{"id":4357,"date":"2017-07-25T17:04:21","date_gmt":"2017-07-25T11:34:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.itatonline.org\/articles_new\/?p=4357"},"modified":"2017-07-25T17:08:20","modified_gmt":"2017-07-25T11:38:20","slug":"media-entertainment-industry-in-gst-regime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/media-entertainment-industry-in-gst-regime\/","title":{"rendered":"Media &#038; Entertainment Industry in GST Regime"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rajaram-Aajgaonkar.jpg\" alt=\"Rajaram-Aajgaonkar\" width=\"83\" height=\"100\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4361\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>CA Rajaram Aajgaonkar has analyzed the provisions of the Goods And Services Tax (GST) with specific reference to the Media and Entertainment industry. He has meticulously explained the implications on different categories of taxpayers such as film and TV producers, amusement parks, authors, music composers, photographers, artists etc<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The system of Indirect Taxes was  developed in India over a period of time. Based on various Central and State  Acts, various taxes were levied on manufacture or distribution of goods and  services; such as Central Excise, Service Tax, Central Sales tax, State Sales  tax, Octroi, LBT, Entertainment tax etc. As is done in many developed  countries, India wanted to migrate to one major indirect tax since last many  years but due to political reasons, this could not be achieved. Ultimately all  the formalities were concluded, including passing of bills and amending the  Constitution and Goods and Services Tax (GST) became operational from 1st  July, 2017. <\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Media and Entertainment Industry in  India has been growing at high rate due to increase of income of the subjects.  In initial years, the market for entertainment was very under-penetrated in  India. Though Entertainment is a major requirement for the well being of human  beings and the society, it was always considered as an optional activity and as  a domain of rich and well to do people. Due to the same, it was subjected to  high rate of tax under various provisions of taxing statutes. Media and  entertainment industry, being predominantly in nature of service industry, was  not subject to excise duty but it was liable to service tax and VAT. The supply  from the industry, mainly being in nature of intangibles, there were differences  of opinion in respect of various modes of supplies of entertainment; whether  they were in nature of goods or services. Goods being mainly liable to tax by  the state and services being liable to tax by Central Government, there was a  war of turf between the Central and State laws regarding taxing the use and  consumption of entertainment services; which caused a lot of litigation.  Fortunately, with GST triggering in, it is expected that the life of  entertainment industry will be easier as the industry will be liable for only  one tax on the entertainment; subject to levy of permissible local taxes. Still,  it is expected that the overall impact will be positive for the industry.<\/p>\n<p>To understand the change, it will be  desirable to understand the rates of taxes levied under the old regime and  under GST in respect of various products \/ services offered by the entertainment  industry. <\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"652\">\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Particular    of revenue<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"223\" colspan=\"2\" valign=\"top\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Old    Taxes<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>New    Levy<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>State    levies &ndash; VAT \/ Entertainment Tax<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Central    Levy &ndash; Service Tax<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Central    \/ State \/ UT GST<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Film    Producer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Sale of rights (Perpetual)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>6% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Non perpetual theatrical rights    &#8211; Domestic <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Non perpetual satellite    rights<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>6% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Non perpetual &ndash; Music    Rights<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>6% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Non perpetual lease of    various rights and re-issues thereof (Domestic)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>6% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>In-film placement<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Film    Distributors<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Lease to exhibitors and    theatres<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Theatres <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>28% + Local Levy (if any)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>TV    and radio channels<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Lease of programmes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Artists,    Technicians and Directors<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Amusement    Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Entertainment Tax as    applicable<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>28%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Entertainment    events<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Entertainment Tax as    applicable<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>28%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Sports    events like IPL<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Entertainment Tax as    applicable<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>28%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Circus,    Concerts of classical dance as well as folk dance, theatrical performance and    drama<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18% (exemption upto    consideration for admission of Rs.250\/-per person)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Award    Function, Musical Performance, etc<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Partial Exemption<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18% (exemption upto    consideration for admission of Rs.250\/-per person)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Cable    TV or DTH Services<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>State Levies<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Television    and other content Producers<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Outright Sale<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>6% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Lease of Content<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Print    Media<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>5%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Renting    of hoardings<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>28%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"240\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><strong>Subscription    Revenue<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"129\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0% &#8211; VAT<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"95\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>15%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"189\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>12%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The industry will be entitled to use the  Input Tax Credit (ITC) of GST paid to various suppliers, subject to the  conditions. <\/p>\n<p>Some of the goods and services on which ITC  is &nbsp;available under GST to the players of  the entertainment industry are as follows:-<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Types    of Goods<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Nature    of Services<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p align=\"center\"><strong>Input    Tax Credits of GST<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Set material<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Food Supplied on sets<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Costumes <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Renting of hotels \/    locations<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18% \/ 28% (as the case may    be)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Renting of Vehicle<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>0%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Renting of equipment<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Artist services<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Director and technicians<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Extra Artist Agency<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Singers dancers<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Security services<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"201\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>Writer services<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"199\" valign=\"top\">\n<p>18%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<p>There were certain issues about the tax  liability in respect certain transactions of the entertainment industry before and  after the advent of GST. Some of them were as follows:- <\/p>\n<p>(1) In  case of certain lease of film \/ television content rights, there was a controversy  as to whether the transactions were that of sale of goods or providing services.  If the transactions were considered as that of sale of goods, VAT would be  applicable, which was payable to State Government. If the transactions were  treated that of services, Service Tax would have been applicable, which would  have been payable to Central Government. Therefore, the transactions triggered turf  war between the two Acts. As a result, in many&nbsp;  cases, the transactions were made liable to VAT as well as Service Tax,  thereby increasing the burden of taxes. In the state of Maharashtra, such  burden was at 21% (15% Service Tax and 6% VAT). Now with the advent of GST, the  transactions will be regarded as supply of services, which will attract rate of  12% as applicable to temporary or permanent transfer or permitting the use or  enjoyment of copy rights.\n<\/p>\n<p>(2) Before  GST regime, the tickets of films used to attract Entertainment Tax based on the  State laws. There was no set off of the Entertainment Tax against Service Tax  or VAT paid by the distributor and so the levies were cumulative. The ultimate  customer used to bear the burden of taxes paid by the distributor as well as  the Entertainment Tax paid by the theatre owner. With the introduction of GST,  the entertainment tax levied by the State Government is abolished. <\/p>\n<p>However,  the tax can be levied by the municipality or local authorities as prescribed. Such  tax is not entitled to get adjusted against GST paid and that can become an  additional levy. The State of Tamilnadu has levied such tax @ 30% on film  tickets, which resulted in strike by the film distributors and the theatre  owners as the tax burden becomes heavier than before. <\/p>\n<p>(3) The theatrical rights of films were not liable  for VAT or Service Tax. Now with GST triggering in, sale or lease of all the  rights will attract GST. To that extent, the burden on the industry will  increase. The silver lining is, the producers as well as the distributors will  be able to take full Input Tax Credit (ITC) on their input costs, which was not  available in full. The level of credit will depend on the inputs of goods and  services used by the producers and whether they are being acquired from the  registered dealer. Certain costs which constitute a major element of cost for  production of films and television content such as food, beverages, outdoor  catering, vehicle hire etc. will not be entitled for ITC due to specific  provisions.\n<\/p>\n<p>In  case of film distributors, they will be able to take benefit of ITC of GST paid  by producers and similarly the theatre owners will be able to take ITC of GST  paid by the distributors. The rate of tax payable by the ultimate customers of  the industry, being 28% on the tickets purchased, the ITC is likely to be fully  absorbed. <\/p>\n<p>(4) The  reverse charge mechanism, as was applicable in Service Tax, is also applicable  to GST. In such scenario, the recipient of service pays the tax instead of the  supplier. The scope of reverse charge mechanism has been expanded in GST as  compared to Service Tax. Though there are certain categories of services which  are liable for reverse charge mechanism as was in Service Tax, the major change  is that the reverse charge mechanism will also be applicable in respect of  goods and services procured from persons who are not registered under GST. Therefore,  purchases from the suppliers of goods and services, who are not liable for GST  due to their turnover being below the basic threshold limit of Rs.20 lacs (Rs.10  lacs in case of specified states), GST will have to be paid by the registered  person consuming the goods or services. In entertainment industry, large  section of service providers and even suppliers are small suppliers or service  providers. Purchases from them will attract GST in hands of the entity, who is  registered and using the goods \/ services. Apart from paying the tax, the  compliance level will be substantial due to preparation of invoices required to  be done. The fortunate part is, GST  paid under the reverse charge mechanism will be available as Input Tax Credit.  Nevertheless, it is bound to increase the compliance cost as well as the basic  cost of input. As the recipients of services have to take goods \/ services from  suppliers in small locations, especially when they go for outdoor shooting, the  compliance needs as well as cost may increase.\n<\/p>\n<p>(5) One  more important issue is that in case of a film producer or a television content  producer, GST rate applicable for exploitation of films or television content  is 12%. The major portion of input in a film or a TV serial is services given  by artists, technicians and other persons and various rentals paid which attract  18% GST. So major inputs are received with 18% GST credit but the output is charged  at 12% GST rate. In case of many films, which do not fair well or could not be  exploited to the extent of breakeven level, Input Tax Credit of GST paid will  remain unutilised and may have to be written off. Similarly in case of TV  serials, which cannot be sold at remunerative price, ITC may remain unutilised.  To that extent, the profitability of the industry may get hampered though a  preferential GST rate of 12% has been notified.\n<\/p>\n<p>(6) A  major cause of concern for various amusement and entertainment parks is that  the rate applicable to them has been notified at 28%. This rate is quite stiff  and it equates to the rate applicable to the services offered by casinos, race  courses etc. It may not be appropriate to consider the entertainment parks,  where generally a family goes for entertainment; with casinos, race courses  etc. Many of the entertainment parks also educate the visitors in respect of  history, geography, science, vocation etc. These centres earlier used to  attract entertainment tax based on the rates notified in the State and also  Service Tax since last couple of years. Many newly set of entertainment parks  also had tax exemption for certain period and many others were taxed at lower  rate of entertainment tax as compared to films and similar other sources of  pure entertainment. Now these parks will attract higher rate of GST and the  exemption granted by the State will get nullified. The high GST rate can have  substantial repercussion on the industry and such parks or entertainment  centres may struggle to survive as today&rsquo;s generation is preferring sedentary  entertainment mainly provided by films, television, internet etc.\n<\/p>\n<p>(7) It  has been a practice of many States to give exemption for regional films as well  as films spreading positive messages to Society to give relief of entertainment  tax or to grant exemption for a period. This power of the State will get  abolished as GST will be levied and the State may not be able to tamper with to  give relief to such films.\n<\/p>\n<p>(8) The  production of feature films and TV serials entails shooting for late hours and  at various locations. It is a common practice in the industry to serve food and  beverages to staff and others present, give outdoor catering services at  various shooting locations and provide mode of conveyance. These expenses constitute  substantial cost of production but GST paid on the same will not be allowed as  ITC.\n<\/p>\n<p>(9) Under  GST regime, though the entertainment tax has been merged with GST, an authority  is given to a Panchayat \/Municipality \/Regional council\/ District councils to  levy and collect taxes on entertainment and amusement. This appears to be a  backdoor entry of entertainment tax.<\/p>\n<p>As  of now, such taxes are levied only in a few States. Considering the fact that  most of the States are keen on augmenting their resources to cover up their budgetary  deficit, many of the States are likely to follow the suit. If that happens, the  likely gains, which the industry may make by GST, will be easily wiped out and  the industry may struggle under the heavy burden of tax.<\/p>\n<p>(10) Place  of supply of service may also cause some issue for the entertainment industry. In  case of shows of entertainers, dramas, etc. and activities such as that of event  management, which are provided at various locations from time to time and  expenses are incurred for such performance at various locations outside the  state of registration of the service provider, he may not be able to claim the  benefit of ITC for GST paid on products and services consumed by him out of the  State of his registration, unless he takes registration in such a State as a  casual taxable person.\n<\/p>\n<p>(11) Similarly,  in case of outdoor shooting, which takes place outside the State of  registration of the producer, he may not be able to take credit of GST incurred  on certain purchases and services procured in that State, in the absence of  registration in that State. In such a case, it may be advisable to appoint an  intermediary in the form of line producer registered in that State for  undertaking the credit of GST paid in the State, which can be transferred by  him to the producer by billing to him.\n<\/p>\n<p>(12) In  case of online entertainment services such as digital streaming, online music  and games; if the services are provided by a person located in non taxable  territory and services are to be received by consumers resident in India, there  is an onerous duty casted on him. Such supplier is required to appoint a  representative in India for registering and paying GST on the services rendered  by him.\n<\/p>\n<p>(13) Supplier  of services by an author, music composer, photographer, artist or like by way  of transfer or permitting the use of enjoyment of copyright covered under  clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 13 of the Copyright Act, 1957 have  been now made subject to reverse charge by Notification dated 28th  June, 2017. <\/p>\n<p>GST appears to be a positive legislation  for entertainment industry in general. The positive impact of the same hinges  on its smooth implementation and abstinence of further taxing by State  Government and local authorities to increase the burden on business as well as  consumers. Its success will also depend on fairness in implementation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"journal2\">\nReproduced with permission from the AIFTP Journal <\/div>\n<table width=\"103%\" border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"0\" bgcolor=\"#FFFFCC\">\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Disclaimer: <\/strong>The  contents of this document are solely for informational purpose. It does not  constitute professional advice or a formal recommendation. While due care has  been taken in preparing this document, the existence of mistakes and omissions  herein is not ruled out. Neither the author nor itatonline.org and its  affiliates accepts any liabilities for any loss or damage of any kind arising  out of any inaccurate or incomplete information in this document nor for any  actions taken in reliance thereon. No part of this document should be  distributed or copied (except for personal, non-commercial use) without  express written permission of itatonline.org<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CA Rajaram Aajgaonkar has analyzed the provisions of the Goods And Services Tax (GST) with specific reference to the Media and Entertainment industry. He has meticulously explained the implications on different categories of taxpayers such as film and TV producers, amusement parks, authors, music composers, photographers, artists etc<\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/media-entertainment-industry-in-gst-regime\/\">Read more &#8250;<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4357","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4357","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4357"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4357\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4357"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4357"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/itatonline.org\/articles_new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4357"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}