Accounting Management

Guide to GST Invoicing for Housing Society

Published: September 2, 2025

When the GST came into effect in India, it replaced a mix of different indirect taxes with a single system. For housing societies and RWAs, this change isn’t just about paying tax; it also brings more clarity to how day-to-day finances are handled.

A society needs to register for GST only if its yearly collections cross the prescribed limit. At present, this threshold is ₹20 lakh (₹40 lakh in some states). For Some States categorised as Special States (primarily, North-East), this threshold is reduced to ₹10 lakh to account for their different economic scales.

Once registered, the society must issue GST-compliant invoices for member contributions to remain compliant with the law.

GST Applicability on Housing Societies

GST applies to housing societies when their turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh and the monthly maintenance contribution per member crosses ₹7,500.

If the monthly maintenance charges are ₹7,500 or below per member, GST is not applicable.
If charges exceed ₹7,500, then GST is levied on the entire amount, not just the excess.

Also, property tax and electricity charges collected on behalf of members are exempt and not included in the ₹7,500 calculation.

Read Also: GST on Maintenance Charges

GST Invoicing for Housing Society – Overview

In simple terms, GST invoicing for a housing society refers to issuing a tax invoice to members whenever GST applies to their maintenance bills. Doing this correctly ensures the society’s compliance, makes its accounts more transparent, and allows the society to utilise Input Tax Credit (ITC) on expenses such as repairs or large purchases.

Correct GST invoicing also helps members understand the tax breakup and avoid disputes over charges.

GST Invoice Format for Housing Society

Every GST invoice issued by a housing society must contain specific details:

Society name, address & GSTIN
Invoice number & date
Member’s details (Name, Flat No./Unit No.)
Breakdown of maintenance charges (e.g., security, housekeeping, repairs)
GST rate (generally 18%) and amount
Total payable including GST

A Tax Invoice is issued when GST is charged. If the society provides exempt services (like only collecting property tax), it issues a Bill of Supply instead.

Particulars	Amount (₹)	GST @18% (₹)	Total (₹)
Security Services	4,000	720	4,720
Housekeeping & Cleaning	3,000	540	3,540
Repairs & Maintenance	2,000	360	2,360
Total	9,000	1,620	10,620

Bill of Supply

A Bill of Supply is issued when the society provides exempt services (i.e., services not subject to GST) such as:

Only collecting property tax or municipal charges
Income from renting out community halls without GST
Other exempted services under GST

Key Details on a Bill of Supply:

Society Name, Address
Invoice/Bill Number & Date
Member Name & Flat/Unit Number
Description of service and amount
No GST is mentioned, since the service is exempt

Breakdown of GST on Housing Society Maintenance Charges

A housing society’s maintenance bill may include:

Security & housekeeping services
Repairs and general maintenance
Utilities like generator costs, water pumps, and common lighting

Since these are taxable services, they are subject to an 18% GST.

Taxable Services (Subject to 18% GST)

Security & housekeeping services
Repairs and general maintenance of buildings
Generator, water pumps, and common lighting expenses
Lift maintenance
AMC (Annual Maintenance Contracts) for equipment
Professional fees (auditors, property managers, etc.)
Common area electricity beyond prescribed limits
Facility management services (swimming pool, gym, clubhouse, etc.)

Exempt Services (No GST Applicable)

Property tax is collected by society on behalf of the municipal authority
Water charges (supplied by municipal authority or borewell)
Sinking fund contributions
Interest earned on fixed deposits
Parking charges (if collected separately and not bundled as a taxable service)
Non-refundable deposits, like the corpus fund or entrance fees
Member-to-member reimbursements without a service element

Example: If a member’s monthly maintenance bill is ₹10,000, the GST on housing society maintenance charges would be ₹1,800, making the total payable ₹11,800.

GST Compliance for Housing Society

Once a society crosses the registration threshold, GST compliance for a housing society becomes a critical responsibility. Key requirements include:

GST registration is required when the annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh.
Timely filing of GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and yearly returns.
Claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC) on services and purchases like repairs, equipment, and utilities.
Maintaining proper records and invoices for smooth audits.
Adhering to due dates, since delays can invite penalties and interest charges.

Exemptions & Special Considerations

Exemption: If member contributions are ₹7,500 or less, no GST applies.
Charges like property tax, water bills, and electricity bills are exempt.
Funds such as sinking funds, repair charges, and car parking are taxable.
A common misconception is that GST applies only to amounts exceeding ₹7,500. In reality, once the amount crosses ₹7,500, GST is applied to the full sum.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The consequences of ignoring GST rules are:

Penalties for Issuing Invoices Without a GSTIN.
Heavy fines and interest are imposed for late filing.
Loss of Input Tax Credit due to errors.
Possible legal action against the society’s management committee.

Best Practices for GST Invoicing in Housing Societies

The best practices for GST Invoicing in Housing Societies are:

Use society management software to generate GST-compliant invoices.
Consult a tax expert or CA for compliance.
Conduct periodic audits to avoid errors.
And most importantly, keep members informed about how GST is reflected in their bills.

GST Invoicing Matters for Housing Societies

GST invoicing enables housing societies to maintain clear and transparent accounts. Smaller societies don’t have much to worry about because of the exemptions. Bigger ones, however, can cut down their expenses by claiming Input Tax Credit. With clear invoicing and the support of simple digital tools, GST compliance becomes significantly easier to manage.

Read Also: Income Tax for Society

NoBrokerHood’s Accounting System for Societies

NoBrokerHood offers a smart, automated society accounting system that simplifies GST invoicing for housing societies. It helps generate accurate GST-compliant invoices, track payments, manage member dues, and maintain transparent financial records. With easy reporting and reminders, societies can ensure compliance while saving time and reducing manual errors.