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GST Rate for Catering Services - Updated 2026 Slab & HSN Details

GST Rate for Catering Services - Updated 2026 Slab & HSN Details

📅 Published: March 20, 2026 | Updated: July 1, 2026

Introduction to Catering Services and GST in India

Catering services are an essential part of the Indian hospitality industry, providing food and beverage services to various events, parties, and functions. With the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, catering services have been brought under the GST regime. In this article, we will discuss the GST rate and HSN code for catering services, the tax breakdown, comparison with the pre-GST tax regime, and frequently asked questions regarding input tax credit and compliance.

GST Rate and HSN Code for Catering Services

The GST rate for catering services in India is 18% (effective from 1st July 2017). The HSN code for catering services is 9963.

HSN Code Description GST Rate (%) Effective Date
9963 Catering services 18 1st July 2017

Detailed Tax Breakdown for Catering Services

The tax breakdown for catering services in India is as follows:

Composition Scheme vs Regular Scheme

Catering services can opt for either the composition scheme or the regular scheme under GST. The composition scheme is a simplified scheme for small taxpayers, where the taxpayer pays a fixed percentage of their turnover as tax. The regular scheme, on the other hand, requires the taxpayer to pay tax on the value of the supply.

Scheme GST Rate (%) Turnover Limit (INR)
Composition Scheme 5 1.5 crores
Regular Scheme 18 No limit

Comparison with Pre-GST Tax Regime

Before the introduction of GST, catering services were subject to a complex system of taxes, including service tax, value-added tax (VAT), and luxury tax. The pre-GST tax regime had a tax rate of around 15-20% for catering services. With the introduction of GST, the tax rate for catering services has been standardized at 18% across India.

Calculator Widget

To calculate the GST amount for catering services, you can use the following calculator widget:

function calculateGST() { var basePrice = document.getElementById("base-price").value; var gstRate = 0.18; var gstAmount = basePrice * gstRate; document.getElementById("gst-amount").innerHTML = "GST Amount: " + gstAmount.toFixed(2) + " INR"; }

Frequently Asked Questions

Input Tax Credit

Q: Can I claim input tax credit for goods and services used in providing catering services?

A: Yes, you can claim input tax credit for goods and services used in providing catering services, subject to certain conditions and restrictions.

Compliance Tips

To avoid common billing mistakes associated with catering services, follow these compliance tips:

Conclusion

In conclusion, catering services in India are subject to a GST rate of 18% and an HSN code of 9963. The tax breakdown for catering services depends on the scheme opted for, either composition or regular. The pre-GST tax regime had a complex system of taxes, which has been simplified with the introduction of GST. By following the compliance tips and using the calculator widget, catering service providers can ensure accurate billing and compliance with GST regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GST rate for catering services in India?

18%

What is the HSN code for catering services?

9963

Are catering services exempt from GST?

No

How is GST calculated on catering services?

On the total bill value

Can input tax credit be claimed on catering services?

Yes

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