‘Pay Rent in Cash or Pay Online With 12% GST’: Bengaluru PG’s Notice Stirs Debate on Reddit
A Bengaluru PG’s “cash-only rent” notice warning of 12% GST on online payments went viral on Reddit, sparking debate over tax evasion
A notice from a paying guest accommodation in Bengaluru has caused a stir online after it appeared to tell tenants to pay rent in cash only. The notice warns that if rent is paid online, an additional 12 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be charged. The image, posted on Reddit by user “SKDgeek,” shows the printed message stuck to a wall. In bold letters, it...
A notice from a paying guest accommodation in Bengaluru has caused a stir online after it appeared to tell tenants to pay rent in cash only. The notice warns that if rent is paid online, an additional 12 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be charged.
The image, posted on Reddit by user “SKDgeek,” shows the printed message stuck to a wall. In bold letters, it states: “RENT SHOULD PAID IN CASH ONLY. ONLINE PAYMENTS 12% GST.” The wording and presentation left many readers with the impression that the PG management was trying to discourage digital transactions and possibly avoid paying taxes.
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The post quickly gained attention, gathering thousands of views and sparking a heated discussion. Many users criticised the policy, calling it an example of tax evasion. Some urged the original poster to take legal action or report the matter to the authorities. Others expressed frustration that such practices continue despite government efforts to promote cashless payments.
Several commenters pointed out that if GST is being charged, the PG must provide an official tax invoice, and any refusal to do so would be illegal. A few also argued that the PG might be passing on costs unfairly to tenants under the pretext of GST.
One user remarked that salaried individuals cannot avoid paying taxes and that everyone should be held to the same standard. Another suggested that the government create a simple reporting system so citizens can flag similar cases.
The image has gone viral but the authenticity of the notice and the identity of the PG have not been confirmed.
The debate around the post has brought renewed attention to the widespread use of cash payments in rental and accommodation services to bypass digital records. It also points out the gap between the push for digital payments and the reluctance of some businesses to adopt them, as this could increase their tax liability.
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