The report said the announcement regarding popcorn in the GST Council meeting was made to clarify the classification and tax slab applicable on popcorn mixed with salt and spices

Amid frequent discussions around tax treatment on different products of popcorn, here is a detailed analysis of how much tax you will have to pay while purchasing the item in movie theatres.

India's move to tax popcorn differently based on its sugar or spice content has drawn criticism from the opposition and sparked social media outrage, with two former government economic advisers questioning the tax system introduced in 2017.

During its 55th meeting, the GST Council clarified the tax treatment for popcorn after a request from Uttar Pradesh to specify the GST rate for popcorn seasoned with salt and spices.

In the 55th meeting of the GST Council, a clarification was provided regarding the applicability of GST on popcorn. This followed a request from Uttar Pradesh seeking clarification on the classification and applicable GST rate for mixed popcorn that includes salt and spices.

Popcorn, in loose form, sold in movie theatres will continue to attract GST at a 5 per cent rate, same as in restaurants, government sources said.

The storm in a snack bucket over GST rates on a munchie shows govts are still in that old mindset that sees whatever that’s fun and/or quality as sinf