Introduction:
The GST Act came in force from 1st July, 2017. There were many interpretation issues with respect to the definitions, glossary and terms use in the law. Since, such definitions were adopted from various legacy laws in India prior to GST; such as Service Tax, State VAT, Central Excise Act, Luxury Tax, Entertainment Tax, etc. it was difficult to make applicable one definition for different sectors. Hence, some modifications from existing definitions were made. Therefore, it was important to established a nexus of the terms used in the GST definitions. The definition discussed here is “Business”.
So what do you mean by “Business”?
Section 2(16) of CGST Act, 2017 –“business” includes–
(a) any trade, commerce, manufacture, profession, vocation, adventure,wager or any other similar activity, whether or not it is for a pecuniary benefit;
(b) any activity or transaction in connection with or incidental or ancillary to sub-clause (a);
(c) any activity or transaction in the nature of sub-clause (a), whether or not there is volume, frequency, continuity or regularity of such transaction;
(d) supply or acquisition of goods including capital goods and services in connection with commencement or closure of business;
(e) provision by a club, association, society, or any such body (for a subscription or any other consideration) of the facilities or benefits to its members;
(f) admission, for a consideration, of persons to any premises;
(g) services supplied by a person as the holder of an office which has been accepted by him in the course or furtherance of his trade, profession or vocation
(h) services provided by a race club by way of totalisator or a licence to book maker in such club ; and
(i) any activity or transaction undertaken by the Central Government, a State Government or any local authority in which they are engaged as public authorities;
Conclusion:
Therefore, It is understood that the term “business”also refers to the organized efforts and activities of individuals to produce and sell goods and services for profit.