If you think IPL tickets are expensive, you’re not alone! The real reason behind high ticket prices isn’t just the demand for seats—it’s taxes on taxes that push the cost up. Fans are now questioning whether they are paying a fair price or just funding government revenues through excessive taxation.
How Much Tax is Levied on IPL Tickets?
According to tax experts at efiletax, an IPL ticket priced at ₹4,000 includes more than 50% tax. Here’s the breakdown:
| Component | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Base Ticket Price | 2,343.75 |
| Entertainment Tax (25%) | 781.25 |
| Subtotal (Before GST) | 3,125 |
| GST (28% on ₹3,125) | 875 |
| Final Ticket Price | 4,000 |
🚨 Issue: Double Taxation
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Entertainment Tax (25%) is applied first.
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GST (28%) is then applied to the price that already includes Entertainment Tax, leading to tax on tax.
This means you don’t just pay GST on the base price, but also on the Entertainment Tax amount, making the final price higher than expected.
How India’s Entertainment Tax Differs from Other Countries
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USA: No GST, only a local entertainment tax in some states.
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UK: A flat 20% VAT on ticket prices, with no extra layers.
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India: Entertainment Tax + GST (28%), leading to double taxation.
This loophole exists not just in IPL tickets but also in concerts, comedy shows, and music festivals, affecting event-goers across India.
Why This Tax System Feels Unfair
✅ The GST system was meant to simplify taxes, but in reality, fans end up paying taxes on taxes.
✅ Unlike One Nation, One Tax, this method makes entertainment costlier than necessary.
✅ Some fans argue that GST should only apply to the base ticket price, not the price after adding Entertainment Tax.
So next time someone says "GST simplified taxation," just show them your ₹4,000 IPL ticket! 🎟️😂
What do you think—should the government fix this double taxation issue?
