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GST on Vehicle Repair & Car Service (2025-26)

Updated: 3 June 2026  |  FY 2025-26  |  CGST Act, GST Council Notifications

Vehicle repair labour charges attract 18% GST (SAC 9987). Most spare parts (HSN 8708) attract 28% GST. Tyres: 28%. Batteries: 18%. Lubricants: 18%. Authorized service centers levy both on one bill — the dominant supply (usually service) determines the composite rate.
28%
GST on most automobile spare parts (HSN 8708)
Labour/service component separately billed at 18% GST (SAC 9987)

GST Rates: Vehicle Repair Services & Parts at a Glance

Item / ServiceHSN / SACGST RateNotes
Labour / service charges (repair, maintenance)SAC 998718%Denting, painting, mechanical repair, AC service
Automobile spare parts (general)HSN 870828%Clutch plates, brake pads, filters, etc.
Tyres (new)HSN 401128%Including tubes (HSN 4013)
Lead-acid batteriesHSN 850718%Car/truck batteries
Lithium-ion battery packs (EV)HSN 8507.6018%EV battery replacement
Engine oils / lubricantsHSN 271018%Gear oil, brake fluid, coolant
Windshield / safety glassHSN 700718%Laminated or toughened glass
Seat covers / upholsteryHSN 940118%Fitted seat covers as accessories
Paint / body repair materialsHSN 320818%Lacquers, enamels, varnishes
Insurance claim repair (composite)SAC 998718%GST raised on insurer; 18% on full repair bill
EV charging service at workshopSAC 998718%Treated as service; EV chargers HSN 8504 @18%

Composite Supply at Authorized Service Centers

When an authorized service center provides both labour and spare parts on a single invoice, it may be a composite supply under GST law. If service (labour) is the principal supply, GST on the entire bill follows the service rate — 18% GST. However, most workshops issue a bifurcated invoice showing labour and parts separately, allowing 18% on labour and 28% on applicable parts. Always check the invoice format.

ITC on Vehicle Repair for Businesses

Input Tax Credit (ITC) on motor vehicle repair and maintenance is blocked under Section 17(5) of the CGST Act for vehicles not used for business transportation of goods/passengers or not used in specified businesses. Businesses that can claim ITC on vehicle repair include:

Business TypeITC on Vehicle Repair
Taxi / cab aggregator / cab ownerAvailable (vehicle used for transporting passengers)
Truck / logistics companyAvailable (transporting goods)
Car dealer / automobile manufacturerAvailable (further supply of vehicles)
Driving schoolAvailable (imparting training on driving)
Company car for employee commuteBlocked — personal use
Sales representative's carBlocked — not direct transportation of goods
Automobile workshop itselfAvailable on its own business inputs and equipment

Insurance Claim Repair: GST Flow

In a cashless insurance claim, the workshop raises a GST invoice on the insurance company. The insurer is the recipient of supply and pays the 18% GST. The policyholder pays only the deductible (if any), not the GST portion. In a reimbursement claim, the owner pays the full bill (including 18% GST) first, then claims reimbursement from the insurer. The GST rate does not change in either scenario.

GST Registration for Vehicle Repair Workshops

A vehicle repair workshop must register under GST if its annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states). Once registered, it must charge GST on all taxable services and parts. Small workshops under the threshold can opt for composition scheme (not applicable for service providers beyond ₹50L limit under composition). Workshops providing both goods and services must register as mixed supply businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GST rate on car service (labour charges)?
Labour/service charges at an automobile workshop attract 18% GST under SAC 9987. This applies to all repair and maintenance work including denting, painting, AC servicing, and general tune-ups. The SAC covers maintenance and repair services for motor vehicles.
What GST rate applies on spare parts used during vehicle repair?
Most automobile spare parts (HSN 8708) attract 28% GST. However, batteries attract 18% GST (HSN 8507), lubricating oils and engine oils attract 18% GST (HSN 2710), and tyres attract 28% GST (HSN 4011). The parts are charged separately on the invoice unless it is a composite supply.
Can a business claim ITC on vehicle repair and servicing expenses?
ITC on vehicle repair is blocked under Section 17(5) of the CGST Act for motor vehicles used for personal purposes. However, ITC is available if the vehicle is used for: (a) transportation of goods, (b) further supply of vehicles, (c) imparting training on driving, or (d) the business is in the business of transportation of passengers. Workshop owners can claim ITC on their own business inputs.
What is the GST treatment for insurance-claim vehicle repairs?
When a vehicle is repaired under an insurance claim, the workshop raises a bill on the insurance company at 18% GST (on labour/service). The insurer pays the GST. The vehicle owner does not pay GST out-of-pocket in a cashless claim. In a reimbursement claim, the owner pays first (including GST) and gets reimbursed. The GST rate on the repair service remains 18% regardless of who pays.
What is the GST rate on electric vehicle (EV) servicing and repair?
EV servicing and repair labour charges attract 18% GST (SAC 9987), same as ICE vehicles. EV-specific parts like lithium-ion battery packs attract 18% GST (HSN 8507.60). EV chargers attract 18% GST (HSN 8504). There is no separate concessional GST rate for EV repair services as of FY 2025-26.

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