GST and Compliance Basics for Indian Event Organizers

Compliance is nobody's favourite subject — until a notice arrives mid-event-season. Here's the working knowledge every Indian organizer needs. (Educational summary, not professional advice — confirm specifics with a CA.) GST registration: mandatory once aggregate turnover crosses ₹20 lakh (services). Voluntary registration earlier often makes sense — corporate clients and sponsors prefer vendors who issue GST invoices. Tickets and GST: admission to entertainment events attracts GST (commonly 18%; certain categories differ, and some cultural/sports events enjoy exemptions below notified price thresholds). Your listed price should state whether it is inclusive — surprises at settlement are how margins die. Sponsorship money is a taxable supply — invoice it with GST. In-kind barter deals technically have GST implications too; document fair values. TDS awareness: corporate sponsors and clients will often deduct TDS on payments to you (typically under 194C/194J categories). It's not money lost — it's advance tax; reconcile via 26AS. Artist payments: paying performers above thresholds triggers your own TDS deduction duties. Foreign artists add withholding complexity — that one genuinely needs a professional. The boring trio that saves you: a current account separate from personal funds, every vendor agreement in writing, and invoices numbered sequentially from day one. Platforms help with the data layer — OfferInCity gives you booking-level reports and GST-ready settlement statements — but the filings remain yours. Budget for a CA the way you budget for sound: essential infrastructure, not overhead.