NEW DELHI: What is the difference between having a rasmalai standing at the counter of your favourite sweet shop, and ordering it at a table a few steps away? Well, apart from comfort, it’s the GST rate.<\/p>\n
If you have the sweet at the counter and walk out after paying the bill, many mithaiwalas will charge 5% GST. But if you decide to enjoy it after asking a waiter to get it, the shop may ask you to pay 18%, if it’s air-conditioned. It is the same for dhokla, the favourite Gujarati snack.<\/p>\n
If you order at the counter you pay at a rate of 12% GST, but if you prefer to sit down to enjoy the snack you pay a higher rate of 18%.<\/p>\n
There are others who are interpreting it differently. For instance, a leading sweet shop in central Delhi, which does not have seating facility but has tables where you can enjoy a snack or a sweet, is charging 5%.<\/p>\n
“The higher levy is applicable if you have a large seating area, which we do not have,” explained the owner, who did not wish to be identified.<\/p>\n
But the differential tax rate is something that most consumers are unaware of, resulting in many of them getting a surprise when they are presented the bill.<\/p>\n
Tax experts say subtle interpretations of GST need to be effectively communicated to consumers.<\/p>\n
The significant difference in GST rates for the same product may prompt a large number of consumers to have their favourite sweet or snack at the counter or outside the shop, rather than enjoy it at leisure sitting at a table.<\/p>\n
The levy in many fast-food chains is the same, irrespective of whether you have it there or order a takeaway.<\/p>\n
Tax lawyer R S Sharma said that even in case of tea, you may have to pay 18% tax if consumed in a restaurant but if you decide to have it outside, you can get away by paying 12%, which is the levy for beverages containing milk.<\/p>\n
“Supply by way of service of food or any other article or drink by a restaurant or eating joint or mess or canteen with air conditioning is subject to 18% GST.<\/p>\n
However, supply of food or other article or drink by restaurants or eating joints without AC or central heating is subject to 12% under the food and beverage services category,” he said.<\/p>\n
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