Services by yoga and spiritual activities for physical and mental wellness are considered service under GST and covered under Chapter 9997. Let us discuss the applicability of GST on such services and the rates applicable.
GST has given an inclusive definition to the word ‘supply’. It includes sales, exchange, barter, transfer, lease, rental and disposal. Thus, providing various yoga and fitness courses for physical and mental well-being in exchange for consideration is considered as supply as per Section 7 of the CGST Act, 2017.
But, entry number 80 of Notification No. 12/2017- Central Tax dated 28.06.2017 exempts the service provided for yoga, health and wellness if the below two conditions are met:
Point to be noted: This notification only exempts services provided for recreational activities. If a charitable trust is conducting chargeable yoga camps and events, the same will be considered a commercial activity. It will get covered under entry number 35 of the Notification No. 11/2017- Central Tax dated 28.06.2017 and charged at 18%.
*Recreational activity means any activity undertaken for relaxation, exercise or pleasure. Some examples are cycling, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, any outdoor sports activity, or any educational game or activity.
HSN | Description of service | SGST | CGST | IGST |
999723 | Physical well-being service | 9% | 9% | 18% |
Input tax credit (ITC) can be claimed on goods or services used only for business purposes. It is not available on goods or services used for
Yoga service availed by Corporate employer for its employees’ physical/ mental wellness:
Such expenses are not incurred as per any statutory requirement under any Law. ITC is available on employee welfare activities if the employer must provide such service. As there is no such statutory requirement on the part employer to provide such service, ITC cannot be claimed.
Here are some of the advance rulings regarding health and wellness services:
Facts: The applicant (Stonorti Marketplace Private Limited) provides various yoga courses for mental and physical wellness. It is not registered under section 12AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Analysis: In this case, the various courses were provided against a consideration. Thus, it will be considered a commercial activity. Also, it is not covered under the exemption provided to charitable institutions as it is not registered under section 12AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Conclusion: The courses are chargeable to GST at 18%.
Facts: The applicant is registered under GST and offers various wellness facilities such as Yoga, Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Meditation. Such services are offered with the help of qualified doctors. It claimed exemption from GST as per entry no. 74 of Notification No. 12/2017- Central Tax dated 28.06.2017.
Entry No. 74 exempts services provided by way of
Analysis: The Advance Authority of Ruling examined from the entity’s website that it is providing such services only on a residential basis. Also, the consideration is based on the type of room and its occupancy. Further, the charge taken for the room consists of the major part of the entire consideration taken for the therapy. These services are jointly provided in the normal course of business. AAR held this as a composite supply, and thus such services would be charged as per section 8(a) of the CGST Act.
Conclusion: Gujarat AAR held that the accommodation charge formed the major part of the total consideration. Thus such services are not exempt from exemption specified under entry number 74 of the exemption notification.
Services like yoga and spiritual activities fall under GST as per Section 7 of the CGST Act, 2017. Exemption under Notification No. 12/2017 is based on the type of services and the status of the institution. ITC can't be claimed for personal use or exempt supplies. Advance rulings determine GST applicability on wellness services.