New Delhi, April 28 -- Until last year, the hospitality and rental sectors benefitted from a broad tax exemption on renting residential dwellings. However, with effect from 15 July 2024, a separate conditional exemption was carved out for accommodation services, relieving these from the levy of goods and services tax, or GST.

applicable to accommodation services provided for a continuous period of at least 90 days, and if the cost involved is under Rs.20,000 per person per month-was aimed at easing the financial burden on those seeking affordable accommodation. But implementing it has thrown up a number of practical challenges.

Lack of clarity on the scope of exemption

Accommodation services typically include additionally offered servi...