Existing GST rate for artistes in Assam

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The GST rates levied on artistes in Assam since its inception in 2017 have not been changed in the State as yet. The existing GST rates in the State since 2017 are – artistes earning less than Rs 20 lakh annually do not have to pay any GST, but those who earn more than Rs 20 lakh and up to Rs 50 lakh annually have to pay 6 per cent GST, and artistes earning over Rs 50 lakh annually have to pay 18 per cent GST.

This apart, artistes engaged in folk art like playing dhool, pepa, folk singers, folk dancers and others do not have to pay any GST so long each of such artistes does not charge above Rs 1.50 lakh from a single show. A section of artistes says that if they have to pay GST, they will have to charge bigger amounts or go for mutual understanding with the organizers to issue cheque as fees and the GST amount in cash, unofficially. They say that this is actually going on in Assam now. “The GST can be a tough challenge for a struggling or budding artiste, but it cannot be a hurdle for established singers who are paying GST,” an artiste said.

Also Read: Centre has added insults to injury: AASU adviser-in-chief Samujjal Bhattacharya

Also Read: Torch Relay of 3rd Khelo India Youth Games received by District Administration in Kokrajhar