5% GST without ITC on Food or Drink Supply by College Hostel Mess to Students and Staff – TRU Clarification

[CGST Circular No. 28 dated 08.01.2018]

Subject: Clarifications regarding GST on College Hostel Mess Fees.

Queries have been received seeking clarification regarding the taxability and rate of GST on services by a college hostel mess. The clarification is as given below:

2. The educational institutions have mess facility for providing food to their students and staff. Such facility is either run by the institution/ students themselves or is outsourced to a third person. Supply of food or drink provided by a mess or canteen is taxable at 5% without Input Tax Credit [Serial No. 7(i) of notification No. 11/2017-CT (Rate) as amended vide notification No. 46/2017-CT (Rate) dated 14.11.2017 refers]. It is immaterial whether the service is provided by the educational institution itself or the institution outsources the activity to an outside contractor.

3. Difficulty if any, in the implementation of this Circular may be brought to the notice of the Board.