Event Management GST Rate: Services Covered Under GST

Updated: Sep 15, 2026 12 min read Susheel Kumar
Quick Summary
  • Event management services, including weddings and corporate events, generally attract 18% GST in India.
  • The commonly searched HSN code for event management services is technically a SAC code; event organisation and assistance services are generally classified under SAC 998596.
  • Sound, lighting, venue and other services may attract GST based on their individual classification when supplied separately.
  • Event management companies may claim eligible Input Tax Credit (ITC) on business expenses, subject to normal GST conditions and restrictions.
  • GST registration is generally required for service providers when aggregate turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh, subject to the applicable threshold and registration provisions.

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.

Live Demo Available Today

Allocate Event Costs to Separate Cost Centres Per Venue

Join our guided walkthrough to see how BUSY can transform your business operations.

Trusted by 6,00,000+ Users
4.6 Google Rating
+91

New GST Rate on Event Management Services

The commonly searched event management HSN code is technically the SAC code for event management services. Event organisation and assistance services are generally classified under SAC 998596.

Type of Service

Event management (full service)

SAC Code

998596

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

Type of Service

Wedding planning / event organisation

SAC Code

998596

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

Type of Service

Sound, light and stage setup as part of event management

SAC Code

998596

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

Type of Service

Separate venue rental / booking

SAC Code

997212

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

For separately billed sound, lighting or equipment services, the SAC may differ depending on the exact nature of the supply.
Get a Free Trial –  Best Accounting Software For Small Business

GST on Event Management Company: Billing Example

Let’s say an event management company plans a wedding for ₹5,00,000:

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

GST generally applies to the total consideration charged by the event management company. Outsourcing services to vendors does not by itself reduce the taxable value of the event management contract.

Live Demo Available Today

Convert Event Proposals into GST Invoices in One Click

Trusted by 6,00,000+ Users
4.6 Google Rating
+91

* No credit card required

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.

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.

Explore All BUSY Calculators for Easy GST Compliance

Free tools to simplify your tax and business calculations

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. GST may be charged separately on the invoice or included in a GST-inclusive package. The event management company must account for the applicable GST.

Is GST applicable on individual vendors hired for the event?

Yes, taxable services supplied by GST-registered vendors are subject to GST at the applicable rate. The rate can vary for services such as catering, transport, lighting and other event-related supplies.

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Ready to scale your business?

Join 6,00,000+ growing businesses who trust Busy for their financial management. Experience the power of professional accounting in the palm of your hand.

Start Free Trial
No Credit Card Required
SK
ICAI Certified

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