TallyPrime does not have a single, dedicated "Works Contract" button or module that you simply toggle "on." Instead, managing works contracts involves configuring existing TallyPrime features—specifically Cost Centres, Ledger Masters, and Voucher configurations—to track project-specific costs, revenues, and tax compliance (GST/TDS).
To set up and report a new project in the real estate or construction sector, follow these foundational steps:
1. Enable Cost Centres for Project Tracking
To track a project as a distinct unit, you must use Cost Centres.
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Go to Gateway of Tally > Create > Cost Centre. (If you don't see this, press F11 (Features) and set "Maintain Cost Centres" to Yes).
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Create a separate Cost Centre for your new project (e.g., "Project A").
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Ensure "Maintain Cost Centres for Ledgers" is enabled in your relevant expense and revenue ledgers so you can tag every transaction to a specific project.
2. Configure Tax Masters (GST & TDS)
Works contracts usually involve complex tax treatments, including GST on services and TDS under Section 194C.
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Ledgers: Create ledgers for "Works Contract Expenses" and "Contractor Payments."
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GST: Ensure you map the correct SAC (Services Accounting Code) for works contract services (typically SAC 9954) to handle composite supply rules automatically.
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TDS: Enable TDS in your contractor/vendor ledgers. When you record a payment, Tally will calculate the TDS under the "Payment to Sub-Contractors" nature of payment.
3. Record Transactions (The Project Workflow)
Instead of a "module," you use standard accounting vouchers tailored for project-based accounting:
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Purchases: Record material and labour procurement using Purchase Vouchers (F9). Be sure to select the relevant "Project" (Cost Centre) for each line item.
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Sales/Billing: Use Sales Vouchers (F8) to issue Running Account (RA) bills to your clients as project milestones are completed.
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Tracking: Use the Cost Centre Break-up report to see the total expenses (material + labour) versus the income for that specific project.
4. Advanced Requirements
If you need deeper automation—such as automated retention money management, measurement book tracking, or complex progress-based billing—these are typically handled by:
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Custom Tally Add-ons: Many Tally partners offer specialized "Construction ERP" modules that sit on top of TallyPrime to automate these specific workflows.
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Third-party Tally-integrated software: There are dedicated construction accounting solutions built on Tally's platform designed specifically for the complexities of real estate.
Summary
There is no "Works Contract" switch; you enable it by creating a Cost Centre for your project, mapping GST/TDS to your ledgers, and using Cost Centre tagging on every transaction to maintain project-wise profitability and compliance. For advanced automation (like retention or RA billing), you may need an industry-specific Tally add-on.