The GST Composition Scheme is a simplified tax scheme designed for small businesses with an annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 crore. Under this scheme, companies must pay a fixed percentage of their turnover as tax without needing to maintain detailed records or file regular returns.
However, the GST rate for restaurants under the GST composition scheme can be complex and requires careful consideration of various factors, including the type of restaurant and the services provided. In this context, it is essential to understand the GST law’s relevant provisions to determine the composition scheme applicable to restaurants.
Also Know About – Differences Between Regular and Composite Schemes
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the applicable GST rates for different types of restaurants and food-related services in India. Below are the GST rates for restaurant bills.
Type Of Restaurants | GST Rates |
---|---|
Railways/IRCTC | 5% (ITC is not available) |
All standalone restaurants | 5% (ITC is not available) |
Standalone outdoor catering services | 5% (ITC is not available) |
Dining facilities in hotels where the room tariff is less than ₹7,500 per night. | 5% (ITC is not available) |
Normal or composite outdoor catering within Hotels where the room tariff is less than ₹7,500 per night. | 5% (ITC is not available) |
A restaurant that is within a hotel where the room tariff is greater than or equivalent to ₹7,500 per night. | 18% (ITC is available) |
Outdoor catering (normal or composite) within hotels where the room tariff is greater than or equivalent to ₹7,500 per night | 18% (ITC is available) |
Note that, in the case of restaurants operating within hotels and those operating outdoor catering services within hotels, GST rates, as mentioned in the table, apply only to the dining and catering services provided within the hotels. The accommodation within the hotel is not subject to the same GST rates.
GST Rate on Food Items
After implementing GST, most food items fall under the 5% tax slab. Basic essentials like fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals remain exempt from GST, while processed or packaged foods attract 5% GST. Items such as branded snacks, packaged foods, and sweets can have a GST rate between 5% and 18%, depending on the product type. Ready-to-eat food and takeaway services typically attract 5% GST, whereas premium food items served in air-conditioned or luxury restaurants are taxed at 18%. Overall, GST aims to simplify the tax structure by eliminating the complexities of earlier taxes like VAT and service tax.
GST vs VAT: Tax Impact on Restaurant Owners
Before GST, restaurant owners had to deal with multiple taxes like VAT and service tax, which varied across states. With GST, the tax system is unified, making compliance easier. Under GST, restaurants not serving alcohol are taxed at 5%, simplifying billing. However, one downside for restaurant owners is that they cannot claim input tax credit under this 5% slab, increasing costs. Under VAT, some restaurants could claim input credits, making GST less beneficial for certain businesses. Nevertheless, GST has streamlined tax collection, reducing disputes and errors.
Restaurants must comply with the composition scheme’s requirement to charge GST at a special rate of 5% of turnover, subject to the following limitations.
Particulars | Regular Tax Payer | Composite Tax Payer |
---|---|---|
Registration | Threshold Limit – ₹20 L | Threshold Limit – ₹1.5 Cores |
Territory Of Business | No Restriction On Supply | Limited To Intra-State Supply |
Change between regular and composition, or vice versa/td> | Compliance Procedure Is High | Once It Crosses The Limit, Compulsory Registration Under Regular Provisions. |
Input Tax Credit | Depends On The Category | Not Entitled To Avail The Credit |
Business Through e-commerce | Can Supply Goods Through E-Commerce | Cannot supply Goods Through E-Commerce |
Tax Collection | Allowed To Collect Tax From The Buyer | Cannot Collect Tax From The Buyer |
Tax Invoice | Can raise a tax invoice for outward supply | Can Raise Bill Of Supply Instead Of Tax Invoice For Outward Supply |
GST Returns | Monthly GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B | Quarterly – Only GSTR 4 |
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Understanding restaurant’s GST rates is crucial for business owners and customers. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) simplifies the taxation process, but it’s essential to know the specific rates that apply to different types of restaurants.
Restaurants can opt for the composition scheme if their turnover is up to ₹1.5 crore. Under this scheme, the GST rate in restaurants is 5%, but they cannot avail of the input tax credit. This simplified scheme helps small restaurant businesses by reducing their tax compliance burden.
Knowing the applicable GST rates helps restaurant owners price their menus correctly and ensures they comply with tax regulations. Understanding these rates allows customers to see the tax component in their bills.
Business owners and patrons can more effectively navigate the taxation landscape by tracking the restaurant GST rate and the composition scheme.
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The GST on restaurant food under the GST composition scheme can be complex and requires careful consideration of various factors. While the scheme can offer certain benefits for small restaurants, it may not be suitable for all businesses in this sector. Therefore, it is essential to seek professional advice and assess the specific requirements and circumstances of the restaurant business before opting for the GST composition scheme.
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