News Agency Services Under SAC Code 998441
News agency services under SAC 998441 cover organisations that gather, edit and supply news, photos, videos and feature stories to newspapers, TV channels, digital platforms and other publishers. These agencies usually work on subscription or contractual terms and deliver content feeds, bulletins and special reports throughout the day. Their primary service is the supply of news material, not direct publication to the general public, and these supplies are treated as taxable media and information services under GST. Correct SAC use helps news agencies and clients keep GST reporting straightforward.
News Agency Services GST Rate for SAC Code 998441
For GST purposes, news agency services fall under media and information supply services delivered to publishing houses and broadcasters. The taxable value typically includes periodic subscription charges, retainer fees, per story charges and any special fees for exclusive coverage or photo and video packages that are supplied to publishers.
After the September 2025 GST changes, news agency services that are not covered by specific exemptions continue under the standard 18% slab. Publishers and broadcasters registered under GST can generally claim input tax credit on such expenses if the news content is used in their taxable media activities and invoices clearly show SAC 998441 with the GST charged.
The table below shows the latest standard GST rate for SAC code 998441.
| Code | Description | Old GST Rate (till 21 Sep 2025) |
New GST Rate (from 22 Sep 2025) |
Notes on change / inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 998441 | News agency services to newspapers and periodicals | 18% with ITC | 18% with ITC | Multiple SAC wise rate tools show this code at 18% GST. While some older entries mention concessional or nil rates in a FIFA specific context, standard news agency services to print media are taxed at 18% in practice. |
In practical terms, news agencies should charge 18% GST on taxable subscription and content supply fees, quote SAC 998441 on invoices and use the same code in their GST returns so that news service income can be easily linked with tax paid.
Explore Other SAC Codes Under 9984
SAC 998441 sits under heading 9984, which also includes online information portals, digital content services and various internet based communication services. While some services under this heading target end consumers directly, news agency services mainly support other publishers and broadcasters.
The list below highlights key six-digit SAC codes under 9984. Some codes are meant for direct to consumer online information services or digital content platforms, while others focus on streaming or software downloads.
For the 9984 group, this code is best used when the core activity is gathering and supplying news agency content to newspapers, digital news sites, broadcasters and similar publishers. Other SAC codes in the heading should be applied when the service is direct online information to end users, general digital content services or another clearly defined internet based supply.
Conclusion
This code is meant for news agency services where news, photos, videos and written features are supplied to publishers and broadcasters as professional content. The code is generally taxed at 18% under GST, and using it with the correct rate in % helps both agencies and media houses keep billing, ITC claims and GST reporting clean. As news distribution models change, it is sensible to monitor fresh GST clarifications and consult a tax expert where agency work overlaps with direct publishing or advertising supplies.
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.