GST on Interior Work — SAC Code, 18% or 12%? (2026)
Interior designers and contractors frequently ask whether their GST invoice should show 18% or 12% GST, and which SAC code applies. The answer depends on whether you are providing pure design advisory services or a complete works contract that includes supply and installation of materials. This guide explains both scenarios with real invoice examples.
By Arjun Sharma· GST & Tax Compliance Specialist···Reviewed for GST accuracy
No signup required₹3.60 Cr+ invoice value processedTrusted by 300+ businessesFree forever
Free Tool — No Login Required
Create Interior Design GST Invoice — Free
Auto CGST/SGST/IGST split
PDF in 30 seconds
No signup needed
Free forever
What you get:
GST-compliant PDF
Shareable invoice link
UPI QR on invoice
GSTIN validation
Quick Answer
GST on interior work depends on the nature of the contract: Interior design consultation only (no materials) = SAC 998392 at 18% GST. Works contract (supply + installation of materials) = SAC 995411 at 12% (residential) or 18% (commercial). If you are providing both design and execution with materials, it is a composite works contract.
Two Types of Interior Work — Different SAC Codes
Service Type
SAC Code
GST Rate
Pure interior design / consultancy (no materials)
998392
18%
Interior works contract — residential (with materials)
995411
12%
Interior works contract — commercial (with materials)
995412
18%
Furniture supply and installation
940310 (HSN)
18%
False ceiling / partition installation
995431
18%
Electrical installation (as part of interior)
995432
18%
When Is It a Works Contract?
A works contract exists when you supply both goods (materials) and services (installation/labour) as part of one agreement for an immovable property. Interior work becomes a works contract when you: (1) procure and install materials (tiles, flooring, paint, furniture, etc.), (2) raise a single composite invoice for the entire project, and (3) are responsible for the final outcome (turnkey delivery). In a works contract, the SAC 995411 applies for residential and SAC 995412 for commercial. If you are only designing and supervising (no material procurement), use SAC 998392 at 18%.
Skip the manual work
Generate Works Contract GST Invoice
Instead of manually formatting invoices in Excel, generate GST-compliant invoices instantly — automatic CGST, SGST & IGST calculation, PDF download, and shareable link.
Example 1 — Design Only: An interior designer in Mumbai charges ₹2,00,000 for 3D design plans and supervision (no materials). SAC 998392, 18% GST = ₹36,000. Total: ₹2,36,000. Example 2 — Works Contract (Residential Flat): A Pune interior contractor undertakes a complete home interior (materials + labour) for ₹15,00,000. SAC 995411, 12% GST = ₹1,80,000. Total: ₹16,80,000. Example 3 — Commercial Office Interior: SAC 995412, 18% GST on ₹25,00,000 = ₹4,50,000. Total: ₹29,50,000.
ITC on Interior Works — Client's Perspective
Businesses spending on commercial office interiors can claim ITC on the GST paid — whether it is the 18% on design services or the 18% on the commercial works contract. However, ITC is blocked for works contracts for construction or renovation of immovable property that is used for personal purposes (residential). A company renovating its office = ITC eligible. An individual renovating their home = no ITC.
FAQs
What SAC code should an interior designer use?
An interior designer providing pure design services (drawings, 3D plans, consultation) uses SAC 998392 at 18% GST. If the designer also procures and installs materials (turnkey project), it becomes a works contract — SAC 995411 (residential, 12%) or SAC 995412 (commercial, 18%).
What GST rate applies to home interior renovation?
Works contract for construction or renovation of residential property (like an apartment): 12% GST under SAC 995411. Pure design consulting: 18% GST. Materials (tiles, paint, wood) are taxed separately based on their HSN codes — typically 12% or 18%.
Can an interior designer charge 0% GST if clients are individuals?
No — the GST rate does not change based on whether the client is an individual or a business. A works contract for residential construction is 12% regardless. A pure design service is 18% regardless. The client's status does not affect the GST rate.
Is GST applicable on furniture supplied as part of interior work?
Furniture supplied and installed as part of an interior works contract is part of the composite supply — taxed at the works contract rate (12% or 18%). If furniture is sold standalone (movable, not fixed to the building), it is taxed under HSN 9403 at 18% GST.
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.
Free Interior Works Invoice — No Signup
Create professional GST invoices instantly — no Excel, no manual calculations.