Eating Out To Get Cheaper, GST Rate On Restaurants Slashed To 5% | Read

The GST Council on Friday in the biggest tax overhaul slashed tax rates on over 200 items, ranging from chewing gum to chocolates, to beauty products to wrist watches to provide relief to consumers and businesses. As many as 178 items of daily use were shifted from the top tax bracket of 28 per cent to 18 per cent. After these changes, only 50 items will attract GST rate of 28 per cent. Tax on two items was cut from 28 per cent to 12 per cent while on six items was reduced from 18 per cent to 5 per cent. On eight items, tax was reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent and on six items from 5 per cent to nil. However five-star restaurants within starred-hotels with room rent above Rs. 7,500 will attract 18 per cent and can still avail ITC benefits, the council said. Outdoor catering will attract 18 per cent GST with input tax credit benefits.