A builder or Developer has to receive completion certificate from authority or architect ?

HLO , WE ARE BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS . I WANT TO KNOW THAT FROM WHOM WE HAVE TO RECIEVE COMPLETION CERTIFICATE FOR WAVING OFF GST ( MEANS FROM AUTHORITY OR ARCHITECT ). PLEASE GIVE ANSWER TO MY QUERY . THANK YOU SO MUCH .

Replies (5)
Quick Summary
Builders and developers are seeking clarification on who should issue the completion certificate to waive GST. While municipal authorities typically issue this certificate, confirming compliance with building plans and safety standards, recent notifications suggest an architect or chartered engineer can also issue it if the local authority doesn't require one. This certificate is crucial for GST exemption, utility connections, and legal occupancy.

To waive off GST, you need to obtain a Completion Certificate from the local municipal authorities, not just an architect.

This certificate confirms that your construction project adheres to approved plans and safety standards.

The Completion Certificate is crucial for several reasons¹ ²: - *GST Exemption*: Properties with a Completion Certificate are exempt from GST. -

*Utility Connections*: It's necessary for unlocking utility connections and handing over possession to buyers. -

*Legal Occupancy*: Without it, buildings may face potential demolition, legal action, or service denial. To obtain the Completion Certificate, you'll need to: 

- Submit an application to the local municipal corporation or building authority - Provide required documents, such as: -

 *Approved Building Plan*: A copy of the approved building plan -

*Structural Safety Certificate*: A certificate certifying the building's safety - *No Objection Certificates (NOCs)*: NOCs for utilities like water, sewage, and fire safety -

 Pay applicable inspection fees and penalties Ensure you collect the Completion Certificate and store it safely for future reference.

I HAD SEEN THIS NOTIFICATION WHERE IT IS DECLARED THAT CERTIFICATE CAN BE ISSUED FROM ARCHITECT ALSO . PLEASE GIVE ANSWER ON THIS .

 

5. Supply of services The following shall be treated as supply of services, namely:—

(a) renting of immovable property;

(b) construction of a complex, building, civil structure or a part thereof, including a complex or building intended for sale to a buyer, wholly or partly, except where the entire consideration has been received after issuance of completion certificate, where required, by the competent authority or after its first occupation, whichever is earlier.

Explanation.—For the purposes of this clause—

(1) the expression “competent authority” means the Government or any authority authorised to issue completion certificate under any law for the time being in force and in case of non-requirement of such certificate from such authority, from any of the following, namely:—

(i) an architect registered with the Council of Architecture constituted under the Architects Act, 1972; or

(ii) a chartered engineer registered with the Institution of Engineers (India); or

(iii) a licensed surveyor of the respective local body of the city or town or village or development or planning authority;

Refer: schedule-ii-cgst-act

Do I understand correctly that in your case there is no requirement to obtain a certificate from the local authorities, and therefore you are considering using a certificate from an architect? If so, then according to the regulations, this is indeed possible, subject to certain conditions. However, I recommend that you consult a lawyer for further advice. By the way, if you're planning a business trip or just want a comfortable way to explore the region, check out coachamerica 's Kansas destinations — convenient travel options can make a big difference

For the GST exemption on sale of a building, the relevant completion certificate must be issued by the competent authority, not merely by your architect. Under the GST notification, this may be the local authority or another authority empowered to issue such certificates; in some cases, an architect, engineer or licensed surveyor may issue it where the competent authority has specifically authorised them to do so. An architect’s certificate by itself is not enough unless that authorisation applies. The exemption generally concerns sale after the certificate is issued or after first occupation, whichever is earlier; the project’s facts and applicable notification conditions should be checked.

This certificate is one part of the project’s GST documentation and sale-tracking workflow. Manual coordination of approvals, unit sales and tax records is difficult, and automation can reduce repetitive work while keeping professional judgment in control. At Jir AI we provide 2,000+ AI agents and 650+ integrations to streamline your practice’s day-to-day workload. To explore how this could support your workflow, message us on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/3HVOZ7HIY4ESC1

Who issues the completion certificate for GST purposes:

• Notf 11/2017-CT(R) (Explanation to entry 3) accepts a completion certificate issued by the competent authority, or, where the local law allows, a certificate from an architect registered with the Council of Architecture, a chartered engineer, or a licensed surveyor. Units sold after such certificate are outside GST.

• Check what your State's building rules permit; most require the local authority's occupancy or completion certificate.

Leave a Reply

Your are not logged in . Please login to post replies

Click here to Login / Register  

Company
10 November 2026
FP&A Executive

Gujarat Guardian

Ankleshwar

CA Final

View Details
Company
12 November 2026
Auditor

Oz Taxation

Vijayawada

Graduate (Any)

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 28 October 2026
Article assistants

Shyam S Gupta and Company

New Delhi

CA Inter

View Details
Company
19 October 2026
Accountants/Articles (Freshers/Experienced)

ADY & CO.

New Delhi

Graduate (Any)

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 22 October 2026
Articleship intern

Srinath Manikanta

Hyderabad

CA Inter

View Details
Company
ARTICLESHIP 14 November 2026
Article Assistant

Jitendra Agarwal & Associates

Bengaluru

CA Inter

View Details
Company
12 November 2026
Tax Product Specialist

BharatX.ai

Gurgaon

B.Com

View Details
Company
Featured ARTICLESHIP 28 October 2026
CA- Inter and Articles

N N V Satish & Co.,

Hyderabad

CA Inter

View Details