GST Rate for Contractors in India: Work Type-Based Tax

Contractors play a key role in construction, infrastructure, and public works. Whether you’re a private builder or working with the government, GST directly affects your billing, compliance, and project cost. This blog explains the gst rate for contractors, how it varies by service type, and what to include in a contractor’s bill.

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    Who Is a Contractor Under GST?

    Under Goods and Services Tax (GST), a contractor is any person or company providing construction, repair, fabrication, or related services, either to:

    • Private clients
    • Builders or developers
    • Government departments

    Contractor services are treated as “works contract services”, especially when they involve both labour and material supply.

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    GST Rate of Civil Contractor Services

    Type of Contractor Work SAC Code GST Rate
    Civil construction (buildings, roads, bridges) 9954 18%
    Labour-only contract 9985 18%
    Sub-contracts under main contractor 9954 / 9985 18%

    GST on Labour Contractor

    The gst on labour contractor is 18%, applicable when:

    • You supply labour to another contractor or project
    • You charge for manpower with or without supervision
    • The labour is not hired as an employee but billed through invoice

    GST on Government Contractors

    Nature of Work GST Rate Comments
    Works contract for Central/State Government 12% If for infrastructure or non-commercial use
    Works contract for commercial government buildings 18% Includes offices, housing, etc.
    Labour contract for government projects 18% Unless specifically exempted

    GST on Contractor Bill: Components to Include

    • Description of service
    • SAC code (e.g., 9954 for construction)
    • Taxable value (labour + material or labour-only)
    • GST rate (12% or 18%)
    • CGST + SGST or IGST breakdown
    • Total invoice amount

    If you’re billing the government or another registered under GST entity, use their GSTIN and mention if the tax is under forward charge or Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM).

    Input Tax Credit for Contractors

    Contractors can claim Input Tax Credit on:

    • Raw materials (cement, steel, sand)
    • Tools and machinery
    • Sub-contractor services
    • Transportation and logistics
    • Professional services (consulting, architect)

    As long as the project is taxable under GST, you can offset your input GST against your output tax liability.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the gst rate for contractor services helps in correct billing, better project pricing, and smooth compliance—whether you’re building a home, managing labour, or working on a government project.

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