A SAC code finder turns a plain description of what you do ("we build mobile apps", "we do bookkeeping for UK firms") into the six-digit Services Accounting Code that belongs on your GST invoices and in Part 2B of your EDF. Search with words that describe the output you deliver, pick the most specific match, and confirm the final choice with your CA before you print it on hundreds of invoices. The search takes seconds; the confirmation saves you from repeating one wrong code all year.
Key takeaways
- SAC codes classify services under GST. They are six digits and start with 99.
- The EDF asks for a SAC code on every Part 2B row, so the same code should appear on your invoice and your EDF.
- Search by what the client receives (an app, a set of accounts, an ad campaign), not by your job title.
- Choose the most specific code that fits. "Other" codes are a last resort.
- A SAC code is not a purpose code. The bank uses a separate RBI purpose code for each inward remittance.
What a SAC code is, and where it goes
SAC stands for Services Accounting Code. It is the services counterpart of the HSN code used for goods, and it groups services into a structured list under GST. You will use it on:
| Document | Where the SAC appears |
|---|---|
| GST tax invoice (domestic or export) | Against each line item |
| EDF Part 2B | One code per invoice row |
| Your GST returns | In the summary sections that ask for codes, as your CA advises |
| Contracts and quotations | Optional, but helpful for consistency |
If you want the background on how SAC and HSN differ, read our HSN vs SAC explainer.
How to search well
The SAC code finder works best when you give it the language of the classification, not your marketing copy.
- Describe the deliverable. "Website design and development" beats "digital transformation partner".
- Try two or three phrasings. "Bookkeeping", "accounting services" and "payroll processing" can surface different codes.
- Read the full description of each match, not just the heading. Look for inclusions and exclusions.
- Prefer the specific over the general. If both "IT design and development services" and "other IT services" seem to fit, the specific one is usually right.
- Note the code and the description you relied on, so your CA can confirm it quickly.
Codes service exporters use most
These are common examples, not a complete list. Confirm the right code for your work with your CA.
| SAC | Description | Typical exporter |
|---|---|---|
| 998311 | Management consulting | Strategy, operations, HR consultancies |
| 998313 | IT consulting and support | IT advisory, support desks |
| 998314 | IT design and development | Software, web and app development |
| 998315 | Hosting and IT infrastructure | Managed hosting, cloud operations |
| 998319 | Other IT services | IT work not covered above |
| 998361 | Advertising services | Ad agencies, campaign management |
| 998371 | Market research | Research and survey firms |
| 998222 | Accounting and bookkeeping | Outsourced accounting firms |
| 998393 | Other specialty design | Graphic and brand design (confirm with CA) |
For a longer walkthrough of these and neighbouring codes, see the most used SAC codes for export of services.
A worked example: one business, three codes
Fable & Fern Digital LLP in Kochi does three kinds of work for overseas clients: builds Shopify stores, runs paid ad campaigns, and designs brand identities.
Using the finder, the partners searched each activity separately:
- "E-commerce website development" pointed to 998314, IT design and development.
- "Online advertising campaign management" pointed to 998361, advertising services.
- "Logo and brand identity design" surfaced design-related codes; 998393 looked closest, so they flagged it for the CA.
Their CA confirmed the first two and agreed with 998393 for the brand work. Fable & Fern now sets a default code per service line in its invoice template. In its December 2026 EDF, a USD 6,200 store build (₹5,18,000) shows 998314, a GBP 2,000 ad retainer (₹2,12,000) shows 998361, and an AUD 3,500 branding project (₹1,92,000) shows 998393. Each row matches its invoice exactly.
Mistakes the finder cannot catch for you
- One code for everything. Mixed businesses need a code per service line. Using 998314 for an ad retainer looks odd to anyone reviewing the EDF.
- Picking a code by job title. A "consultant" who mainly writes software probably belongs in IT development, not management consulting.
- Using HSN for services. HSN is for goods. Services use SAC.
- Changing codes month to month for the same work. Consistency matters for GST and for anyone matching invoices to EDF rows.
- Confusing SAC with purpose codes. The bank tags each inward payment with an RBI purpose code, such as P0802 for software consultancy or P1006 for management consultancy. Use the purpose code finder for that separate decision.
SAC code vs purpose code at a glance
| SAC code | Purpose code | |
|---|---|---|
| Who uses it | You, on invoices and the EDF | Your bank, on inward remittances |
| Format | Six digits, e.g. 998314 | Letter plus four digits, e.g. P0802 |
| Governing system | GST | RBI reporting |
| Should they be consistent? | Yes, they should describe the same service | Yes |
If your invoice says 998361 (advertising) and the bank tags the payment P0802 (software consultancy), expect questions later. Agree both before the first invoice goes out.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the SAC code for my service?
Describe the deliverable in plain words in a SAC code finder, try a couple of phrasings, and pick the most specific match. Then confirm it with your CA before using it on invoices and the EDF.
Is the SAC code required on the EDF?
Yes. Part 2B of the EDF has a SAC code column for each invoice row. Use the same code that appears on the invoice.
Can one business use more than one SAC code?
Yes. If you provide different kinds of services, each service line should carry its own code. Set defaults per service in your invoice template.
What is the difference between SAC and HSN?
SAC codes classify services; HSN codes classify goods. Service exporters use SAC on invoices and the EDF.
Is my SAC code the same as my purpose code?
No. SAC is a GST classification you choose; the purpose code is an RBI code the bank attaches to each inward remittance. They should describe the same service but are different systems.
Bottom line
A SAC code finder gets you to the right code in seconds; a quick confirmation from your CA makes it stick. Use one code per service line, keep it consistent across invoices and EDFs, and agree the matching purpose code with your bank. Start with the free SAC code finder, then build your monthly EDF.
This guide is general information for Indian businesses, not legal or tax advice. Rules and bank processes change — confirm specifics with your AD bank or chartered accountant.