Financial Auditing Services Under SAC Code 998221
Financial auditing services focus on independent review of a business financial records to check accuracy, compliance and transparency. Chartered accountants and audit firms carry out statutory audit, internal audit and special purpose reviews for companies, firms and other entities. These financial auditing services help stakeholders trust the reported numbers. Under GST, such financial auditing services are classified under SAC 998221. This SAC code and its GST rate decide how GST is charged on audit and assurance fees.
Financial Auditing Services GST Rate for SAC Code 998221
Financial auditing services under this SAC code are treated as professional audit and assurance services under GST. The taxable value generally includes statutory audit fees, internal audit fees and charges for other assurance engagements, excluding any reimbursement of out of pocket expenses that are charged at actuals with proper support.
Post the September 2025 rationalisation, most taxable audit and assurance services normally fall within the 18% GST slab with input tax credit for eligible registered clients. However, services to specific entities or under particular schemes may face special conditions or reverse charge, as notified from time to time in GST circulars and notifications.
The table below explains the prevailing GST treatment for SAC code 998221, showing the standard 18% slab for taxable financial auditing services and any notified special cases.
| Code | Description | Old GST Rate (till 21 Sep 2025) |
New GST Rate (from 22 Sep 2025) |
Notes on change / inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 998221 | Financial auditing services | 18% with ITC | 18% with ITC | Listed at 18% in legal and accounting service rate tables and professional-services FAQs. No rate cut or slab shift proposed for auditing services in the 56th Council changes. |
Audit firms and practising professionals using this SAC code should mention audit fees, GST rate in % and GST amount clearly on invoices and engagement letters. The same SAC and tax treatment should be mirrored in GSTR 1 and GSTR 3B so that clients can claim input tax credit correctly and respond with confidence during any GST review or departmental scrutiny.
Explore Other SAC Codes Under 9982
These SAC codes fall under the legal and accounting services group 9982, which covers legal advisory, court representation, arbitration, tax consulting, financial auditing and related professional services. Each six digit SAC within this group points to a specific type of legal, audit or professional service for GST classification.
These are the main related six-digit SAC codes under 9982.
Law firms, IP professionals and audit firms should select the SAC that most closely describes their main engagement, such as patent filing services, legal documentation, arbitration, legal support services or financial auditing services. Correct SAC selection and GST rate application in % make it easier for clients to book expenses, claim input tax credit where allowed and handle GST queries or audits confidently.
Conclusion
Financial auditing services under SAC 998221 cover statutory audits, internal audits and other assurance assignments that test the accuracy and fairness of financial statements. Audit fees generally attract 18% GST with input tax credit for eligible business entities, except where specific schemes or notifications apply. Audit firms should use SAC 998221 on invoices, apply the correct GST rate in %, separate audit fees and tax clearly and keep GST returns consistent so that clients can defend their input tax credit during any review.
Important Disclaimer
The entire content on this page has been arranged to the best of the author's understanding and is subject to periodic updates as per the law for the time being in force. The above does not constitute professional advice or a formal recommendation. While due care has been taken in preparing this content, the existence of mistakes and omissions cannot be ruled out. BUSY Infotech Private Ltd. and its associates will not be held responsible for any loss or damage arising from any inaccurate or incomplete information in this document. We recommend consulting a professional tax consultant before acting on the information contained in this piece of content.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does SAC code 998221 cover in GST?
SAC 998221 covers statutory, internal, tax and other financial audit services. It includes planning, execution and reporting of audits of company accounts, controls and compliance. Services are usually provided by chartered accountants or audit firms appointed as statutory auditors or internal auditors by businesses and organisations.
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Does SAC 998221 include statutory and internal audit services?
Yes. Statutory audits under company law, internal audits, tax audits and special purpose audits are generally classified under SAC 998221. Work like risk assessment, testing controls, reviewing financial records and issuing audit reports to management or regulators is covered when billed as professional audit services for a fee.
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What is the GST rate on financial auditing services under SAC 998221?
Audit services under SAC 998221 are usually taxed at 18%. GST is charged on audit fees and related charges like out of pocket expenses if included in taxable value. Some audits for government bodies may have special treatment, so auditors should always verify current GST rules and exemptions.
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Should company statutory audits be billed under SAC 998221?
Yes. When audit firms raise invoices for statutory company audits, tax audits or internal audits, they normally mention SAC 998221. This classification clearly shows that the service relates to examination of financial statements and systems, rather than routine accounting, consultancy or compliance filings covered by other SAC codes.
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Can businesses claim ITC on services billed under SAC 998221?
Businesses can usually claim ITC on GST paid for audit services under SAC 998221 because audits support financial control and statutory compliance of taxable activities. If the audited entity makes only exempt supplies or is not registered, ITC may not be available. Proper invoices and agreements are needed.