Taxes and businesses use a lot of phrases, and it’s important to know what they mean to navigate the complex system. “SAC Codes” is the most important outline of the GST system in India.
In this article, we will discuss What SAC Codes are and why it is important for businesses in India. How it is helping businesses make the tax structure simple and easier.
We will see why it’s an important part of the GST regime. If you are stuck with any GST concepts then learn GST from experts. It will help you to understand the key concepts and you can work without any difficulties.
What is the SAC Code?
SAC stands for Service Accounting Code. It is a unique code given by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). SAC Codes classify and group services under the GST regime in India. These codes help to classify services systematically and uniformly for tax purposes.
Just like for products/goods classification in the GST system, we similarly use HSN Codes to classify services SAC Codes are used. It is a very important part of the GST return filing process. It ensures that the tax liabilities related to services are calculated correctly.
What is the SAC code in the bill?
The SAC code is a unique code used to classify and tax services in India. Businesses must include the code on their invoices and GST returns to ensure compliance and accurate tax calculation. This code helps tax authorities identify and categorize services, making the taxation process more transparent and uniform.
Structure of the SAC Code in India
Every business owner must understand how SAC codes are structured and their correct Classification. Here we have explained, how codes are structured:
- Section: The code starts with a section that broadly defines the type of service. There are a total of 21 sections.
- Heading: Under each section, some headings narrow down the classification further. Headings are represented by two digits.
- Subheading: Subheadings provide a more detailed classification and are represented by four digits.
Group: Groups offer the most precise classification and are represented by six digits.
- Service Code: The final code, also known as the SAC code, is eight digits long. It combines the section, heading, sub-heading, and group to pinpoint the exact service category.
Here is an example:
Section: 99 – Services
Heading: 82 – Legal services
Subheading: 13 – Legal documentation for patents, etc.
Group: 1311 – Drafting of patent applications
Service Code: 99821311
This SAC code is used to classify the service of drafting patent applications.
If you are looking to learn about the HSN Code then read this article
Decoding HSN Codes: Mastering the Art of Product Classification
How do I find my SAC code?
Every business must mention SAC codes in their invoices. So it is important to know how to choose the right SAC code Let’s see all the possible ways to find one:
Use the GST portal
The most authenticated way is to search in the GST portal that is maintained by the Government of India. The portal consists of the complete SAC code list for all the different services. You can search for the code by typing in keywords related to your service.
Talk to a tax expert
If you are still confused and have any doubts about which code is right for your services. Then, it’s good to consult with tax experts or a chartered accountant They can help you find the right code and make sure you’re following GST rules.
Use the SAC code list
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has put the SAC code list on the website. You can use this official list that groups services into different sections, headings, and sub-headings. It makes your task easy to find any code.
Common SAC Codes in Various Industries
Industry |
SAC code |
Description |
IT and software services |
998314 |
Software development services |
Healthcare and medical services |
999311 |
Hospital services |
Legal services |
998322 |
Legal advisory and representation services |
Consulting services |
998343 |
Management consulting and public relations services |
Education services |
999202 |
Higher education services real real |
Real estate services |
997212 |
Real estate agency and appraisal services |
Construction services |
995412 |
Construction services for residential buildings |
If you want to be updated with industry recent updates and information then always learn. To help you in your learning process we have framed complete GST certification courses. Explore these courses and choose the best.
Simplifying GST with SAC Codes
SAC codes are essential for businesses in India that are registered for GST. They help businesses to:
- Classify their services accurately
- Calculate taxes correctly
- Comply with GST regulations
If you are a business owner in India, it is important to learn about SAC codes and use them correctly. You can seek professional guidance if you need help. By using SAC codes correctly, you can streamline your GST-related processes and make it easier to do business in India.
Here are some tips for understanding and correctly applying codes:
- Familiarize yourself with the SAC code list. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) publishes a list of all SAC codes. You can download this list from the CBIC website.
- Identify the correct SAC code for each of your services. The code for a service is based on its nature. For example, the SAC code for software development services is 998314.
- Use the SAC code on your invoices and GST returns. It’s a must to add the correct code of the service while creating the invoice. You must also include the code on your GST returns.
SAC codes are just one aspect of managing your business’s finances effectively. It is important to stay informed about GST regulations and other tax laws. Make sure that your all financial records are updated. It ensures that your business is following all the rules and laws that are mandatory.
Learn more about GST Related Topics here
Types of GST in India: IGST, SGST, CGST & UTGST Made Easy for Students
GST Return Types: Due Dates and Filing Procedures
GST Reporting: Complete Overview of 2-Factor Authentication in GST
Is the SAC code mandatory in GST?
SAC (Service Accounting Code) is a must for GST (Goods and Services Tax) services. Businesses providing services need to include the correct SAC code on their invoices and GST returns. The code helps classify services into different categories for tax purposes so that the correct GST rates can be applied. This makes sure that businesses follow GST rules and can easily file their GST returns.
Importance of SAC Code in GST
SAC codes are important in the GST framework for several reasons:
- Calculate Tax Accurately: SAC codes help businesses make sure they charge the correct rate of GST on their services. This is important to avoid overpaying or underpaying taxes and getting penalized.
- Classify Services Uniformly: The SAC system provides a consistent way to classify services across India. This removes any confusion and ensures that services are categorized the same way everywhere.
- Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC): Businesses can only claim ITC on GST paid for services if they use the correct SAC code. Accurate SAC codes make it easier to claim ITC, which can reduce the overall amount of tax that businesses pay.
- Comply with Tax Laws and File Returns Accurately: Businesses must include the codes for the services they provide on their GST returns. Not doing so can lead to penalties and legal problems.
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SAC Code vs. HSN Code
SAC codes and HSN codes are both classification systems used in India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST). Here is a simple comparison of the two:
Characteristic |
SAC code |
HSN code |
Nature |
Services |
Goods |
Structure |
8 digits |
Up to 10 digits |
Sections |
21 |
99 |
Applicability |
GST for services |
GST for goods |
Key Takeaways
SAC (Service Accounting Code) is a very important system for classifying services under GST in India. A good tax system makes sure that all services are taxed the same way. Which is fair to businesses and makes it easier for them to follow the rules.
The use of appropriate tax codes by businesses ensures compliance with tax laws and avoids legal liability. Both service providers and recipients need to understand codes so that they can comply with GST regulations and file their returns accurately.
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