GST Rate for IT Services in India: Software Development, Support & More

The Information Technology (IT) sector is the backbone of modern India, covering everything from software development to cloud hosting and tech support. But how does GST (Goods and Services Tax) apply to these services? In this blog, we’ll explain the GST rate for IT services in India, what qualifies as an IT service, and how businesses in this space can manage their tax obligations.

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    Are IT Services Taxable Under GST?

    Yes, most IT services are fully taxable under GST, and the standard rate is 18%.

    IT services fall under SAC Code 9983 – Information Technology Services, which includes:

    • Software development
    • IT consulting
    • Cloud-based solutions
    • Data processing and hosting
    • Technical support and maintenance
    • System integration services

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    GST Rate for IT Services in India

    IT Service SAC Code GST Rate
    Software development (customized) 9983 18%
    IT consulting services 9983 18%
    Cloud hosting (SaaS, IaaS) 9983 18%
    Tech support and maintenance 9983 18%
    Data storage or processing services 9983 18%

    GST on Software – Product vs Service

    Type of Software GST Rate Category
    Off-the-shelf (boxed/downloadable) software 18% Treated as goods (HSN Code 8523)
    Customized software development 18% Treated as service (SAC 9983)
    Software as a Service (SaaS) 18% Treated as service

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    Export of IT Services – Is GST Applicable?

    No! Export of services (to clients outside India) is zero-rated under GST.

    • Exporters must register under GST
    • File LUT (Letter of Undertaking) to export services without paying GST
    • Or pay GST and later claim refund

    This benefits freelancers, SaaS businesses, and IT firms serving overseas clients.

    Input Tax Credit (ITC) for IT Companies

    Yes, businesses offering IT services can claim Input Tax Credit on:

    • Office rent and utilities
    • Software tools and licenses
    • Internet and hosting services
    • Marketing/advertising spend
    • Subcontractor invoices

    Proper billing and GST-compliant invoices are required to utilize this benefit.

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