How to include transport charges in GST invoice?

Asked by: Marge Moore  |  Last update: August 14, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (45 votes)

Transport charges are included in a GST invoice by adding them as an additional charge line item, either as part of a composite supply (taxed at the same rate as the goods) or as a separate service (using SAC 9965). The freight amount must be added to the taxable value, and GST is calculated on this total.

Can we charge GST on transportation charges?

Travel in non-AC classes such as Sleeper and Second Class continues to be exempt from GST. However, tickets for AC classes and First Class are subject to a 5% GST. Freight Services: Transporting essential goods like milk and agricultural produce by rail remains GST-exempt.

How to classify freight charges under GST?

Freight and forwarding charges fall under HSN/SAC code 9965, specifically used for transportation of goods services. Reverse charge mechanism (RCM) applies exclusively to road transport services provided by a Goods Transport Agency (GTA).

Is GST applicable on shipping charges in an invoice?

Yes. As per GST supply rules , delivery, shipping, or transportation charges are considered part of a composite supply when billed along with the main product or service. This means: If a seller charges separately for delivery, GST is applied at the same rate as the main product or service.

Is GST payable on transport?

What Transport Services Are Subject to GST? Most domestic transport and logistics services are taxable and attract the standard 10% GST.

How to make invoice in Tally Prime with Freight Charge | GST Freight Charge invoice in Tally Prime

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How to show freight charges in an e-invoice?

How to include freight charges in E invoice? Freight charges may be entered as line items in case there is a GST component or else they may be entered under 'Other charges'.

How to add freight charges in GST bill?

How do I add shipping charges to my invoices under GST?

  1. Go to Settings in the top right corner of the page.
  2. Select General under Preferences.
  3. Scroll down and mark the box next to Shipping Charges.
  4. Enter the SAC (Services Accounting Code) in the Default Shipping Charge SAC field. ...
  5. Click Save.

How to calculate GST on shipping charges?

To calculate GST on freight charges in India, first determine the applicable GST rate based on the mode of transportation—typically 5% for road and rail, and 18% for air and sea freight. Multiply the freight charge amount by the applicable GST rate.

Do you include freight charges on a commercial invoice?

You'll need to log the total value of the goods. You'll be required to include any additional charges or costs. These may be freight and insurance and any certification or legalisation costs.

Who pays GST on transportation?

Pure transportation of goods services is mostly provided by the unorganised sector and hence they have been specifically excluded from the tax net. In respect of GTA, the liability to pay GST falls on the recipients under reverse charge in most of the cases. However, the GTA may opt to pay under forward charge.

What is a freight charge on an invoice?

Freight charges are the fees businesses pay to transport goods via land, sea, air, or rail. These charges cover costs like fuel, vehicle operation, handling, and customs. They also account for extra services like temperature control, special insurance, and loading assistance.

Are shipping costs subject to GST?

In all cases, fees for shipping goods are subject to the GST/HST.

How to calculate freight charges in an invoice?

Each transport mode has its own rates and fees, influenced by the following factors:

  1. Shipment weight and dimensions.
  2. Volume on the freight lane being quoted.
  3. Shipping origin and destination.
  4. Transit requirements by transportation mode (ocean, air, truck, rail)

What is included in freight costs?

This includes transportation, handling, fuel, cargo specifications, customs duties, and surcharges. Knowing what drives shipping rates helps optimise your shipping strategy and enables you to avoid hidden charges.

Do you have to pay GST on freight?

In most cases, GST is applied to the taxable value of imports, which includes the cost of the goods, insurance and freight (CIF).

Can GST be charged on transport charges?

Registered Taxable Persons: Businesses that are registered for GST and transport goods via rail must pay a 5% GST rate. They can claim an input tax credit (ITC) on this tax, which is validated through invoice matching.

How do I add transportation charges in an invoice?

Step 2: On the invoice page, click the “Add Additional Charges” button in the Product Items section. Step 3: Enter the details of the extra charges, like transport or packaging costs, and click “Save”. Step 4: Once saved, those charges will appear in your Product Items section, ready to be added to your invoice total.

How to account for freight charges?

Record the freight charge on the financial statements: The freight charge needs to be listed as a direct cost under the cost of goods sold on the income statement. It should also appear as a decrease in the inventory account on the balance sheet.

Is GST applicable on freight charges in an invoice?

Yes, GST is applicable on freight charges when the service is provided by a Goods Transport Agency (GTA). A GTA is any person or business that provides transport services in goods carriages and issues a consignment note.

How to write an invoice for transport?

A complete transportation invoice typically includes details like vehicle information, such as the truck number and its type or capacity. It covers route details too, like the pickup and delivery locations. Freight costs and taxes, including GST, appear on it. Payment terms and company information are listed as well.

What are common e-invoicing mistakes?

One of the biggest errors businesses make in freight e-invoicing is failing to validate invoice data before submission. Without proper validation, invoices may contain errors, missing data, or mismatched charges, leading to rejections by government tax portals or payment delays from clients.

Do you pay GST before or after shipping?

All duty and GST will have to be paid in full prior to delivery.

Is freight zero rated or exempt?

International freight transport was zero-rated at the start of VAT in 1973. The zero rate also applied to related services such as the handling of cargo, the handling of exports and imports, and intermediary services in arranging any of these.

What is a GST for shipping?

What is the Meaning of Goods and Services Tax (GST) An additional tax that governments impose on certain products sold to the general public of their country. Consumers often pay the GST by paying the business they're buying from first and the business then pays the government in question.