For GST purposes, news agency services fall under media and information supply services delivered to publishing houses and broadcasters. The taxable value typically includes periodic subscription charges, retainer fees, per story charges and any special fees for exclusive coverage or photo and video packages that are supplied to publishers.
After the September 2025 GST changes, news agency services that are not covered by specific exemptions continue under the standard 18% slab. Publishers and broadcasters registered under GST can generally claim input tax credit on such expenses if the news content is used in their taxable media activities and invoices clearly show SAC 998441 with the GST charged.
The table below shows the latest standard GST rate for SAC code 998441.