Bengaluru PG ‘Cash Only’ Rent Notice Goes Viral: Online Payments Attract 12% GST Claim Sparks Debate

A Bengaluru man recently shared a viral post on Reddit that caught the attention of social media users across the country. The post contained a picture of a notice displayed in a PG (paying guest accommodation) in Bengaluru, which stated that rent payments must be made in "cash only." According to the notice, making rent payments online would incur an additional charge of "12 per cent GST."

How entitled one has to be to think they are above the law is a question often asked in India. The country witnesses numerous instances where individuals openly flaunt rules, threaten others, and break laws without concern for legal consequences. This incident in Bengaluru is yet another example of such casual disregard for regulations.

We could not confirm the details or the authenticity of the post.

Saw this in a PG!
byu/SKDgeek inBengaluru

The Reddit post, shared by the user 'SKDgeek' a few days ago, quickly gained traction, accumulating over 31,000 views. As the image circulated, netizens flooded the comments with opinions and advice. Many urged the poster to consider legal action, while others emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties for such violations.

The notice in the image clearly reads, "Rent Should Paid In Cash Only Online Payment 12% GST." One user commented, "Saw this in a PG! I hope the government gets a number to report this. Win for them, win for us, I guess? This classifies as tax evasion, I guess." Another added, "Makes practical sense-first you need to pay more! Because GST is passed back to you."

Several people expressed frustration over tax evasion through cash payments. One wrote, "Pay in UPI only. These leeches make money and don't want to contribute to the economy. Let him pay 12% GST on what you give, and ask for a GST bill, which they can't refuse." Another user pointed out, "Everyone has the option to escape except salaried! When I'm paying tax legitimately out of my salary, I'm not paying anyone in cash to avoid taxes. Sorry."