Earlier under GST, shelter construction work could fall under different rates and schemes based on the type of project and how the contract was designed. Projects meant for social welfare or long term residential use usually enjoyed a lower effective tax rate, while other building projects were generally charged at the normal construction rate with full
input tax credit
.
After the September 2025 rationalisation, construction services for residential and community housing projects such as old age homes, homeless shelters and hostels under SAC 995412 are generally taxed at 5 percent without input tax credit, subject to conditions notified for such projects. Construction of non residential or commercial blocks within the same campus, if any, normally falls in the 18 percent slab with input tax credit, and must be evaluated separately as per the contract and actual use.