When Goods and Services Tax was introduced, the Central Board of Indirect Tax and Customs (CBIC) made things easier by introducing the HSN with its classification and SAC (Services Accounting Code) code systems. These codes help identify different services and their corresponding GST rates, making it easier to calculate the right amount of tax.
The full form of SAC Code is Servicing Accounting Code. SAC code system applies to all the services provided within India. This system helps in identifying, categorizing, measuring and deciding the applicability of GST on services in India.
SAC (Services and Accounting Code) codes are derived from the internationally recognized Harmonized System of Nomenclature, which is a global system used for classifying and coding all products worldwide. This system supports the compliance of GST based on international standards. It will provide a common framework to the government for the proper collaboration of data related to sales and purchases and analyze the same. Businesses make use of SAC codes to submit their GST returns and fulfill their tax obligations to the government.
Under GST, a SAC code consists of six digits. Breaking up the 6-digit SAC is as follows:
For Example, SAC for Information Technology IT Design and Development Services which is commonly called as software development is 998314 which is derived as follows:
The various SAC codes and GST rates for different services provide dealers and businesses with a clear understanding of the tax applied to the services they offer or receive.
As per Notification Number 78/2020, CT(R), dated 10th November 2020, it is mandatory for service providers to furnish the SAC (Services Accounting Code) if their annual aggregate turnover exceeds Rs.5crore in the previous year on their invoices as well as while filling GSTR-1.
For businesses earning below Rs.5 crore, a 4-digit SAC code must be furnished for B2B (Business-to-Business) transactions. This rule is summarized as follows:
Supply of Services | SAC digits |
To Registered B2B business | 4 |
To consumers or composition dealers, i.e., B2C | 4 but optional |
To unregistered dealers | Nil |
It aids in correctly classifying services and ensures the accurate application of GST rates to transactions. The SAC code assists the government in monitoring and regulating the collection of taxes and also ensures compliance with GST laws.
There are several benefits of using SAC codes, such as:
Uniformity: It creates uniformity in the tax system.
Identification of services: Allocation by unique codes to different services, thus enabling easy distinguishing between different services.
Identification of GST Rate: Businesses can easily identify the GST rate applicable to the services rendered by them.
Compliance: It simplifies the process of tax calculation and filing of GST returns for businesses.
Monitoring and tracking: By using SAC Code, the government can monitor and track the taxes paid on services.
Particulars | SAC | HSN |
Full form | Full form of SAC is Service accounting Code | Full form of HSN is Harmonized System of Nomenclature |
Nature of Classification | Used to classify services | Used to classify goods |
Digit | Six digit | Eight digit |
Structure | ||
First two digits | Represent the major service category | Represent the chapter |
Next two digits | Represent the specific service | Represent the Heading |
Final two digits of SAC and final four digits of HSN | Represent the sub-service | Represent the product code |
Q : What is SAC Code (SAC full form in GST)?
A : SAC code stands for Service Accounting Code.
Q : SAC code means?
A : SAC code meaning is Service Accounting Code. It is used to classify services.
Q : What is HSN and SAC code?
A : SAC code stands for Service Accounting Code. It is used to classify services.
HSN Code stands for Harmonized System of Nomenclature. It is used to classify goods.
Q : Is it mandatory to mention the SAC code in the invoice?
A. SAC Code requirement in Invoice (SAC code turnover limit)
Annual Aggregate Turnover in PY | Type of Invoice | No of digits of SAC to be declared |
Up to 5 crores | Mandatory for B2B tax invoices | 4 |
Optional for B2C tax invoices | 4 | |
More than 5 Crores | Mandatory for all invoices | 6 |
Q : Software Development & IT Services SAC Code?
A: Information technology (IT) design and development services SAC code is 998314.
Group 99831 | Management consulting and management services; information technology services. | |
998311 | Management consulting and management services including financial, strategic, human resources, marketing, operations and supply chain management. | |
998312 | Business consulting services including public relations services | |
998313 | Information technology (IT) consulting and support services | |
998314 | Information technology (IT) design and development services | |
998315 | Hosting and information technology (IT) infrastructure provisioning services | |
998316 | IT infrastructure and network management services | |
998319 | Other information technology services n.e.c |
Q : What is the Accounting services SAC code and Rate?
A : SAC codes for accounting services is as below :-
Q : SAC Codes for Legal Services
A : SAC Codes for Legal Services is as below :
Q : How can I search SAC Code for all the services ?
A : Click on the link below to get the SAC Codes of different services:
https://lawlegends.in/article/sac-code-and-description/