Event management encompasses a wide range of services, including planning, organising, promoting, and conducting various events such as conferences, exhibitions, weddings, concerts, and sports events. Under the GST regime, these services are classified under the Service Accounting Code (SAC) 9983, which covers “Other Professional, Technical and Business Services
Understanding Event Management Under GST
According to GST law, event management services include a wide array of activities such as:
Planning and conceptualisation of events
Organising logistics and coordination
Promoting and marketing events
On-site management and execution
These services are classified under the SAC 9983, which attracts a GST rate of 18%. It’s important to note that GST applies to all event management services, regardless of the type or scale of the event.
GST Registration for Event Management Services
Event management business has an annual aggregate turnover exceeding ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special category states), GST registration is mandatory. Registering under GST offers several benefits, such as:
Legal compliance with tax laws
Ability to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on eligible purchases
Improved credibility and trust among clients
GST Rate for Event Services
Service Category | GST Rate |
|---|---|
Event Planning and Conceptualisation | 18% |
Event Organisation and Logistics | 18% |
Event Promotion and Marketing | 18% |
On-site Event Management and Execution | 18% |
FAQs
Q1. Can event management companies claim Input Tax Credit (ITC)?
Yes, event management companies can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on eligible purchases used for providing taxable services. This helps in reducing the overall GST liability.
Q2. What are the GST return filing requirements for event management services?
Event management companies are required to file GSTR-1 (monthly/quarterly), GSTR-3B (monthly), and GSTR-9 (annually) returns. Adhering to the filing deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties.
Q3. How is the place of supply determined for event management services?
The place of supply for event management services is the location where the event is actually held. For events outside India, the place of supply is the location of the recipient.
Q4. How does GST impact pricing for event management services?
The introduction of GST has led to a slight increase in the prices of event management services. The 18% GST rate is higher than the previous 15% service tax rate.
