10 services that are now costlier with 14% service tax

The service tax that currently stands at 12.36 per cent, including the education cess 2 per cent and secondary higher education cess 1 per cent, has been increased to a consolidated 14 per cent. The increase in the service tax was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the annual Budget 2015-16. Let us have a look at the services that will now cost us more.

Air travel becomes more expensive.

Having a good time with family and friends becomes dearer as movie tickets and dining becomes more expensive.

You need to shell out more on cabs.

People fond of spending their time on phone will have to be careful as phone usage becomes expensive.

Salon appointments for men and women become more expensive.

Insurances are now more expensive.

Stock broking and asset management services weigh heavier on your pocket.

Services like cable and DTH, courier and laundry services see a rise in cost, that will have an effect on the overall monthly household bill.

The usage of credit and debit cards call for an increased fee now.

The cost of other services such as advertising, architects' fee and certain constructions go up as they too come under the ambit of service tax.

There is only a very small negative list that does not come under the service tax net like packaged fruits and vegetables. Admission fee for entertainment events like concerts and pageants does not increas if the amount charged is more than Rs 500. The services for production of alcoholic liquor are exempt from services tax.