Hostel accommodation: Students have to shell out more with 12% GST

Students will have to shell out more for hostel accommodation as a 12 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) would be applicable on the rent paid, the Authority of Advance Ruling (AAR) said in two separate cases.

The Bengaluru bench of AAR said hostels are not akin to residential dwelling units and hence are not exempt from GST. In an advance ruling sought by Srisai Luxurious Stay LLP, the AAR said GST exemption was applicable to the accommodation services, levying charges up to Rs 1,000/- per day, provided by hotels, clubs, campsites, and others till July 17, 2022.

“PG/Hostel Rent paid by inhabitants do not qualify for GST exemption as the services provided by applicant are not akin to renting of residential dwelling for use as residence,” the Bengaluru bench said. GST on reverse charge will be applicable on the rental to be paid to the landowners by the applicant as the services of the applicant are leviable to GST and thus the applicant has to obtain GST registration, it added.

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“Residential dwelling is a residential accommodation meant for permanent stay and does not include guest house, lodge or like places. In the instant case, the applicant in his own admission claims to be providing PG/hostel services which inter alia refer to paying guest accommodation/hostel services and are akin to guest house and lodging services and therefore can’t be termed as residential dwelling,” the Bengaluru bench said.

In a similar reference by Noida-based VS Institute & Hostel Pvt Ltd, the Lucknow bench of the AAR said that GST would apply on hostel accommodation costing less than Rs 1,000 per day.

“Hence, from July 18, 2022, onward services provided by an applicant will be (covered under GST for taxation),” the Lucknow bench of AAR said.

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AMRG & Associates Senior Partner Rajat Mohan said 12 per cent tax on student accommodation in hostels and dormitories would lead to a higher cost for Indian families. “The GST Council may consider taking a policy decision to neutralise the tax cost built into the entire education ecosystem, including student’s accommodation,” Mohan said.

(With agency inputs)