Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

The <keyword id="19994390" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="GST-Council" source="keywords">GST Council</keyword> on Monday is expected to deliberate on a host of issues, including <keyword id="20118944" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="taxation" source="keywords">taxation</keyword> of insurance premiums, GoM's suggestions on rate rationalisation, and a status report on <keyword id="19939772" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-gaming" source="keywords">online gaming</keyword>, sources said. Sources said the fitment committee, comprising Centre and state tax officials, will present a report on GST levied on life, health and reinsurance premiums and the revenue implications. The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising state ministers, will decide on whether to reduce the tax burden on <keyword id="19894985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-insurance" source="keywords">health insurance</keyword> from the current 18% or exempt certain categories of individuals, like senior citizens. The deliberations will also happen with regard to the goods and services tax (GST) cut on <keyword id="23083492" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="life-insurance-premium" source="keywords">life insurance premium</keyword>. In 2023-24, the Centre and states collected Rs 8,262.94 crore through GST on health <keyword id="22612491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="insurance-premium" source="keywords">insurance premium</keyword>, while Rs 1,484.36 crore was collected on account of GST on health reinsurance premium. The issue of taxation on insurance premium figured in Parliament discussions with opposition members demanding that health and life insurance premiums be exempt from GST. Even Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote to Sitharaman on the issue. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her reply to discussion on the Finance Bill had said 75% of the GST collected goes to states and opposition members should ask their state finance ministers to bring the proposal at the GST Council. West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya had raised the issue in the meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalisation last month and the matter was referred to the fitment committee for further data analysis. The GoM had opined against any tinkering of four-tier GST slab of 5, 12, 18, and 28 % for the time being. The panel, however, had asked the fitment committee to look into any scope for rationalisation of rates of goods and services. With regard to online gaming, Centre and state tax officers will present a "status report" before the GST Council. The report would include <keyword id="20053837" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST-revenue" source="keywords">GST revenue</keyword> collection from the online gaming sector before and after October 1, 2023. From October 1, 2023, entry-level bets placed on online gaming platforms and casinos were subject to 28% GST. Prior to that, many online gaming companies were not paying 28% GST, arguing that there were differential tax rates for games of skill and games of chance. The GST Council in its meeting in August 2023 had clarified that online gaming platforms were required to pay 28% tax and subsequently, Central GST law was amended to make the taxation provision clear. Offshore gaming platforms were also mandated to register with GST authorities and pay taxes, failing which the government would block those sites. The council had then decided that the taxation on online gaming sector would be reviewed after six months of its implementation. Sources said the Council would deliberate on the status of taxation on the sector, and any change in tax rates is unlikely. Besides, the Council is likely to be apprised about the ongoing drive against fake registration, the success of the drive and action taken against such entities. The total amount of suspected GST evasion would also be presented before the Council. The drive, from August 16, 2024, to October 15, 2024, is aimed at detecting suspicious/fake GSTINs and to conduct requisite verification and further remedial action to weed out these fake billers. In the first drive between May 16, 2023 to July 15, 2023, against fake registration, 21,791 entities (11,392 pertaining to state tax jurisdiction and 10,399 pertaining to CBIC jurisdiction) having GST registration were discovered to be non-existent. An amount of Rs 24,010 crore (state - Rs 8,805 crore + centre - Rs 15,205 crore) of suspected tax evasion was detected during the special drive. Also, the Council would approve notifications, including that of the amnesty scheme, announced in the last council meeting. The council in June meeting took a host of taxpayer-friendly measures, including waiver of interest and penalty for demand notices issued in the first three years of GST -- 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 -- if the full tax demanded is paid by March 31, 2025. To reduce litigation, a monetary limit for tax officers, to file appeals before the GST Appellate Tribunal, the High Court and the Supreme Court was fixed at Rs 20 lakh, Rs 1 crore and Rs 2 crore, respectively, by the Council. It also recommended a reduction of the quantum of pre-deposit required to be paid by taxpayers for filing of appeals under goods and services tax (GST).

GST Council to deliberate on taxation of insurance premium, report on online gaming tomorrow

<ul><li>About 60% of citizens want the GST rate on cryptocurrencies to be 28% or higher.</li><li>Eight in ten Indians are in favour of imposing 28% or higher GST on online games, casinos and horse racing.</li><li>8 in 10 Indians want 28% of higher GST on casinos, online games and horse races</li></ul>Six in ten Indians are in favour of keeping cryptocurrencies under the 28% or higher goods and services tax (GST) bracket, according to a report by community social media platform LocalCircles. Meanwhile, eight in ten Indians are also in favour of imposing a similar GST slab on online games, casinos and horse racing. The survey — which was based on 34,000 responses from citizens residing in 319 districts — revealed that 34% citizens were for the aforementioned GST slab on cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, 7% of the responders voted for “40%” tax slab, 19% voted for over “50%” tax slab. About 22% did not have an opinion on it. On an aggregate basis, 60% of citizens want the GST rate on cryptocurrencies to be 28% or higher. This question received 12,330 responses. According to a <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/business/tax/gst-council-to-consider-levying-28-tax-on-bitcoin-other-cryptocurrencies-know-more-5137639.html">report </a>by CNBC TV 18, the GST Council will take up a proposal to impose<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/crypto-tax-in-india-government-may-levy-28-percent-gst/articleshow/91439216.cms"> 28% GST</a> on all services related to cryptocurrency. The government’s view is to keep cryptocurrency at par with lotteries, casinos, racecourses and betting, the report had noted. The development comes only a few months after the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman imposed a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/investment/news/crypto-tax-in-india-kicks-in-from-april-heres-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/90344479.cms">30% tax on the gains on cryptocurrencies</a>, along with 1% tax deducted at source (TDS). <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Taxation on online games, casino and horse racing" comment="subhead" text="Taxation on online games, casino and horse racing">Taxation on online games, casino and horse racing</cmsannotation> On the taxation on online games, casinos and horse racing, 45% citizens were in favour of 28% GST on this leisure activity. Meanwhile, 7% of the responders voted for a 40% tax slab, 27% voted for over 50%. Only one percent of the respondents believed that online gaming, casino and horse racing should be exempted from GST, while six percent did not have an opinion on it. This question in the survey received 12,097 responses. Overall, 79% of the respondents wanted 28% or higher GST on these activities. In May, a Group of Ministers (GoM) <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/group-of-ministers-agree-to-levy-28-gst-on-casino-race-course-and-online-gaming/articleshow/91638515.cms?from=mdr">agreed</a> to recommend hiking the GST on casinos, race courses and online gaming services to 28%. Currently, the GST rate applicable on online games involving betting or gambling is 28% and for the ones without betting or gambling, it is 18%. On horse racing, GST is levied at 28% on the total bet value. SEE ALSO <a class="tout-title-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/tough-times-will-make-startups-go-for-hero-teams-slash-ad-budgets-and-focus-on-profits/articleshow/92270583.cms" style="">Tough times will make startups go for ‘hero teams’, slash ad budgets and focus on profits</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/spicejet-hiked-its-ticket-prices-indigo-and-others-might-follow-suit/articleshow/92251751.cms" style="">SpiceJet hiked its ticket prices; Indigo and others might follow suit</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ready-to-take-off-rakesh-jhunjhunwalas-akasa-air-receives-its-first-boeing-aircraft/articleshow/92247189.cms" style="">Ready to take off – Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's Akasa Air receives its first Boeing aircraft</a>

8 in 10 Indians want 28% or higher GST on casinos, online games and horse races

<ul><li>The Indian government is reportedly all set to increase <keyword id="6354679" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="gst" source="Orion">GST</keyword> on online gaming to 28%, a proposal that could spell trouble for the industry and players alike. </li><li>The online gaming industry is expected to cross $5 billion valuation by 2025, but the taxman’s greed could kill the golden-egg laying hen. </li><li>Experts are worried about the impact this could have on the industry – both the players and the businesses, which are still in their early days. </li></ul>The Indian government is reportedly all set to tax casinos, online gaming and horse racing at the highest slab of GST – 28%. Looks like the taxman is intent on treating these recreational activities and skills on par with tobacco, cigarettes, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/28-gst-on-crypto-transactions-india-is-reportedly-mulling-another-tax-levy-next-week/articleshow/92407767.cms">cryptocurrencies</a> and luxury cars. Online betting, gambling, casinos and horse racing have long been treated ‘unfairly’ by the Indian taxman – while GST has been considerably moderate at 18% until now. Winnings and other income earned from these activities have been taxed at the highest rate of 30% without any deductions whatsoever. Now, a new <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/28-gst-likely-on-casinos-online-gaming-horse-races-on-gross-revenue/articleshow/92474293.cms?from=mdr">report</a> suggests that the government is mulling increasing the GST rate to 28% – the highest in effect currently. This will be applicable on compulsory food and beverages as well, driving up the costs for businesses and participants. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="92356710" title="INTERVIEW: The big picture on 5G, Big Tech-telco war with COAI’s Dr SP Kochhar" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Fantasies are taxed too, and that too doubly" comment="subhead" text="Fantasies are taxed too, and that too doubly">Fantasies are taxed too, and that too doubly</cmsannotation> The government proposal says that GST will be charged on the gross revenue, not the net value added, which goes against both global tax ethics – as well as the very foundation of the GST regime, which intends to remove the undesirable double taxation effect. "Taxing online gaming, horse racing, and casinos at gross revenue instead of net value addition would be a departure from the global tax ethics," Rajat Mohan, senior partner, AMRG &amp; Associates told PTI. This could have an adverse impact on the entire industry. For instance, the online gaming sector which includes the likes of MPL, Zupee, Winzo and other startups, is expected to cross $5 billion in valuation by 2025, according to a <a href="https://www.ibef.org/blogs/india-s-nascent-gaming-industry-on-the-rise">IBEF report</a>. The government earned nearly ₹1,500 crore from fantasy sports in the form of taxes in FY21. A Deloitte report says that the combined industry contribution could cross a whopping ₹16,000 crore cumulatively over the next two years. And the taxman believes that he found a goose which lays golden eggs. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The costly game of confusion" comment="subhead" text="The costly game of confusion">The costly game of confusion</cmsannotation> The online gaming industry has been plagued by the ambiguous nature of government’s tax policies. The taxman has often been said to be confused about the nature of online games – whether those involve skills or are just gambling. It might be justified to tax gambling at the highest rate of tax, but experts believe that punishing games of skill in the same manner is unfair. To make matters worse, the government wants to raise the tax from 18% to 28%. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mukesh Ambani, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and more, to be affected" comment="subhead" text="Mukesh Ambani, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and more, to be affected">Mukesh Ambani, <keyword id="6398943" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="rakesh-jhunjhunwala" source="Orion">Rakesh Jhunjhunwala</keyword> and more, to be affected</cmsannotation> This can also have an adverse impact on telcos, which are banking on online gaming as a new revenue stream as the industry seems to be entering a phase of stagnation. “Rather than being just the pipe, telcos like Jio (RIL owned) and Bharti are focusing on gaming as an incremental source of ad/subscription revenue. In fact, RIL believes that gaming in India will be bigger than music, movies and television shows put together,” said a report by Bank of America Securities. This could also impact <keyword id="201442" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="delta-corp" source="Orion">Delta Corp</keyword>, the only listed casino operator in the country which has seen its fortunes fade away, with even Rakesh Jhunjhunwala paring down his holdings in the company considerably. <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype=""><cdata><![CDATA[]]></cdata></div> “This would be a distress the business model to a great extent as the touted super tax will have to be funded either by the platform, who do not make that kind of money in this business or would go on to reduce the prize pool size – effectively bringing down the interest in customer engagement,” Adarsh Somani, senior partner at ELP Law, told Business Insider India. This would wreak havoc on the gaming industry, and even if the government wants to reduce difficulties by offering a single – but higher – rate of tax, the valuation methodology will have to be made clear, Somani added. As things stand today, there is plenty of ambiguity that will have to be worked out by the government – even a small misstep could spell a lot of trouble for the gaming industry and its participants. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/auto-and-finance-stocks-can-bounce-back-even-if-the-market-crashes-in-july/articleshow/92436186.cms">Auto and finance stocks can bounce back even if the market crashes in July</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rbi-kept-the-rupee-exceptionally-stable-so-far-and-the-tide-could-turn-for-the-better-say-experts/articleshow/92414356.cms">RBI kept the rupee ‘exceptionally’ stable so far, and the tide could turn for the better say experts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/interview-the-big-picture-on-5g-big-tech-telco-war-with-coais-dr-sp-kochhar/articleshow/92356710.cms">INTERVIEW: The big picture on 5G, Big Tech-telco war with COAI’s Dr SP Kochhar</a>

India is betting on casinos, online games and horse races to fill its coffers

New Delhi, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the 28 per cent GST on full face value of supplies in casinos, race courses and online gaming will result in higher revenues. The online gaming segment grew by 28 per cent in 2021 to reach USD 1.9 billion, as per NITI Aayog estimates referred in the Draft National Policy for Growth of Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comic &amp; Extended Reality sector in India prepared by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman said casinos are currently paying 28 per cent GST on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Online gaming industry supplying actionable claims and some horse race clubs are currently paying GST at the rate of 18 per cent on platform fees/commission ranging from 5 to 20 per cent of the full face value, while some horse race clubs are paying 28 per cent on the full face value. Sitharaman said online gaming companies supplying actionable claims and some horse race clubs paying 18 per cent on platform fee/commission are disputing the 28 per cent levy on actionable claims in the form of betting and gambling before various legal fora. "It is anticipated that the levy of 28 per cent on full face value, as recommended in the 50th <keyword id="6355040" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gst-council" source="Orion">GST Council</keyword> meeting, will result in increase of revenue from current levels," Sitharaman added.

28% GST on face value in casinos, online gaming, horse racing will increase revenue collection: FM

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6354679" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gst" source="Orion">GST</keyword> Council has levied a 28% rate to casiones, <keyword id="149956" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="horse-racing" source="Orion">horse racing</keyword>, etc on the amount the gaming company earns from its users. </li><li>The GST Council has recommended removing the critical distinction between game of skill and <keyword id="10751675" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="game-of-chance" source="Orion">game of chance</keyword>. </li><li>The decision is expected to hit the <keyword id="6422069" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-gaming" source="Orion">online gaming</keyword> industry hard and the shares of listed players has taken a nosedive. </li></ul>The online gaming industry woke up expecting a bad day on Dalal Street after the 50th GST Council announced its decision to levy a 28% GST on online gaming, along with horse racing and <keyword id="71409" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="casinos" source="Orion">casinos</keyword>. As expected, shares of listed players like Nazara Tech and Delta Corp took a major hit with the latter nosediving 20%. The online gaming industry stakeholders have termed the 28% GST on the full value of gaming as "irrational and egregious", saying that the move is a self goal that will kill the skilled online gaming sector in the country. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="But first, what is the dispute" comment="subhead" text="But first, what is the dispute">But first, what is the dispute</cmsannotation> The main debate has been about online gaming categorisation, whether it is a game of skill or a game of chance. “The Government is saying that if it is a game of chance, it will come under the category of betting, gambling, so there will be a GST of 28% on the gross value. The industry is saying that it is a game of skill and should be liable to18% GST, not on the gross value, but only on the commission component,” explains Pratik Jain, Partner, PwC India, a professional services firm. Roland Landers, CEO of the All India Gaming Federation, said that the decision ignores over 60 years of settled legal jurisprudence and lumps online skill gaming with gambling activities. "We believe this decision by the GST Council is unconstitutional, irrational, and egregious. This decision will wipe out the entire Indian gaming industry and lead to lakhs of job losses and the only people benefitting from this will be anti-national illegal offshore platforms," reads his statement. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The impact on the online gaming industry" comment="subhead" text="The impact on the online gaming industry">The impact on the online gaming industry</cmsannotation> Experts and gaming company owners agree that this is going to adversely impact the gaming industry in a major way. “It will be interesting to see the business impact for the online gaming sector considering that this sector has been touted to have significant growth potential,” says Shilpy Chaturvedi, Partner, Deloitte India, a professional services firm. Joy Bhattacharjya, Director-General, Federation of Indian <keyword id="34077" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fantasy" source="Orion">Fantasy</keyword> Sports (FIFS), says that as pointed out by FIFS and many of its members on numerous occasions, change in valuation to tax on the total consideration will cause irreversible damage to the industry, loss of revenue to the exchequer and loss of employment for lakhs of skilled engineers. “The decision will have a chilling effect on the $2.5 billion of FDI already invested by investors and jeopardise potentially any further FDI in the sector. Further, this decision will shift users to illegal betting platforms leading to user risk and loss of revenue for the government,” says Bhattacharjya. Experts say that the higher tax burden will also put a blocker on India’s expanding gaming industry, and deter the new player from entering the industry. Industry insider, Mitesh Gangar, the co- founder and director of PlayerzPot, a fantasy gaming company, says that the move will corner the gaming industry in a big way. “The overall operations will not be feasible. The high tax burden will completely restrict the cash flow, limiting a company’s ability to invest in research, innovation, expansion or survival,” he said. The government on its part has said that the move isn’t targeting any particular industry. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “The decisions were intensive and were taken after consultation with all the members, including those representing states like Goa and Sikkim where casinos form a key part of the tourism sector."

Online gaming industry says 28% GST makes operations unfeasible

<ul><li>MSMEs hold immense potential in supporting India’s ambitious vision of a $40 trillion economy by 2047, says industry body Assocham.</li><li>Banks can fund <keyword id="6358354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="msme" source="Orion">MSME</keyword> working capital requirements against <keyword id="4572080" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST-filings" source="Orion">GST filings</keyword>, suggests Assocham.</li><li>Another suggestion is to come up with a similar structure of REITs and InVITs, an investment trust that lends specifically to MSMEs via pooling.</li></ul>The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector has played a meaningful role in India’s growth. The sector holds immense potential in supporting India’s ambitious vision of a $40 trillion economy by 2047, says a report by industry body Assocham. However, the real struggle for small businesses lies in fundraising for future growth. The report highlighted challenges faced by MSMEs in terms of fundraising and recommended ways to solve the problem. “An April 2022 report by the Standing Committee on Finance estimated the credit gap in the MSME sector to the tune of ₹20-25 trillion. Therefore, funding via alternative sources apart from bank credit needs to be augmented for the MSME segment,” said the report. Given that nearly 60% of MSMEs raise funds through informal sources, formalization of the sector is necessary to facilitate growth, the industry body says. “To this end, banks could fund working capital requirements against GST filings, which are more reliable quantitatively, as compared to collateralized loans. This would not only enable MSMEs easy access to funds but also spur formalization through GST registrations,” Assocham said. Another suggestion is to come up with a similar structure of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and infrastructure investment trusts (InVITs). The industry body says that an investment trust that lends specifically to MSMEs via pooling – can be created. Disclosures a challenge with SME IPOs Apart from credit, small businesses also find it tough to raise equity. Raising funds by going public via <keyword id="5559702" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SME-IPO" source="Orion">SME IPO</keyword> is also a challenge due to strict disclosure requirements. BSE SME Exchange was launched in 2012 while NSE launched SME Emerge platform and Nifty SME EMERGE Index in 2017 to encourage MSME companies to get public. “In November 2021, BSE also collaborated with the All-India MSME Association (AIMA) to encourage and promote the listing of MSMEs and start-ups through the SME platform. Although these steps helped overall resource mobilization in the initial years, evident from the gradual rise in number of MSMEs that have moved to the main board, we have not seen equity emerge as a source of MSME financing in a big way,” said the report. While tough disclosure remains a challenge, data shows that SME IPOs have witnessed good growth with hundreds of companies launching their issues with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/small-is-the-new-big-sme-ipos-double-in-2022-while-mainboard-ipos-halve/articleshow/96618323.cms#:~:text=mainboard%20IPOs%20halve-,Small%20is%20the%20new%20big%3A%20SME%20IPOs%20double,2022%2C%20while%20mainboard%20IPOs%20halve&amp;text=In%202022%2C%20108%20SME%20IPOs,age%20technology%20IPOs%2C%20last%20year.">stellar performances</a>. In 2022, 108 SME IPOs were launched, as against 60 the year before. A net worth between ₹1 crore and ₹25 crore is one of the listing requirements for SME IPOs on BSE, as per BSE Stock Exchange. The minimum investment amount for an SME IPOs is quite large compared to regular IPOs – ₹1 lakh for SME IPOs versus nearly ₹15,000 for regular IPOs. The report also revealed that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is in process of finalizing the new industrial policy, which amongst other things, encourages MSMEs to choose the corporate bond market. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/mutual-funds-raise-bets-on-mid-small-cap-stocks-amid-volatile-markets/articleshow/98516460.cms">Mutual funds raise bets on mid &amp; small-cap stocks amid volatile markets</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/fpis-continue-to-be-bearish-on-oil-gas-power-stocks-in-february-offload-equities-worth-7821-crore-in-the-two-sectors/articleshow/98511897.cms">FPIs continue to be bearish on oil &amp; gas, power stocks in February, offload equities worth ₹7,821 crore in the two sectors</a>

REIT-like structures, loans against GST filings can help solve MSME fundraising problems: Assocham

Chandigarh, Jun 29 (PTI) The <keyword id="6354679" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gst" source="Orion">GST</keyword> Council on Wednesday deferred decision on levying a 28 per cent tax on casinos, online gaming, horse racing and lottery pending more consultations with stakeholders, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. A group of ministers headed by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has been asked to consider submissions of stakeholders again on the valuation mechanism and submit its report by July 15, she told reporters here. The council will meet again in the first week of August to decide on the issue, she said. A two-day meeting of the panel considered a report of the GoM but deferred a decision as Goa and some others wanted to make more submissions. The GoM had recommended that online gaming should be taxed at the full value of the consideration, including the contest entry fee paid by the player on participating in the game. In cases of race courses, it had suggested that GST be levied on the full value of bets pooled in the totalisators and placed with the bookmakers. It also recommended that no distinction should be made on grounds of game of skill or game of chance for the purpose of the levy of GST and should be taxed at the highest rate of 28 per cent. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/zepto-dunzo-among-the-next-122-unicorns-from-india-heres-the-complete-hurun-list/articleshow/92545281.cms">Zepto, Dunzo among the next 122 unicorns from India — here's the complete Hurun list</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rupee-could-slide-to-82-as-a-strong-dollar-is-nullifying-rbi-efforts/articleshow/92543254.cms">Rupee could slide to 82 as a strengthening dollar is nullifying RBI efforts</a>

GST on casinos, lotteries, horse races deferred as Nirmala Sitharaman reconsiders

<ul><li>Decriminalisation of offences under the GST law, setting up appellate tribunals and mechanism to curb tax evasion in pan masala, gutkha businesses among the issues to be discussed.</li><li>Besides, GST on online gaming and casinos may come up for deliberations at the Council meeting.</li><li>With regard to taxation of online gaming, casinos and horse racing, the GoM, in its last meeting in November, had agreed on a 28 per cent GST on these segments.</li></ul> Decriminalisation of offences under the GST law, setting up appellate tribunals and mechanism to curb tax evasion in pan masala and gutkha businesses are among the issues slated to be discussed in the <keyword id="3680839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gst-council-meeting" source="Orion">GST Council meeting</keyword> which began on Saturday morning. Besides, GST on online gaming and casinos may come up for deliberations at the Council meeting. The Group of Ministers (GoM), chaired by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, set up last year on the issue had submitted its report to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday. The Council would also consider a report of tax officers and give clarity on the rate applicability in certain goods and services. "Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman chairs the 48th meeting of the GST Council via virtual mode, in New Delhi, today," the finance ministry tweeted. With regard to decriminalisation of offences, the law committee of the GST Council, comprising tax officers from the Centre and states, has suggested to the Council to increase the monetary threshold for launching prosecution for GST offences. The law committee has also suggested that the fee payable by taxpayer for compounding of GST offences be lowered to 25 per cent of the tax amount, from up to 150 per cent currently, with a view to improving ease of doing business. It has suggested raising the threshold of launching prosecution to Rs 20 crore, from Rs 5 crore at present. Launching of prosecution by taxmen means commencement of legal proceedings against the offender. The report of the GoM on tax evasion by pan masala and gutkha companies is likely to be taken up for discussion in the Council, sources said. With regard to setting up of Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunals (GSTATs), the GoM has suggested that the tribunals should consist of two judicial members, and one technical member each from the Centre and states, besides a retired Supreme Court judge as President, sources said. The GoM on GSTATs was set up in July under the chairmanship of Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala. With regard to taxation of online gaming, casinos and horse racing, the GoM, in its last meeting in November, had agreed on a 28 per cent GST on these segments. However, in absence of consensus on whether the tax should be levied on only the fees charged by the portal or the entire consideration, including the bet amount, received from participants, the GoM had decided to refer all suggestions to the GST Council for a final decision. Currently, online gaming attracts 18 per cent GST. The tax is levied on gross gaming revenue, which is the fees charged by online gaming portals. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/how-indians-have-spent-their-money-on-swiggy-in-2022/slidelist/96285686.cms">Spending ₹75,000 on an order to buying groceries worth ₹16.6 lakh, here’s how Indians used Swiggy in 2022</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-electric-scooters-in-india-in-2023/articleshow/96278794.cms">From Suzuki and TVS to Hero Electric: Here are some of the top electric scooters expected to launch in 2023</a>

GST Council meet: decriminalisation, tax evasion in pan masala, gutkha biz on agenda

New Delhi, <keyword id="6355629" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="google">Google</keyword> has allowed gambling and betting apps on its Play Store that will be available for users in 15 countries including the US. Currently, <keyword id="9960110" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="gambling-apps">gambling apps</keyword> are only allowed in four countries: <keyword id="6355226" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="brazil">Brazil</keyword>, <keyword id="6354785" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="france">France</keyword>, <keyword id="6358817" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="ireland">Ireland</keyword>, and the UK. From March 1, the new policy changes in <keyword id="6369511" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="google-play-store">Google Play Store</keyword> will allow authorised and legal gambling apps like online casino games, lotteries, sports betting and daily fantasy sports that will depend on whether these gambling apps are allowed in the approved countries. The new rules will permit gambling apps in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the US. Google said that the new rules applies as long as the developer completes the application process for gambling apps being distributed on Play, is an approved governmental operator and/or is registered as a licensed operator with the appropriate governmental gambling authority in the specified country. "For all other apps which do not meet the eligibility requirements for gambling apps noted above, we don't allow content or services that enable or facilitate users' ability to wager, stake, or participate using real money (including in-app items purchased with money) to obtain a prize of real world monetary value". Google said that a developer must successfully complete the application process in order to distribute the app on Play and the app must comply with all applicable laws and industry standards for each country in which it is distributed. On Thursday, Google <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> said it is simplifying the policies around gamified loyalty programmes and features in the country, that are based on a qualified monetary transaction in the app and offer prizes of cash or other real-world value. The policy provides updated guidance on the use of features such as a spin-the-wheel experience, a guessing game, or a 1:1 points redemption to drive loyalty. The update aims to provide more clarity on policy requirements for loyalty programme disclosures and features, and is designed to safeguard users and optimise the developer experience. ''While we do not allow Real Money Gambling apps on the Play Store in India, we remain committed to engaging with industry and government bodies as they deliberate on measures that will best support this industry,'' the company noted. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/priyanka-chopra-jonas-makes-another-tech-investment-this-time-in-us-based-rental-marketplace-apartment-list/articleshow/80554158.cms">Priyanka Chopra Jonas makes another tech investment – this time in US-based rental marketplace Apartment List</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/glee-s-t-january-2021-gst-collection-may-have-beat-the-december-record/articleshow/80512714.cms">Glee.S.T! January 2021 GST collection may have beat the December record</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/kavin-mittal-hike-looks-to-hire-computer-science-it-graduates-from-iits-nsit-nits/articleshow/80560643.cms">Kavin Mittal’s Hike looks to hire computer science, IT graduates from IITs, NSIT, NITs</a>

Google's Play Store now allows gambling and betting apps — but not in India

<ul><li>The effective tax rate on the <keyword id="1004835" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lottery-industry">lottery industry</keyword> is at 28%. </li><li>Adding the taxes on prize money, the tax rate has tripled under the GST regime. </li><li>Excessive taxes have given birth to illegal lotteries, allege lottery sellers. </li><li>The government also collected only ₹3,725 crore of GST from lotteries and the potential is as high as ₹12,000 crore, according to the industry body. </li></ul> Sugal and Damani who market government licenced lotteries have cut two-thirds of their points of sale in the last one year, to 10,000 from 30,000. And, it is not because Indians have stopped betting on their luck, but because lotteries have turned plain expensive after the levy of goods and services tax. “Effective overall tax incidence of service tax and lottery tax was 6.71% on the face value in pre-GST whereas now it is nearly 28%,” said a press release by the lottery sellers. It is not just the tickets which are taxed, but the prize money is also heavily taxed and the industry laments that the tax incidence on it overall has increased a whopping 300%. Added to that, the centre and state also tax them differently, making the licenced lottery tickets of some states less attractive. “This huge difference in the tax rate on the same commodity acts as a tariff barrier for smaller states like Goa, Sikkim, Arunachal etc. when their tickets are sold in other bigger States like West Bengal or Kerala,” said Kamlesh Vijay, group CEO of Sugal &amp; Damani. The industry is also affected by increased illegal lotteries which are eating into their market. The GST council too has taken cognizance of the issue has been which had earlier recommended that only 5% should be charged on the face value of lottery tickets. Another option was to charge 28% on the price, after excluding the prize payout. “These has been of great concern and fears among the retailers’ employees and their families of job loss, but we are hopeful of a turnaround with support from the government,” said Vijay. And, there is something in it for the government too promises the retailer. Only ₹3725 crore of GST was collected from the industry in the last nine months, while the industry believes that as much as ₹12,000 crore should have been collected considering the 20% face value of industry which has a massive size of ₹59,600 crore per annum.

India’s ₹60,000 crore lottery industry is blaming GST for their loss of fortune

Introduction of the <keyword id="6354679" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST">GST</keyword> system is expected to have a macro economic impact and will set a new course for cooperative federalism by strengthening Centre-state partnership, the <keyword id="30067" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI">RBI</keyword> said in a report released here on Friday. According to the <keyword id="6354335" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="reserve-bank-of-india">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (RBI) report entitled 'State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2016-17', the Goods and <keyword id="645517" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="services-tax">Services Tax</keyword> (GST) introduction is expected to have significant macro economic implications in terms of growth, inflation, export competitiveness and fiscal balance in the years ahead. "The successful implementation of GST will result in additional revenue through simpler and easier tax administration, supported by robust and user-friendly IT (information technology) systems," the study said. It said the GST is expected to reduce administrative costs for collection of tax revenue and improve revenue efficiency while uniformity in tax rates and procedures will lead to economy in compliance cost. The GST regime will also increase the shareable pool of resources, resulting in transfer of large funds to the states for developmental works. "Such an outcome will ensure debt sustainability of states in the long term. In fact, the GST is likely to set a new course for cooperative federalism in India by strengthening Centre-state partnership," the study said. According to the RBI study, most of the central cesses will be subsumed into the GST and in turn increase the divisible pool of resources which is to the advantage of states. "Introduction of a new cess on luxury and demerit goods may be contrary to the GST spirit but the proceeds will be used to compensate the states; thus, the overall impact of GST will be beneficial," the study said. The study said that from the point of view of implementation, it could be argued that the GST is imposed on consumption while cess, which is typically applied at the stage of manufacturing, may be difficult to administer and could also lead to cascading effects. On the status of state's finances, the study said that increasing reliance on market borrowing, along with enabling conditions for additional borrowing by states, poses challenges for the sustainability of state finances as higher state borrowings raise yields and cost of borrowing. Due to prevailing uncertainty about the revenue outcome from the GST implementation, the outlook for revenue receipts of states could turn uncertain, the study said. "There is, however, the cushion of compensation by the Centre for any loss of revenue for initial five years. In this context, the GST remains the best bet for states in clawing back to the path of fiscal consolidation over the medium term," the study said.

GST to have macro economic impact: RBI

Betting on your luck is about to get costlier as the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/politics/modi-government-to-start-spending-suggests-deutsche-bank/articleshow/58492030.cms">Indian government</a> has decided to levy 28%, the maximum possible rate of goods and services tax (<a href="http://businessinsider.in/topic/GST">GST</a>) on lottery tickets, a business worth Rs 5000 crore. Up until now, states that allow lotteries have had minimal or zero tax levied on them. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/No-surprises-in-GST-rates-promises-Jaitley/articleshow/58416741.cms">No surprises in GST rates, promises Jaitley</a> "The taxation has to be logical," Rahul Tangri, president, Playwin, an <keyword id="4492496" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="electronic-lottery">electronic lottery</keyword> provider told <a href="Lottery%20India,%20GST%20India,%20lottery%20business,%20electronic%20lottery,%20gst%20slabs">ET</a>. "It would be very unfair if the government levies tax on the face value of the lottery." This face value that Tangri is talking about consists of three parts, the prize money, government taxes and the operators' margin. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/You-are-paying-more-than-100-tax-on-oil-prices/articleshow/58363463.cms">You are paying more than 100% tax on oil prices</a> "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Afraid-of-GST-retailers-are-limiting-their-purchases/articleshow/58417777.cms">GST</a> should only be levied on the operators' margin. The prize money part comes under direct tax (income tax paid by the winner)," said Tangri. If applicable, this 28% tax would impact the revenue of the state governments that either have lotteries or allow licensed agencies to run them on their behalf. The lottery industry is not openly accepting the move. "Any irrational tax structure would kill the industry," said Kamlesh Vijay, CEO of Sugal &amp; Damani, one of India's largest lottery and gaming operators. "Lottery is a well-regulated industry. It provides direct employment to over 10 lakh people. Higher tax slabs would force lottery companies out of business. It will also spawn a large number of underground, illegal lottery schemes," he said. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Trump-might-be-eyeing-a-tax-overhaul-in-the-US-but-heres-why-GST-is-more-important/articleshow/58342028.cms">Trump might be eyeing a tax overhaul in the US, but here’s why GST is more important</a> However, one problem that this levy would face is that Indian courts have stated that lotteries are neither goods nor services, so implementing a tax meant for these two is not ideal, as per many states and the <keyword id="3320466" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="lottery-business">lottery business</keyword>. (Image source YouTube)

Lottery tickets to attract maximum GST rates

<ul><li>The Indian real estate sector has seen a lot of international investments over the past few years - many of which seems to have come from one source: <keyword id="6356662" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="singapore">Singapore</keyword>. </li><li>In fact, out of the $14 billion worth of <keyword id="34499" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-equity">private equity</keyword> investments that have been pumped into India’s realty sector between 2015 and 2018, nearly a third of that total has come from entities based in Singapore. </li><li>And they’re not just focussed on commercial properties. They are also investing in logistics, factories and warehousing, as per <keyword id="4695749" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="anarock">ANAROCK</keyword>’s report, “Private Equity in Indian Real Estate”. </li></ul> The Indian real estate sector has seen a lot of international investments over the past few years - many of which seems to have come from one source: Singapore. In fact, out of the $14 billion worth of private equity investments that have been pumped into India’s realty sector between 2015 and 2018, nearly a third of that total has come from entities based in Singapore, according to ANAROCK, a <keyword id="6354516" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="property">property</keyword> consulting firm. The investments, which have come from private equity firms like the state-backed GIC, Ascendas and Xander, have been gradually rising. While they put in a total of $1.15 billion in 2015 and 2016, the amount tripled to $3.5 billion in 2017 and 2018. And they’re not just focussed on commercial properties. They are also investing in logistics, factories and warehousing, as per ANAROCK’s report, “Private Equity in Indian Real Estate.” A big deal came at the end of 2017, when GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, took a 33% stake in DLF, an Indian realty major, <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Companies/J4YpZGHrJnajkFLliGCCeJ/DLF-promoters-conclude-nearly-Rs9000crore-deal-with-GIC.html">in a ₹90 billion deal.</a> The investments from Singapore comes at an opportune time for Indian property developers. As the IL&amp;FS crisis led to a liquidity crunch in the housing finance sector, property developers have been relying more on private equity as a source of funding. But why are these Singaporean firms so interested in India? Shobit Agarwal, the CEO of ANAROCK, thinks the answer is pretty straightforward. “Apart from the increased ease of doing business, the launch of REITs and the considerable thrust on infrastructure development, such funds see the indubitable growth potential in India today,” says Agarwal. Besides, their historic familiarity with India doesn’t hurt either, he adds. Hence, a more conducive regulatory environment works in India’s favour. However, it would be a mistake to think that investors in Singapore are specifically focussed on India. Their interest in India dovetails with a larger trend of the expansion of Singapore’s private equity majors into global property markets. As Chinese investors have retreated from global property markets amid capital controls at home, Singapore’s private equity firms are filling the gap, writes <a href="https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/hong-kong/article/3002121/global-property-investments-singapore-stepping">Nicholas Spiro</a> for the South China Morning Post. In fact, as Chinese outbound real estate investments fell by 84% to less than $5 billion last year, Singaporean firms spent <a href="https://www.rcanalytics.com/singapore-korea-players/">nearly $25 billion</a> on international property investments - 40% of which were in Asia- according to Real Capital Analytics. Interestingly, Singaporean firms are looking abroad for property investment opportunities amid a dearth of investable assets and compressed yields at home. “Singapore is the largest source of Asian capital in global real estate investments in 2018 and this is driven by limited opportunities and compressed yields in the domestic market” says Yvonne Siew, an executive director at <a href="https://www.cbre.com.sg/about/media-centre/singapore-tops-asian-outbound-real-estate-investment-in-2018">CBRE</a>, a commercial real estate investor. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/gst-cut-on-real-estate-may-relieve-pain-temporarily/articleshow/68146057.cms">Indian real estate builders welcome GST relief but opinions are divided</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/from-affordable-housing-to-co-working-spaces-heres-how-2018-fared-for-indian-real-estate/articleshow/67317937.cms">From affordable housing to co-working spaces — here’s how 2018 fared for Indian real estate</a>

You Searched For "betting gst" and got 13 results

GST Council to deliberate on taxation of insurance premium, report on online gaming tomorrow

PTI

8 in 10 Indians want 28% or higher GST on casinos, online games and horse races

Kritti Bhalla

India is betting on casinos, online games and horse races to fill its coffers

Rounak Jain

28% GST on face value in casinos, online gaming, horse racing will increase revenue collection: FM

PTI

Online gaming industry says 28% GST makes operations unfeasible

Anagh Pal

REIT-like structures, loans against GST filings can help solve MSME fundraising problems: Assocham

Bhakti Makwana

GST on casinos, lotteries, horse races deferred as Nirmala Sitharaman reconsiders

PTI

GST Council meet: decriminalisation, tax evasion in pan masala, gutkha biz on agenda

PTI

Google's Play Store now allows gambling and betting apps — but not in India

IANS

India’s ₹60,000 crore lottery industry is blaming GST for their loss of fortune

Katya Naidu

GST to have macro economic impact: RBI

Lottery tickets to attract maximum GST rates

BI India Bureau

Singapore is betting big on India’s property market — but it’s part of a larger international trend

Dilsher Dhillon

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides