Regarding GST liability on Subcontractor
This query is : Resolved
26 July 2024
If Main contractor is service provider in SEZ then Whether sub contractor is liable for GST?
13 August 2025
Scenario:
Main Contractor: Service provider located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Subcontractor: Engaged by main contractor for providing services.
Key Points:
1. SEZ Status and GST
SEZ units are considered “separate taxable persons” under GST.
Supplies to or by SEZ units have special place of supply rules and zero-rated treatment for exports of services.
2. Is Subcontractor Liable to Charge GST?
Yes, the subcontractor is liable to charge GST on services provided to the main contractor.
GST registration is mandatory if the subcontractor’s aggregate turnover exceeds the threshold limit.
The subcontractor’s place of supply will depend on the nature of services and location of recipient.
3. Place of Supply
If the subcontractor is outside the SEZ and main contractor is in SEZ, then the place of supply will be outside the subcontractor’s location — generally the SEZ.
Supplies to SEZ are treated as zero-rated supplies, meaning no GST charged, but the supplier can claim input tax credit.
If subcontractor is also in SEZ, then no GST on supply within SEZ.
4. Taxability
Situation GST Treatment
Subcontractor outside SEZ supplying to SEZ unit Zero-rated supply (0% GST)
Subcontractor inside SEZ supplying to SEZ unit No GST (exempt supply within SEZ)
Subcontractor supplying outside SEZ Regular GST applicable
5. Reverse Charge
Generally, the main contractor (SEZ unit) is not liable to pay reverse charge on services received from subcontractors.
Subcontractor charges GST normally unless it’s a zero-rated supply.
Summary:
Subcontractor Location Main Contractor Location GST Liability of Subcontractor
Outside SEZ SEZ Unit Supplies are zero-rated (0% GST)
Inside SEZ SEZ Unit No GST (exempt supply)
Outside SEZ Outside SEZ Regular GST applies
Main Contractor: Service provider located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Subcontractor: Engaged by main contractor for providing services.
Key Points:
1. SEZ Status and GST
SEZ units are considered “separate taxable persons” under GST.
Supplies to or by SEZ units have special place of supply rules and zero-rated treatment for exports of services.
2. Is Subcontractor Liable to Charge GST?
Yes, the subcontractor is liable to charge GST on services provided to the main contractor.
GST registration is mandatory if the subcontractor’s aggregate turnover exceeds the threshold limit.
The subcontractor’s place of supply will depend on the nature of services and location of recipient.
3. Place of Supply
If the subcontractor is outside the SEZ and main contractor is in SEZ, then the place of supply will be outside the subcontractor’s location — generally the SEZ.
Supplies to SEZ are treated as zero-rated supplies, meaning no GST charged, but the supplier can claim input tax credit.
If subcontractor is also in SEZ, then no GST on supply within SEZ.
4. Taxability
Situation GST Treatment
Subcontractor outside SEZ supplying to SEZ unit Zero-rated supply (0% GST)
Subcontractor inside SEZ supplying to SEZ unit No GST (exempt supply within SEZ)
Subcontractor supplying outside SEZ Regular GST applicable
5. Reverse Charge
Generally, the main contractor (SEZ unit) is not liable to pay reverse charge on services received from subcontractors.
Subcontractor charges GST normally unless it’s a zero-rated supply.
Summary:
Subcontractor Location Main Contractor Location GST Liability of Subcontractor
Outside SEZ SEZ Unit Supplies are zero-rated (0% GST)
Inside SEZ SEZ Unit No GST (exempt supply)
Outside SEZ Outside SEZ Regular GST applies
You need to be the querist or approved CAclub expert to take part in this query .
Click here to login now
Click here to login now
Similar Resolved Queries
Unanswered Queries
- ITR 3 VALIDATION
- Brokage income from sale and purchase of property
- GST registration /aadion a new place of business in the same state and city
- Correction in filed Form 27Q - showing error due to deductee contact number
- 44AD business and F&O loss
- Preparation of PL BS and presentation in ITR
- Regarding Trading & Investment in Shares and MF in the context of Income tax return
- LTCG EXEMPTION AND TAX APPLICABILITY
- ITR-4- U/s.44AD- Financial Particulars of Business
- Reporting sale value mismatch for share transaction
- "Please ensure that the Total of the Deductions u/s 54F match the same in Table D in Sch CG"
- Composition Dealer GST Annual Return Filing process
- Stamp Duty & Registration Fees on Sale Deed
- GST on Restaurant service
- Revision under Section 264 in The Income Tax Act, 1961
- TDS under section 195.
- Filing GST Returns after death of proprietor
- Registered Required in GST Act
- Switch over to Composition Scheme
- Gstr 9 and itc
Trending Online Classes
-
Input Tax Credit, GST refunds and Recovery of refunds- Roadblocks and way outs
CA Nipun Arora03 September 2025 -
GST LIVE Certification Course - 43rd Weekdays Batch(With Govt Certificate)
Industry Expert15 September 2025
CAclubindia
