The State GST (SGST) department has stepped up surveillance of party organisers, hotels, clubs, resorts and farmhouse event managers ahead of large-scale New Year celebrations across Gujarat, warning of strict action against tax violations.
With hundreds of New Year’s Eve parties planned, officials are keen to ensure full tax compliance. Party packages in Ahmedabad and nearby areas range from as low as ₹200 for basic entry passes to as high as ₹5.90 lakh for luxury hotel stays and premium celebrations, raising concerns about possible revenue leakage if billing norms are not followed.
Sources said the SGST department is closely tracking ticketed events, bundled party packages and cash transactions. Entry passes, food and beverages, entertainment services, banquet facilities and hotel accommodation attract GST under different tax slabs, making proper invoicing mandatory for each component.
Ahmedabad alone is hosting over 30 New Year’s Eve parties, with ticket prices ranging from ₹200 to ₹6 lakh, making it the costliest party hub in the state. Several premium packages include tables priced at ₹5.90 lakh for up to 15 guests, covering food, beverages and entertainment. Many of these events are being held at farm-hotels along the SP Ring Road in west Ahmedabad.
Across the state, Surat is hosting around 10 major events, Vadodara has 11 venues and Rajkot five. Premium packages in these cities range between ₹14,999 and over ₹1.15 lakh. Such high-value bundled offerings have placed organisers and venues under the SGST department’s scanner.
Officials said past inspections have revealed violations such as failure to issue bills, collection of GST without depositing it with the government and under-reporting of actual income. To prevent such practices, SGST teams have been instructed to monitor event promotions, online ticket sales and GST returns filed after the celebrations.
The department has cautioned that accepting cash without issuing bills, splitting invoices to avoid higher tax slabs, or hosting events without mandatory GST registration could invite penalties and recovery action. Checks may be conducted before, during or after New Year’s Eve events.
New Year’s Eve is considered one of the most lucrative nights for the hospitality sector, with venues expected to operate at full capacity across budget and luxury segments. SGST officials said a final compliance review will be undertaken after GST returns are filed in the coming weeks, adding that while compliant organisers need not worry, violators will face strict action.