Entertainment tax was launched during the rule of the British Government in India. This was introduced in order to restrain public gatherings. And the entertainment tax still continues to be imposed in all states of India.

Entertainment tax comes under the ambit of the state governments. Therefore, the entertainment tax varies from state to state in India. It comes under the category of indirect tax.

Entertainment tax is levied by the state government on movie tickets, sports events, concerts, exhibitions, etc. Entertainment tax is a part of the various costs borne by customers.

State governments are responsible for collecting entertainment tax from consumers.

Important features

• Entertainment tax varies from state to state as it comes under the purview of the state governments
• Article 246 in the Indian constitution mentions all the information about entertainment tax.
• Chargeable television services such as Dish TV and Airtel DTH have caused further taxes to be imposed on entertainment.
• These services are also included under entertainment tax:

1. Exhibitions
2. Sports activities
3. Amusement parks and water parks
4. Arcades
5. Celebrity concerts

State-wise entertainment tax-rate

Jharkhand—110 per cent

Uttar Pradesh—60 per cent

Bihar—50 per cent

Maharashtra—45 per cent

Karnataka—30 per cent

Kerala—30 per cent

West Bengal—30 per cent

Haryana—30 per cent

Orissa—25 per cent

Delhi—20 per cent

MP—20 per cent

Gujarat—20 per cent

Andhra Pradesh—20 per cent

Assam—15 per cent (on tickets less than Rs 20)

Tamil Nadu—15 per cent (Tamil films are free of tax in the state)

Rajasthan—0 per cent

Jammu & Kashmir—0 per cent

Himachal Pradesh—0 per cent

Punjab—0 per cent

Note: Entertainment tax was replaced by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) applicable from July 2017.

Different kinds of taxes are imposed on the purchase and sale of goods and services by an individual or a business.

Income tax is collected on income earned by individuals and consortium.

Read: How to file income tax returns: Step-by-step guide

Read: How to file income tax returns offline: Step-by-step guide

Read: What is ITR V form: All you need to know