Taxability of Tenancy Rights under GST: Circular No. 44/18/2018-GST
<p><span>The Ministry of Finance, through Circular No. 44/18/2018-GST dated 2nd May 2018, addresses the issue of taxability of tenancy rights under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This circular provides crucial clarifications for transactions involving the transfer of tenancy rights. Here are the key highlights:</span></p><p><span><strong>1. Transfer of Tenancy Rights as a Supply of Service</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>The transfer of tenancy rights against tenancy premium, also known as the "pagadi system," is prevalent in some states.</span></li><li><span>The transfer of tenancy rights is considered a supply of service as per section 9(1) of the CGST Act and is liable to GST.</span></li><li><span>This activity is categorized as a form of lease or renting of property, specifically declared as a service in para 2 of Schedule II of the CGST Act.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>2. Applicability of GST Despite Stamp Duty and Registration Charges</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>Even if stamp duty and registration charges are levied on the transfer of tenancy rights, the transaction is still subject to GST.</span></li><li><span>The transfer of tenancy rights cannot be treated as the sale of land or building, which is declared as neither a supply of goods nor services in para 5 of Schedule III to the CGST Act.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>3. Taxability of Consideration Accruing to Outgoing Tenants</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>When an outgoing tenant transfers tenancy rights and receives consideration, this supply is also liable to GST.</span></li><li><span>The supply of tenancy rights by the outgoing tenant, whether for a portion of tenancy premium or other consideration, is subject to GST.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>4. Exemption for Renting of Residential Dwellings</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>Renting of residential dwellings for use as a residence is exempt from GST as per Sl. No. 12 of notification No. 12/2017-Central Tax (Rate).</span></li><li><span>Grant of tenancy rights in a residential dwelling for use as a residence, whether against tenancy premium or periodic rent, is exempt from GST.</span> <a href="https://cms.plasament.com/storage/circular-no44.pdf">circular_no.44</a><br> </li></ul>