What's the difference between an HSN code and a SAC code?

HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) codes classify physical goods and are typically 4–8 digits. SAC (Services Accounting Code) codes classify services, are always 6 digits, and always start with 99. If you're selling a service — consulting, design, development, writing — you need a SAC code, not an HSN code.

Which SAC code should a freelancer or consultant use?

Most freelance and consulting work falls under SAC group 9983 ("other professional, technical, and business services") — common examples include 998313 for IT consulting and support, 998314 for IT design and development, 998311 for management consulting, 998312 for business consulting, and 998399 for other professional/technical services not covered elsewhere. Search this tool by keyword to find the closest match to your exact service.

How many digits should my HSN or SAC code have on an invoice?

The required digit length scales with your aggregate turnover — smaller businesses can use shorter codes than larger ones, and the exact thresholds are set by CBIC notification and have been revised before. Check the current notification for your slab rather than assuming a fixed cutoff.

Does this tool show the GST rate for each code?

No. This tool only shows the code, its description, and its chapter/group — not a tax rate. GST rates depend on specific notifications and exemptions that can change independently of the code itself, so showing a rate here risks going stale. Once you know your code, use the free GST Calculator to work out the GST amount at the rate that applies to you.

Does using the wrong HSN/SAC code change how much GST I owe?

Not directly — the GST rate is tied to the actual good or service you supplied, not to whichever code you happen to type on the invoice. But a wrong or mismatched code can trigger discrepancies during GSTR-1 filing and invite scrutiny if it doesn't match your registered business description, so it's worth getting right.

Do I need an HSN/SAC code if I'm not GST-registered?

No. HSN/SAC codes are a GST invoicing requirement. If your turnover is below the GST registration threshold and you haven't registered voluntarily, you're not issuing GST invoices and don't need a code.

Is this list of HSN/SAC codes complete?

No — this is a curated list of the codes most commonly used by freelancers, consultants, and small agencies, not the full official schedule of roughly 5,000 codes. If you can't find your exact good or service here, search the GST portal's official HSN/SAC list, or check with a tax professional.

Can I sell both a product and a service on the same invoice?

Yes — for example, a designer who also ships printed merchandise. Each line item needs its own correct code: the service line takes a SAC code, and the goods line takes an HSN code. Search this tool separately for each line.

Is this HSN/SAC code finder free to use?

Yes — it's completely free, requires no signup or login, and runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you search is sent to a server.

How do I add the code I found to an invoice?

Click "Use this code in an invoice" on any result to carry the code and its description forward — you'll be asked to create a free Dharayana account, after which the code and description appear as a pre-filled line item on a new invoice.

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HSN/SAC Code Finder

Free HSN/SAC code finder for freelancers and agencies — search common goods (HSN) and services (SAC) codes by keyword or code, no login required.

Curated list of common codes for quick reference — always confirm against the official GST portal before filing.

Showing common codes — type to search all entries

How this tool works

This HSN/SAC code finder searches a curated list of common goods (HSN) and services (SAC) codes used on GST invoices — type a keyword like "IT consulting" or "furniture", or search directly by code, and filter by Goods (HSN) or Services (SAC) to narrow results.

Freelancers, consultants, and agencies selling a service almost always need a SAC code, not an HSN code — SAC codes always start with 99. Most professional and technical service work falls under SAC group 9983 (for example 998314 for IT design and development, or 998313 for IT consulting). HSN codes apply only when you're invoicing for a physical product.

This tool doesn't show a GST rate next to each code, because the rate depends on the specific notification or exemption that applies to your exact good or service and can change — use the free GST Calculator to work out the tax once you know your rate.

How to find the right HSN or SAC code

1Search by keyword or code. Type what you sell — e.g. "web development", "furniture", or a code you already have like "998314".
2Filter by type. Use the All / Goods (HSN) / Services (SAC) tabs to narrow results if you know whether you're invoicing a product or a service.
3Review the results. Check the code, description, and chapter/group label to confirm it matches what you actually supplied.
4Copy or send to an invoice. Copy the code to your clipboard, or click "Use this code in an invoice" to carry it into a new GST invoice draft.

Frequently asked questions

Want to turn this into a GST-compliant invoice? See Dharayana plans

Need payment tracking and automatic reminders too? See the full GST Invoicing app.