Event Management GST Rate: Services Covered Under GST

Updated: Jun 3, 2026 12 min read Susheel Kumar
Quick Summary
  • Event management services, including weddings and corporate events, are taxed at an 18% GST rate in India.
  • Services like sound, lighting, and venue booking also fall under the 18% GST rate.
  • Companies can claim Input Tax Credit for expenses such as equipment rentals and vendor services.
  • GST replaced multiple old tax rates with a single 18% rate, simplifying invoicing and allowing full input credits.
  • Event companies must register for GST if their turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh and use correct SAC codes in billing.

Whether it’s a corporate seminar, a wedding, a product launch, or a music festival—event management companies are behind the scenes making everything run smoothly. But how are these services taxed under GST? This blog breaks down the event management gst rate, the types of services covered, and how GST affects both clients and service providers.

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New GST Rate on Event Management Services

Type of Service

Event management (full service)

SAC Code

998596

GST Rate

18%

Type of Service

Wedding planning

SAC Code

998596

GST Rate

18%

Type of Service

Sound, light, stage setup (individually billed)

SAC Code

9983 / 9985

GST Rate

18%

Type of Service

Event venue booking (if included)

SAC Code

9966

GST Rate

18%

GST on Event Management Company: Billing Example

Let’s say an event management company plans a wedding for ₹5,00,000. Here’s how GST works:

  • Total service cost: ₹5,00,000
  • GST @18%: ₹90,000
  • Final invoice: ₹5,90,000

The gst on event management company applies to the entire contract value, unless some services are outsourced and billed separately.

Input Tax Credit for Event Companies

  • Equipment rentals (lighting, LED walls, audio gear)
  • Vendor bills (tent, catering, printing)
  • Office rent and electricity
  • Professional services like photography, logistics, etc.

Know how to claim Input Tax Credit  for event-related expenses and services.

Old GST Impact on Event Management Services

(Old GST Rates – Applicable Until 21st September)

Before GST

Multiple service tax rates (12%/15%)

After GST

One uniform rate – 18% GST

Before GST

Input credits not always available

After GST

Full Input Tax Credit allowed

Before GST

Complex tax structure

After GST

Simplified invoicing and returns

Before GST

Local taxes (VAT/service tax)

After GST

Replaced with one national tax

GST Compliance for Event Management Companies

  • Must register under GST if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh
  • Charge 18% GST on invoices
  • Use proper SAC codes (998596) in bills
  • File monthly or quarterly returns
  • Maintain vendor records for claiming ITC

Understanding the event management gst rate helps both clients and event planners plan budgets, stay tax-compliant, and avoid last-minute surprises on invoices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common queries about this topic.

What is the event management GST rate in India?
The standard GST rate is 18% for all types of event management services.
Is GST applicable to wedding planners and decorators?
Yes, wedding planning, stage décor, and related services attract 18% GST.
Can event companies claim Input Tax Credit on vendor expenses?
Yes, ITC is allowed on most purchases/services used for executing events.
Do clients need to pay GST separately?
Yes, unless the service is offered as a GST-inclusive package, clients will pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 18%.
Is GST applicable on individual vendors hired for the event?
Yes, if they are GST-registered. Their services like catering, lighting, logistics usually attract 18% GST.
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Susheel Kumar

Chartered Accountant

I am a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience and a finance content writer. I focus on educating people about finance and taxation. I have written many blog posts on finance, taxation, trading, and investment on the BUSY website. My goal is to increase financial understanding by making complex concepts easier to grasp and to support educational programs in India.

MRN: 096252 Delhi