Softex form required for software (it) service export

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Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

23 January 2017 I have dout. Providing software/techincal consultancy service to foreign clients as an independent consultant, do I need to file SOFTEX form to receive foreign remittances ?
Who all require to file SOFTEX form ?

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

01 February 2017 Experts, Your opinions please..

Aashok Kumar Sharma

Aashok Kumar Sharma (Expert)
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25 July 2025 Great question! Here's a clear explanation about **SOFTEX forms** for software and IT service exports:

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### What is a SOFTEX Form?

* **SOFTEX** is a mandatory document filed with the **Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)** or **Export Promotion Council for IT & Software (NASSCOM)** for the purpose of tracking software exports.
* It certifies the export of software or IT-enabled services and helps in **getting export benefits** and in monitoring foreign exchange inflow.

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### Who needs to file SOFTEX form?

* **Only companies or entities that are exporting software products** (including packaged software, software services, IT-enabled services) **need to file SOFTEX forms.**
* Filing SOFTEX is mandatory to get the **software export benefits** like incentives, duty drawbacks, and to get export recognition.
* Typically, **Software Export Houses, STPI units, and companies registered with NASSCOM** file SOFTEX forms.

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### What about independent consultants?

* If you are an **independent consultant providing software/technical consultancy services to foreign clients** and **receiving foreign remittances**:

* You **generally do NOT need to file SOFTEX forms** because:

* SOFTEX forms are primarily for exporters registered under specific export promotion councils.
* Independent consultants may not be registered exporters under STPI or EPC.
* However, you **should maintain proper documentation** of your export invoices, contracts, and foreign remittance receipts.
* For income tax and FEMA compliance, you will declare your foreign income through bank statements and invoices.

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### Summary:

| Exporter Type | SOFTEX Filing Requirement |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Software companies registered with STPI/NASSCOM | Mandatory |
| Software Export Houses | Mandatory |
| Independent software consultants providing foreign services | **Not mandatory** |
| Non-registered freelancers/consultants | Not applicable |

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### Additional Notes:

* Even if SOFTEX is not mandatory for you, ensure that:

* Foreign remittances are routed through **authorized dealer banks**.
* You maintain **proper contracts and invoices**.
* You comply with **income tax filing** and **foreign exchange regulations**.

* If you plan to scale your business and register as a software exporter under STPI or EPC, then SOFTEX filing will be required.

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If you want, I can help you with:

* Guidance on registering as a software exporter.
* Details on other export documentation.
* Income tax or FEMA compliance related to foreign services.

Would you like that?

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