GST for Hotel Restaurant 2026 – Rates, Specified Premises & Complete Compliance Guide
Complete GST guide for hotel restaurants in India. Understand the 5% vs 18% rate structure based on specified premises, the ₹7,500 room tariff threshold, ITC rules, composition scheme, and compliance essentials for hoteliers.
Quick Summary – GST for Hotel Restaurant
- GST on Hotel Restaurant Services (2026): 5% (without ITC) for restaurants in hotels with room tariff ≤ ₹7,500 per night. 18% (with ITC) for restaurants in hotels classified as specified premises (room tariff > ₹7,500 in the preceding financial year).
- Specified Premises Threshold: A hotel is considered "specified premises" if the value of supply of any accommodation unit exceeded ₹7,500 per day at any time in the preceding financial year. Status is annual, property-wise, and determined before the start of the financial year.
- ITC Rules: No ITC at 5% GST. Full ITC available at 18% GST (specified premises). ITC must be apportioned under Rule 42 for common credits.
- Registration Threshold: ₹20 lakh for hotel restaurant services (normal states); ₹10 lakh in special category states.
- Composition Scheme: Available for standalone restaurants (5% on turnover) but not for hotels with room tariff above ₹7,500 or those serving alcohol.
- Opt-In / Opt-Out: Hotels with room tariff ≤ ₹7,500 can voluntarily opt for specified premises status by filing a declaration. Opt-out is available for hotels that cross the threshold.
Takeaway: The GST rate for a hotel restaurant depends entirely on the hotel's specified premises status, which is based on room tariffs from the preceding financial year. Correct classification and annual declarations are critical for compliance.
1. Introduction – GST for Hotel Restaurants in India
The hotel and hospitality industry in India is a critical part of the economy, and the restaurant services provided within hotels are a significant revenue stream. For hoteliers and restaurant managers, Goods and Services Tax (GST) compliance is a complex but essential function. The tax treatment of a hotel restaurant differs significantly from that of a standalone restaurant, and getting it wrong can lead to substantial tax demands, interest, and penalties.
Under the GST framework, restaurant services are classified under SAC Code 9963. However, the applicable rate for a hotel restaurant depends on a unique concept called "specified premises". A hotel is considered a specified premises if the value of supply of any accommodation unit exceeded ₹7,500 per day at any time in the preceding financial year. If a hotel qualifies as specified premises, its restaurant services attract 18% GST with ITC. If not, the restaurant attracts 5% GST without ITC.
With the rollout of GST 2.0 (effective 22 September 2025), the government rationalised rates for hotel accommodation – rooms up to ₹7,500 now attract 5% GST without ITC (down from 12%), while rooms above ₹7,500 continue at 18% with ITC. The specified premises concept remains central to determining the restaurant GST rate.
This comprehensive guide covers GST rates on hotel restaurants, the specified premises threshold, registration thresholds, the composition scheme, Input Tax Credit rules, common mistakes and solutions, and FAQs targeting real user search queries.
Takeaway: Hotel restaurants attract 5% GST without ITC, unless the hotel is classified as specified premises (room tariff > ₹7,500), in which case 18% GST with ITC applies.
2. GST 2.0 Rates on Hotel Restaurant Services (2026)
Under GST 2.0, hotel restaurant services have a dual rate structure based on the specified premises status of the hotel. The table below summarises the applicable GST rates.
| Supply Type | GST Rate | ITC Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Accommodation ≤ ₹7,500 per unit per day | 5% | ❌ No ITC |
| Hotel Accommodation > ₹7,500 per unit per day | 18% | ✅ Yes |
| Restaurant / Room Service – Non-Specified Premises | 5% | ❌ No ITC |
| Restaurant / Room Service – Specified Premises | 18% | ✅ Yes |
| Outdoor Catering / Banquet (Non-Specified Premises) | 5% | ❌ No ITC |
| Outdoor Catering / Banquet (Specified Premises) | 18% | ✅ Yes |
| Hall Rental Without Catering | 18% | ✅ Yes (subject to conditions) |
| Alcoholic Liquor for Human Consumption | Outside GST | State VAT / Excise applies |
| Packaged Goods Sold Independently | Applicable Goods Rate | Normal ITC rules |
Key Changes Under GST 2.0 for Hotel Restaurants
- ✅ Hotel Accommodation ≤ ₹7,500: Reduced from 12% to 5% without ITC.
- ✅ Hotel Accommodation > ₹7,500: Remains at 18% with ITC.
- ✅ Restaurant Services: Rate depends on specified premises status (5% or 18%).
- ⚠️ Specified Premises Threshold: Based on value of supply in preceding financial year (not declared tariff).
Takeaway: The GST rate for hotel restaurants (5% or 18%) is determined by the hotel's specified premises status, which depends on room tariffs from the preceding financial year.
Get expert-assisted GST registration starting at just ₹1,499. Complete documentation, fast approval, and lifetime support for your hotel restaurant business.
3. Specified Premises – The ₹7,500 Threshold Explained
The concept of specified premises is central to determining the GST rate for hotel restaurants. A hotel is classified as specified premises if the value of supply of any accommodation unit exceeded ₹7,500 per day at any time in the preceding financial year.
Key Rules for Specified Premises
- Annual Determination: Specified premises status is determined for the entire financial year based on the preceding financial year's room tariffs.
- Property-Wise: The status applies to each hotel property separately, not to the entire chain.
- Unit-Wise Test: The ₹7,500 threshold is tested for each accommodation unit (room) per day. If even one room exceeds ₹7,500 at any time in the preceding year, the entire property becomes specified premises for the next year.
- Opt-In Option: Hotels with room tariffs ≤ ₹7,500 can voluntarily declare themselves as specified premises by filing a declaration before the start of the financial year.
- Opt-Out Option: Hotels that cross the threshold can opt out of specified premises status by filing an opt-out declaration.
- Declaration Timeline: Opt-in/opt-out declarations must be filed after 1 January of the preceding financial year but not later than 31 March of the preceding financial year.
Impact on Restaurant Services
- 📌 Specified Premises: Restaurant services, room service, and banquet services attract 18% GST with ITC.
- 📌 Non-Specified Premises: Restaurant services, room service, and banquet services attract 5% GST without ITC.
- 📌 Walk-In Customers: Even walk-in customers at a specified premises hotel restaurant are charged 18% GST.
Takeaway: Specified premises status is annual, property-wise, and based on the highest room tariff charged in the preceding financial year. It directly determines whether the hotel restaurant charges 5% or 18% GST.
4. GST Registration for Hotel Restaurants – Eligibility & Threshold
Under Section 22 of the CGST Act, 2017, registration is mandatory for hotel restaurants if the aggregate turnover exceeds the prescribed limit.
| Business Type | Normal States | Special Category States |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Restaurant Services | ₹20 lakh | ₹10 lakh |
| Hotel Accommodation Services | ₹20 lakh | ₹10 lakh |
| Restaurants in Specified Premises | ₹20 lakh | ₹10 lakh |
| Inter-State Restaurant Services | Mandatory regardless of turnover | Mandatory |
Mandatory Registration Cases for Hotel Restaurants
- 📌 Turnover Exceeds Threshold: Registration is mandatory once aggregate turnover crosses ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states).
- 📌 Inter-State Services: Providing restaurant services across state borders requires registration.
- 📌 Reverse Charge Liability: Persons liable to pay tax under RCM must register.
- 📌 E-Commerce Operators: Hotels selling through OTAs or food delivery platforms must register.
Voluntary Registration: Even if turnover is below the threshold, voluntary registration may be beneficial for claiming ITC (at 18% GST for specified premises) and building business credibility.
Takeaway: If your turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh, GST registration is mandatory. Hotels classified as specified premises must register to claim ITC at 18%.
5. Composition Scheme for Hotel Restaurants – Eligibility & Conditions
The Composition Scheme is a simplified GST option for small restaurants. Under this scheme, eligible restaurants pay a flat 5% GST on turnover (2.5% CGST + 2.5% SGST) with no ITC benefits.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Restaurants with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore (₹75 lakh in special category states) |
| GST Rate | 5% on turnover (2.5% CGST + 2.5% SGST) |
| ITC | ❌ Not available on any inputs, input services, or capital goods |
| Invoicing | Bill of Supply (cannot collect GST separately from customers) |
| Returns | CMP-08 (quarterly) + GSTR-4 (annual) |
Restrictions under Composition Scheme
- ❌ Cannot serve alcohol – Liquor is outside GST and not eligible for composition.
- ❌ Cannot sell through e-commerce platforms – Restaurants on Zomato/Swiggy cannot opt for composition.
- ❌ Cannot make inter-state supplies – Services must be within the same state.
- ❌ Cannot be in specified premises – Hotels classified as specified premises are not eligible for composition.
- ❌ Cannot deal in excluded goods – Ice cream, pan masala, tobacco, etc.
Takeaway: Composition scheme is suitable for small, intra-state hotel restaurants that do not serve alcohol, do not use delivery platforms, and are not classified as specified premises.
6. Input Tax Credit (ITC) for Hotel Restaurants – Rules & Restrictions
Input Tax Credit (ITC) is the mechanism that allows businesses to offset GST paid on purchases against GST collected on sales. For hotel restaurants, ITC availability depends on the specified premises status and the GST rate charged.
| Hotel Restaurant Type | GST Rate | ITC Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Specified Premises (Room Tariff ≤ ₹7,500) | 5% | ❌ No ITC |
| Specified Premises (Room Tariff > ₹7,500) | 18% | ✅ Yes |
| Composition Scheme Restaurant | 5% (on turnover) | ❌ No ITC |
ITC Rules for Specified Premises (18% GST)
- ✅ Raw Materials: GST paid on food ingredients, beverages, and supplies used in restaurant services.
- ✅ Capital Goods: GST on kitchen equipment, furniture, and fixtures used in the restaurant.
- ✅ Input Services: GST on rent, electricity, professional services, and maintenance.
- ✅ Common Credits: ITC on common expenses must be apportioned under Rule 42 for taxable and exempt supplies.
ITC Reversal for Mixed Supplies (Rule 42)
If a hotel has both specified premises (18% with ITC) and non-specified premises (5% without ITC), ITC must be apportioned under Rule 42. The ITC attributable to the 5% supply cannot be claimed.
Blocked Credits under Section 17(5)
- ❌ Food and Beverages: ITC on food, beverages, and outdoor catering is blocked unless used for making outward supplies of the same category.
- ❌ Restaurant Bills: ITC on restaurant bills for client entertainment or employee meals is blocked.
- ❌ Membership Fees: ITC on club or health membership fees is blocked.
- ❌ Motor Vehicles: ITC on motor vehicles for passenger transport is blocked (with exceptions).
Conditions for Claiming ITC
- Valid Tax Invoice: Must contain GSTIN, SAC, and tax amounts.
- Receipt of Goods/Services: Claim only after actual receipt.
- Tax Paid to Government: Supplier must have deposited the tax.
- Return Filing: Must be claimed in GSTR‑3B by the due date.
- ITC Reconciliation: Reconcile with GSTR-2B before claiming.
Takeaway: Hotel restaurants at 18% GST (specified premises) can claim full ITC. Those at 5% GST (non-specified premises) cannot claim ITC. Mixed-use hotels must apportion ITC under Rule 42.
Leave the compliance to experts. Get monthly GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and annual GSTR-9 filing at affordable rates with 100% accuracy and zero errors.
7. Common GST Mistakes by Hotel Restaurants & Practical Solutions
Hotel restaurants face unique compliance challenges due to the specified premises rules, ITC restrictions, and mixed supply situations. Below is an expanded list of real problems and their solutions.
7.1 Specified Premises Classification Mistakes
7.2 ITC and Rate Mistakes
7.3 Composition Scheme Mistakes
7.4 Return Filing and Documentation Mistakes
Takeaway: Most GST mistakes by hotel restaurants arise from incorrect specified premises classification, ITC mismanagement, and failure to file annual declarations. A disciplined approach to annual determination, ITC reconciliation, and documentation prevents the majority of compliance issues.
8. Penalties & Risks for Non‑Compliant Hotel Restaurants
- ⏳ Late Filing: ₹50 per day (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) for each day of delay.
- 💰 Interest: 18% per annum on unpaid tax.
- 🔁 ITC Reversal: 100% reversal + 18% interest for wrongful availment.
- ⚖️ Prosecution: Tax evasion above ₹5 crore – arrest under Section 132.
- 📩 Show Cause Notices: Incorrect specified premises classification or ITC claims trigger scrutiny and penalties.
- 🏨 FSSAI Penalties: Operating without FSSAI registration attracts fines up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment.
Takeaway: Correctly determine specified premises status and apply the correct GST rate to avoid penalties.
9. Industry‑Specific GST Insights for Hotel Restaurants
5% GST on restaurant services. No ITC. Register if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh. Composition scheme available if no alcohol.
18% GST on restaurant services with ITC. Specified premises status applies. File opt-out declaration if needed.
Specified premises status is property-wise. Each hotel evaluated separately based on room tariffs. Apportion ITC under Rule 42.
Similar rules apply. 5% or 18% based on room tariff. Banquet services follow specified premises rules.
Banquet services at specified premises attract 18% with ITC. Hall rental without catering attracts 18%.
Room tariff determines specified premises status. Restaurant services follow hotel classification.
Takeaway: Tailor your GST compliance based on your hotel type – budget, luxury, chain, or resort.
10. Comparison: Specified vs Non-Specified Premises
| Parameter | Non-Specified Premises | Specified Premises |
|---|---|---|
| Room Tariff Threshold | ≤ ₹7,500 per night | > ₹7,500 in preceding FY |
| Restaurant GST Rate | 5% | 18% |
| ITC Availability | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Composition Scheme | ✅ Available (if no alcohol) | ❌ Not available |
| Opt-In Option | ✅ Available | N/A |
| Opt-Out Option | N/A | ✅ Available |
Takeaway: Specified premises status determines whether the hotel restaurant charges 5% or 18% GST. The status is annual, property-wise, and based on preceding year's room tariffs.
11. Frequently Asked Questions – GST for Hotel Restaurant
12. Related GST Resources for Hotel Restaurants
Need Expert GST Assistance for Your Hotel Restaurant?
Get end‑to‑end GST registration, specified premises classification, return filing, ITC optimisation, and full compliance support from India's trusted GST consultants.
Email: admin@disytax.com
🚀 Popular Services
🏢 Business Registration
View All Registrations📊 Calculators
- 📈 EMI Calculator →
- 💰 Income Tax Calculator →
- 🧾 HRA Calculator →
- 📉 Advance Tax Calculator →
- ⏱️ GST Late Fee Calculator →