New GST on Maintenance Charges in Housing Societies

Updated: Sep 15, 2026 10 min read Nishant Add as preferred source
Quick Summary
  • GST on maintenance charges applies at 18% when monthly contribution exceeds ₹7,500 per member and the housing society’s annual aggregate turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh.
  • If maintenance exceeds ₹7,500 per month per member, GST applies on the entire maintenance amount, not just the amount above ₹7,500.
  • Water and electricity charges recovered separately from residents may remain outside GST depending on the nature of the recovery and applicable conditions.
  • Housing societies paying GST may claim eligible Input Tax Credit (ITC) on goods, capital goods and input services, subject to normal GST conditions and restrictions.
  • GST on society maintenance charges does not apply where the ₹7,500 monthly contribution exemption or ₹20 lakh turnover threshold conditions are satisfied.

If you live in a gated society or apartment complex, you probably pay monthly maintenance fees. But have you noticed GST on the invoice? That’s because gst on maintenance charges applies under certain conditions. This blog explains when GST is charged, who must pay it, and how much.

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Are Maintenance Charges Taxable Under GST?

Yes, but only when certain criteria are met. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable on maintenance or service charges collected by:

  • Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)
  • Housing societies or cooperative societies
  • Builders during possession or handover

However, GST is not charged in every case. Let’s understand the conditions.

New GST Rate on Society Maintenance in India

There was no separate new GST on society maintenance introduced from 22 September 2025. The existing RWA maintenance rules continue to apply.

GST Applicability: When Is It Charged?

Monthly Maintenance per Member

₹7,500 or less

Annual Turnover of RWA

Any turnover

GST Applicable?

No

Monthly Maintenance per Member

More than ₹7,500

Annual Turnover of RWA

₹20 lakh or less

GST Applicable?

No

Monthly Maintenance per Member

More than ₹7,500

Annual Turnover of RWA

More than ₹20 lakh

GST Applicable?

Yes, 18%

Where both conditions are met, 18% GST applies on the entire maintenance amount, not only on the amount above ₹7,500.

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New GST on Society Maintenance Charges: Rate and Details

Type of Charge

General maintenance charges

GST Rate

18%*

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%*

HSN/SAC Code

9995

Type of Charge

Security, cleaning and upkeep as part of society maintenance

GST Rate

18%*

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%*

HSN/SAC Code

9995

Type of Charge

Repair and maintenance charges collected by the society from members

GST Rate

18%*

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%*

HSN/SAC Code

9995

Type of Charge

Electricity recovered at actual cost from residents

GST Rate

Outside taxable value, subject to pure-agent conditions

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

Same treatment

HSN/SAC Code

—

Type of Charge

Municipal water charges recovered at actual cost

GST Rate

Generally not taxable, subject to applicable conditions

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

Same treatment

HSN/SAC Code

—

*18% applies where the RWA is taxable. The established rule is that when monthly contribution exceeds ₹7,500 per member and aggregate annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh, the entire contribution is taxable at 18%.

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GST on Building Maintenance Charges: Examples

Let’s say your monthly bill includes:

  • ₹8,000 as maintenance
  • ₹1,000 for water supply (actuals)

Total payable = ₹9,000

In this case:

  • GST @18% is charged only on ₹8,000 = ₹1,440
  • Total invoice = ₹10,440

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Input Tax Credit for RWAs or Builders

  • RWAs: Cannot claim ITC as they don’t supply taxable goods or services
  • Builders: May claim ITC during possession phase if maintenance charges are billed

Always maintain GST-compliant records to  claim Input Tax Credit  when eligible.

Conclusion

Understanding the gst on maintenance charges ensures transparency for homeowners and compliance for housing societies and developers. Always check your bill for accurate breakup and  GST application .

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common queries about this topic.

When is GST applicable on housing society maintenance?

When maintenance per unit exceeds ₹7,500/month and society turnover is above ₹20 lakhs/year.

What is the GST rate on society maintenance?

The GST on society maintenance is 18%, under SAC 9995.

Do I have to pay GST on water and electricity collected by society?

No, if charged at actual cost without markup, they are exempt from GST.

Is GST applicable on maintenance collected by builder?

Yes. GST on maintenance charges by builder is 18%, especially during the pre-handover phase.

Can the housing society claim Input Tax Credit?

Generally no, as RWAs are not involved in commercial activity.
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Nishant

Chartered Accountant

I am a Chartered Accountant with more than five years of experience in the accounting field. My areas of expertise include GST, income tax, and audits. I am passionate about sharing knowledge through blogs and articles, as I believe that learning is a lifelong journey. My goal is to provide valuable insights and simplify financial matters for individuals and business owners alike.

MRN: 445516 Delhi