GST on Web Development Services in India (Rate, SAC Code & Invoice 2026)
GST on web development services is 18% in India. Freelance web developers, agencies, and software companies building websites for Indian clients all charge 18% GST. This guide covers the correct SAC code, invoice format, export rules, and ITC implications.
By Arjun Sharma· GST & Tax Compliance Specialist···Reviewed for GST accuracy
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GST Rate on Web Development
Web development services attract 18% GST — the same rate as all IT and software services in India. This includes front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), back-end development (PHP, Python, Node.js, etc.), full-stack projects, CMS development (WordPress, Shopify), e-commerce website builds, and website maintenance contracts. The rate applies to both project-based billing and monthly retainer agreements. No sub-category of web development is eligible for a lower GST rate.
SAC Code for Web Development
SAC Code
Service Description
GST Rate
998311
Custom website & web application development
18%
998314
Website maintenance & support services
18%
998315
Website testing & quality assurance
18%
998316
Web hosting & cloud services
18%
998431
Online advertising & web marketing services
18%
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A web developer in Pune invoices a Mumbai e-commerce startup ₹1,20,000 for a custom WooCommerce store build (SAC 998311). Both are in Maharashtra — intra-state supply: CGST 9% = ₹10,800 + SGST 9% = ₹10,800. Total: ₹1,41,600. If the same developer builds a site for a Gujarat client, IGST 18% = ₹21,600 applies, total ₹1,41,600. The GSTIN of both parties must appear on the invoice.
GST on Web Development Exports
Web development services for clients outside India qualify as export of services — zero-rated under GST — provided: the developer is in India, the client is outside India, payment is received in foreign currency (USD, EUR, etc.), and the service is not consumed in India. Indian developers working for US, UK, or UAE clients should export under LUT (Letter of Undertaking) to avoid paying IGST upfront. The income is not tax-free for income tax purposes — only GST is zero-rated.
ITC for Web Development Businesses
Web developers and agencies can claim ITC on: domain registrations and hosting (18% GST), software licences (Adobe, GitHub, Figma — 18%), office rent, laptops and equipment (18%), internet connectivity (18%), and professional subscriptions. ITC reduces the net GST outflow. For example, if you collect ₹21,600 IGST from clients and paid ₹5,000 GST on tools and subscriptions, you only remit ₹16,600 to the government.
FAQs
What is the GST rate for website development in India?
18% GST applies to all web development services. SAC code 998311 for custom development, 998314 for maintenance. Both attract 18%.
Do freelance web developers need GST registration?
Registration is mandatory if annual revenue exceeds ₹20 lakh. For inter-state projects (working for clients in other states), registration is required regardless of turnover.
Can web developers export services without paying GST?
Yes — by filing a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) on the GST portal before the financial year. With LUT, you invoice foreign clients at zero GST and do not need to pay or claim a refund.
What SAC code do I use for website maintenance?
SAC 998314 covers IT infrastructure management and website maintenance services. GST rate is 18%. Use this code for monthly retainer or Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) invoices.
Why Businesses Stop Using Excel for GST Invoices
Manual GST calculation mistakes
One wrong CGST/SGST split or a misapplied rate triggers notices and ITC denial for your buyer.
Slow invoice creation
Copying last month's Excel file, updating dates, recalculating — 20 minutes for what should take 30 seconds.
Formatting breaks on every device
Excel invoices look different on every printer and PDF converter. Clients complain about unreadable layouts.
No easy sharing or payment link
Sending PDFs over WhatsApp with no way for clients to pay directly slows down collections.
Incorrect tax type (IGST vs CGST+SGST)
Excel can't auto-detect intra vs inter-state supply. Wrong tax type = ITC rejected for your buyer.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax, legal, or financial advice. GST rules and rates are subject to change. Consult a qualified CA or tax professional before making compliance decisions.
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