rates & exemptions on certain services

GST RATE ON ICE CREAM PARLOUR

Rate of GST applicable on supply of ice-cream by ice-cream parlors during the period from 01.07.2017 to 05.10.2021.

It was clarified vide circular 164/20/2021-GST dated 06.10.2021 that ice cream parlours sell already manufactured ice- cream and they do not have a character of a restaurant and hence, ice cream sold by a parlour or any similar outlet attracts standard rate of GST @ 18% with ITC.

Ice cream parlours which paid GST @ 5% without ITC in view of prevailing doubt before the issuance of the Circular dated 6.10.2021 did not avail ITC and paid 5% in cash and have thus foregone significant ITC benefit.

It is clarified that past cases of payment of GST on supply of ice-cream by ice-cream parlors @ 5% without ITC shall be treated as fully GST paid to avoid unnecessary litigation. Since the decision is only to regularize the past practice, no refund of GST shall be allowed, if already paid at 18%.

With effect from 6.10.2021, the ice Cream parlors are required to pay GST on supply of ice-cream at the rate of 18% with ITC.

GST – EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS – FEE FOR SPECIAL SERVICES

Applicability of GST on application fee charged for entrance or the fee charged for issuance of eligibility certificate for admission or for issuance of migration certificate by educational institutions.

Educational services supplied by educational institutions to its students are exempt from GST vide entry 66 of the notification No. 12/2017 Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

Since all services supplied by an ‘educational institution’ to its students are exempt from GST, it is clarified that the amount or fee charged from prospective students for entrance or admission, or for issuance of eligibility certificate to them in the process of their entrance/admission as well as the fee charged for issuance of migration certificates by educational institutions to the leaving or ex-students is covered by exemption under Sl. No. 66 of Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

GST ON STORAGE OF COTTON IN BALED OR GINNED FORM

Whether storage or warehousing of cotton in baled or ginned form is covered under entry 24B of Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) which exempted services by way of storage and warehousing of raw vegetable fibres such as cotton before 18.07.2022.

Prior to 18.07.2022, entry 24 B of Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 exempted services by way of storage and warehousing of raw vegetable fibers such as cotton, flax, jute etc.

It is clarified that service by way of storage or warehousing of cotton in ginned and or baled form was covered under entry 24B of notification No. 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 in the category of raw vegetable fibres such as cotton.

However, this exemption has been withdrawn w.e.f 18.07.2022.

GST ON TRANSIT CARGO TO/FROM NEPAL AND BHUTAN IS EXEMPT

Whether exemption under Sl. No. 9B of notification No. 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 covers services associated with transit cargo both to and from Nepal and Bhutan.

GST on supply of services associated with transit cargo to Nepal and Bhutan was exempted w.e.f 29.09.2017 based on recommendations of the 20th GST Council Meeting. The opening sentence of the Agenda Item 7(ix) placed before the GST Council on this issue, makes it clear that the proposal was to exempt supply of services associated with transit cargo both to and from Nepal and Bhutan.

Accordingly, as recommended by the GST Council, it is clarified that exemption under Sl. No. 9B of Notification 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) covers services associated with transit cargo both to and from Nepal and Bhutan.

GST – SANITATION & CONSERVANCY SERVICES TO ARMY/CENTRAL & STATE GOVT

Applicability of GST on sanitation and conservancy services supplied to Army and other Central and State Government departments.

Services by Central Government, State Government, Union Territory or any local authority by way of any activity in relation to a function entrusted to a Panchayat under article 243G of the constitution or to a municipality under article 243W of the constitution have been declared as ‘neither a supply of goods nor a supply of service’ vide notification no. 14/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

The exemption under entry 3& 3A of notification 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 has been given on pure services & composite supplies procured by Central Government, State Government, Union Territories or local authorities for performing functions listed in the 11th and 12th schedule of the constitution.

It is clarified that if such services are procured by Indian Army or any other Government Ministry/Department which does not perform any functions listed in the 11th and 12th Schedule, in the manner as a local authority does for the general public, the same are not eligible for exemption under Sl. No. 3 and 3A of Notification 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate).

GST ON ADVERTISEMENT IN SOUVENIR BOOK

Whether the activity of selling of space for advertisement in souvenirs (published in the form of books by different institutions / organizations like educational institutions, social, cultural and religious organizations including clubs etc.) is eligible for concessional rate of 5%.

As per serial number (i) of entry 21 of notification No. 11/2017-Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 selling of space for advertisement in print media attracts GST @ 5%.

The term “print media” means — ‘book’ as defined in sub-section (1) of section 1 of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 (25 of 1867), but does not include business directories, yellow pages and trade catalogues which are primarily meant for commercial purposes. “Book” has been defined in the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 in an inclusive manner with a wide ambit which would cover souvenir book also.

Accordingly, as recommended by the GST Council, it is clarified sale of space for advertisement in souvenir book is covered under serial number (i) of entry 21 of Notification No. 11/2017-Central Tax (Rate) and attracts GST @ 5%.

GST ON HIRING OF VEHICLES WITH DRIVER BY MINE OPERATORS

Taxability and applicable rate of GST on transport of minerals from mining pit head to railway siding, beneficiation plant etc., by vehicles deployed with driver for a specific duration of time.

Usually in such cases the vehicles such as tippers, dumpers, loader, trucks etc., are given on hire to the mining lease operator and expenses for fuel are generally borne by the recipient of service. Such services are nothing but “rental services of transport vehicles with operator” which fall under heading 9966 and attract GST @ 18% under Sr. No. 10 part (iii) of notification No. 11/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

Accordingly, as recommended by the GST Council, it is clarified that such renting of trucks and other freight vehicles with driver for a period of time is a service of renting of transport vehicles with operator falling under Heading 9966 and not service of transportation of goods by road. This being so, it is not eligible for exemption under Sl. No. 18 of notification No. 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

On such rental services of goods carriages where the cost of fuel is in included in the consideration charged from the recipient of service, GST rate has been reduced from 18% to 12% with effect from 18.07.2022. Prior to 18.07.2022, it attracted GST at the rate of 18%.

GST ON LOCATION CHARGES/PREFERENTIAL LOCATION CHARGES PAID FOR LEASE OF LAND

Whether location charges or preferential location charges (PLC) collected in addition to the lease premium for long term lease of land constitute part of the lease premium or of upfront amount charged for long term lease of land and are eligible for the same tax treatment.

Allowing choice of location of plot is integral part of supply of long-term lease of plot and therefore, location charge is nothing but part of consideration charged for long term lease of plot.

Accordingly, as per recommendation of the GST Council, it is clarified that location charges or preferential location charges (PLC) paid upfront in addition to the lease premium for long term lease of land constitute part of upfront amount charged for long term lease of land and are eligible for the same tax treatment, and thus eligible for exemption under Sl. No. 41 of notification no. 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017.

GST ON GUEST ANCHORS HONORARIUM

Applicability of GST on payment of honorarium to the Guest Anchors.

It is clarified that supply of all goods & services are taxable unless exempt or declared as ‘neither a supply of goods nor a supply of service’.

Services provided by the guest anchors in lieu of honorarium attract GST liability.

However, guest anchors whose aggregate turnover in a financial year does not exceed Rs 20 lakhs (Rs 10 lakhs in case of special category states) shall not be liable to take registration and pay GST

GST ON ADDITIONAL TOLL FEES

Whether the additional toll fees collected in the form of higher toll charges from vehicles not having fastag is exempt from GST.

Entry 23 of notification No.12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28th June, 2017 exempts service by way of access to a road or a bridge on payment of toll charges.

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORTH) vide circular dated 16.02.2021 has directed to collect additional amount from the users of the road to the extent of two times of the fees applicable to that category of vehicle which is not having a valid functional Fastag.

Therefore, it is clarified that the additional amount collected from the users of the road not having a functional Fastag, is in the nature of Toll Charges and should be treated as additional toll charges and may be given the same treatment as given to toll charges.

GST ON IVF SERVICES

Applicability of GST on services in form of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)/ In vitro fertilization (IVF).

Health care services provided by a clinical establishment, an authorized medical practitioner or para-medics are exempt. [Sl. No. 74 of notification No. 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06. 2017]. The abnormality/disease/ailment of infertility is treated using ART procedure such as IVF.

It is clarified that services by way of IVF are also covered under the definition of health care services for the purpose of above exemption notification.

GST ON SALE OF DEVELOPED LAND

Whether sale of land after levelling, laying down of drainage lines etc., is taxable under GST.

As per Sl no. (5) of Schedule III of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, ‘sale of land’ is neither a supply of goods nor a supply of services, therefore, sale of land does not attract GST.

Land may be sold either as it is or after some development such as levelling, laying down of drainage lines, water lines, electricity lines, etc.

It is clarified that sale of such developed land is also sale of land and is covered by Sr. No. 5 of Schedule III of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and accordingly does not attract GST.

However, it may be noted that any service provided for development of land, like levelling, laying of drainage lines (as may be received by developers) shall attract GST at applicable rate for such services.

GST ON HIRING OF MOTOR VEHICLES BY CORPORATE RECIPIENTS

Situations in which corporate recipients are liable to pay GST on renting of motor vehicles designed to carry passengers.

In case of services provided by a non-body corporate to a body corporate by way of renting of any motor vehicle for transport of passengers, tax is required to be paid by the body corporate under RCM.

Renting of motor vehicle with operator for transport of passengers falls under Heading 9966. According to the explanatory notes to heading 9966, the service covered here is renting of motor vehicle for transport of passengers for a period of time where the renter defines how and when the vehicles will be operated, determining schedules, routes and other operational considerations.

‘Passenger transport services’ on the other hand fall under Heading 9964. According to the explanatory notes Heading 9964 covers passenger transport services over pre-determined routes on pre-determined schedules.

Accordingly it is clarified that where the body corporate hires the motor vehicle (for transport of employees etc.) for a period of time, during which the motor vehicle shall be at the disposal of the body corporate, the service would fall under Heading 9966, and the body corporate shall be liable to pay GST on the same under RCM.

However, where the body corporate avails the passenger transport service for specific journeys or voyages and does not take vehicle on rent for any particular period of time, the service would fall under Heading 9964 and the body corporate shall not be liable to pay GST on the same under RCM.

GST ON PRIVATE FERRY TICKETS

Applicability of GST on tickets of private ferry used for passenger transportation.

As per Sl. No 17 (d) of notification No. 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 “transportation of passengers by public transport, other than predominantly for tourism purpose, in a vessel between places located in India” is exempted.

It has been stated that these private ferries are used as means of transport from one island to another in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

It is further clarified that, the expression ‘public transport’ used in the exemption notification only means that the transport should be open to public. It can be privately or publicly owned. Only exclusion is on transportation which is predominantly for tourism, such as services which may combine with transportation, sightseeing, food and beverages, music, accommodation such as in shikara, cruise etc.

GST ON SETTING UP OF DAIRY PLANT ON TURN KEY BASIS

Whether supply of service of construction, supply, installation and commissioning of dairy plant on turn-key basis constitutes a composite supply of works contract service and is eligible for concessional rate of GST prior to 18.07.2022.

In this regard, it may be seen that prior to 18.07.2022 serial number 3(v)(f) of notification no. 11/2017 Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 prescribes GST rate of 12 % on the composite supply of works contract by way of construction, erection, commissioning, or installation of original works pertaining to mechanized food grain handling system, machinery or equipment for units processing agricultural produce as food stuff excluding alcoholic beverages.

It is clarified that a contract of the nature described here for construction, installation and commissioning of a dairy plant is an immovable property and constitutes supply of works contract.

It is also clarified that such works contract services were eligible for concessional rate of 12% GST under serial number 3(v)(f) of notification No. 11/2017 Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 prior to 18.07.2022. With effect from 18.07.2022, such works contract services would attract GST at the rate of 18% in view of amendment carried out in notification No. 11/2017- Central Tax (Rate) vide notification No. 03/2022- Central Tax (Rate).

GST -TRANSPORTATION OF EMPLOYEES TO/FRO FROM WORK BY HIRED VEHICLES

Whether hiring of vehicles by firms for transportation of their employees to and from work is exempt under Sr. No. 15(b) of Notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate) transport of passengers by non-air conditioned contract carriage.

Sr. No. 15 (b) of notification No. 12/2017- Central Tax (Rate) dated 28.06.2017 exempts “transport of passengers, with or without accompanied belongings, by non- air conditioned contract carriage, other than radio taxi, for transport of passengers, excluding tourism, conducted tour, charter or hire.”

It is clarified that the said exemption would apply to passenger transportation services by non-air conditioned contract carriages falling under Heading 9964 where according to explanatory notes, transportation takes place over pre-determined route on a pre-determined schedule. The exemption shall not be applicable where contract carriage is hired for a period of time, during which the contract carriage is at the disposal of the service recipient and the recipient is thus free to decide the manner of usage (route and schedule) subject to conditions of agreement entered into with the service provider.