Regarding GST liability on Subcontractor

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Suresh S. Tejwani

Suresh S. Tejwani (Querist)
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26 July 2024 If Main contractor is service provider in SEZ then Whether sub contractor is liable for GST?

Aashok Kumar Sharma online

Aashok Kumar Sharma online

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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

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