HSN Code 996334 Catering Services in exhibition halls, events, marriage halls and other outdoor/indoor functions

The HSN Code 996334: Catering Services in exhibition halls, events, marriage halls and other outdoor/indoor functions

HSN Code 996334 falls under Service Accounting Code (SAC) 9963, which covers food and beverage service activities under the GST framework. This code is applied when business provides food and drinks at events or locations decided by customer, such as weddings, parties, or corporate functions. Using correct HSN code helps in applying right GST rate, creating accurate invoices, and filing GST returns properly.

What is HSN code 996334?

The HSN code (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) and SAC stands for Services Accounting Code. It is system developed by GST Council of India to classify every type of service or product for purpose of GST (Goods and Services Tax) billing and compliance. Every service business in India, including caterers, must mention correct HSN SAC code on their invoices. 

HSN code 996334 specifically covers:
“Catering Services in exhibition halls, events, marriage halls, and other outdoor/indoor functions”

If your business involves preparing and serving food at:

• Wedding receptions and marriage halls
• Birthday parties and social events
• Corporate events and conferences
• Exhibition halls and trade fairs
• Outdoor parties, get-togethers, or private gatherings
• Indoor banquet functions

Note: many people use HSN and SAC like its same thing, but there is small difference: HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) is used for goods, and SAC is meant for services. In daily GST filing and invoice billing software, both often called “HSN codes”, this can be confusing at first but HSN code 996334 and SAC code 996334 means same thing used for catering services. 

Here is how 996334 HSN code for catering services is structured: 

Level	Code	Meaning
Chapter	99	All Services
Heading	9963	Accommodation, food, and beverage services
Sub-heading	996334	Catering services at events, marriage halls, outdoor/indoor functions

Parent code: 9963 HSN code

The main heading 9963 HSN code covers wide range of services related to food, beverages and hospitality. Under this category, you’ll find several related codes, such as:

• 996331 – Services by restaurants, cafes, and eating facilities (including takeaway and food delivery)
• 996332 – Services by hotels, inns, and guest houses including room service and food delivery
• 996333 – Services in canteens and similar establishments
• 996334 – Catering services at events, marriage halls, and outdoor/indoor functions (your code)
• 996335 – Catering services in trains and flights
• 996337 – Other contract food services

So, HSN code 996334 comes under sub-category that is specifically meant for event and marriage hall catering services. This is very relevant and important code for your business. If you want to make sure you’re using correct code, always check it using HSN SAC code finder

GST rate applicable on HSN code 996334

As per current GST rules 2026 in India. Catering services GST rate under HSN SAC code 996334 is 18% GST with ITC (9% CGST + 9% SGST) and 5% GST rate without Input Tax Credit (ITC) when catering is provided as service. This is standard GST rate applicable and understanding GST on catering service is important for proper billing and compliance. 

If you’re small caterer with and annual turnover below GST registration limit you may not need to register for GST, but once you cross that limit or choose to register voluntarily you must charge applicable Catering services GST rate and include HSN code 996334 on your invoices

Why Getting HSN SAC Code Right on Your Invoice Matters

1. GST Compliance: Wrong or missing HSN SAC codes can lead to notices from GST department and potential penalties.
2. Input Tax Credit (ITC): Your clients who are GST-registered businesses can claim ITC only if your invoice is correctly formatted with right SAC code.
3. Professional Credibility: A properly formatted GST invoice signals that your business is organized and trustworthy.
4. Audit Trail: When the GST department reviews your filings, matching SAC codes with the nature of your service avoids complications.

The Real Challenge: Billing in the Catering Business

Now you know which HSN SAC code to use, let’s move to bigger challenge of managing billing and getting paid on time

• Clients ask for quotation or advance invoice before confirming the booking
• You need to collect an advance payment to block the date
• After the event, you have to send a final invoice for the remaining amount
• Following up for payments after an event often feels awkward and time-consuming
• Creating all these documents manually in Word or Excel takes a lot of time
• Sharing invoices as WhatsApp images or screenshots does n’t look professional
• Tracking who has paid and who hasn’t becomes confusing and stressful

This is exactly where Invocreto can help simplify your work. Invocreto is easy online invoicing and billing software for small businesses in India. Whether you’re solo caterer handling weekend events or large catering company managing multiple bookings every week, our invoicing software help you stay orgainsed, look professional, follow GST rules and get paid fater.

1. Create proforma invoices in minutes

When client inquires about catering for their wedding or event, first thing they ask for is quote or proforma invoice. proforma invoice is basically draft invoice that shows estimated cost of service (what they will be charged) before booking is confirmed or work starts.

• Create professionally branded proforma invoices in just a few clicks with invocreto online invoicing software
• Add your business logo and contact details for polished look
• List all your catering services with per-head rates, number of guests, menu items, and extras
• Include catering services HSN code 996334 for your proforma invoice
• catering services GST rate (18%) and calculation will be automatically done so there are no manual calculations and client can see clear tax breakdown
• You can mention advance payment terms (for example, 30% advance to confirm booking)

Once done, you can send proforma invoices directly via whatapps or email right from invocreto online invoicing software. There is no need to download files, print anything or handle PDFs manually. Your client gets clean and professional document within seconds and in business. First impressions matter and polished proforma invoices helps your catering service business stand out.

2. Create GST-Compliant Final Invoices Instantly

After event is over and service is successful, it’s time to send final invoice for remaining payment. This is your GST tax invoice, so it needs to be accurate and compliant.

• With invocreto GST invoicing software, convert your proforma invoices into final GST invoice in one click
• The HSN code 996334 is already added, so you don’t need to enter it manually
• catering services GST rate is calculated automatically, reducing errors and rework
• Invoice numbers are generated in sequence, keeping your records organized and audit-ready
• Client details, service breakdown, and payment terms are neatly structured
• You can also add extra notes like due dates or bank account details

3. Accept Online Payments and Get Paid Faster

With invocreto’s online payment gateway:

• You can attach payment link directly to your GST invoice
• Clients can pay instantly using UPI, net banking, or debit/credit cards from any device
• You get an instant notification when payment is received
• Advance payments and partial payments are tracked automatically
• Your cash flow improves because clients can pay right when they receive the invoice, instead of delaying it

4. WhatsApp Invoicing Feature

Now invocreto makes invoicing even simpler with its new WhatsApp invoicing feature. Since most clients already communicate on WhatsApp. This feature helps you manage your entire billing process without switching between apps or tools. With Invocreto invoice billing software, you can:

• Create GST invoices directly on WhatsApp in just few clicks
• Instantly send invoices to your clients on WhatsApp with professional format
• Generate secure payment link and share it in the same chat
• Allow clients to pay immediately using UPI, cards, or net banking
• Get real-time payment updates as soon as the transaction is completed

Everything from GST invoice creation to payment collection happens within WhatsApp. For caterers and small businesses, this saves time, improves cash flow, and makes the whole billing process much faster and more convenient.

5. Manage Multiple Clients and Events on one platform

If you’re handling catering for multiple events in month, like corporate lunch on Thursday, birthday party on Saturday, and wedding next weekend. Invocrto’s online invoicing software multi-client dashboard helps you stay organized and in control

• View all active bookings, pending invoices, and received payments in one place
• Track every invoice and payment easily (paid, due or overdue)
• Switch between different clients or businesses without any confusion
• Access complete invoice history for any client within seconds
• Get clear reports on your business revenue and overall performance

This gives you complete overview of your business, so you can never lose track of payments or bookings again and can manage your operations easily.

6. Cloud-Based Access, Work from Anywhere

Catering business doesn’t run from desk. You’re at venue, at market buying ingredients or managing your team on-site. That’s why online invoicing software invocreto is built to be fully cloud-based.

• Access your invoices and business data from any phone, tablet, or computer
• Use it instantly without installing any software
• Keep your data safely stored and automatically backed up
• Create and send invoices even while you’re at the event location

On top of that, with WhatsApp invoicing feature, you can manage your entire billing process anytime, anywhere. With everything available online and on WhatsApp, you can run your business smoothly.

Who should use online invoicing software invocreto for catering billing?

• Independent caterers managing events on weekends or seasonally
• Marriage hall and banquet caterers who handle large-scale food service
• Corporate catering companies serving office lunches, conferences, and seminars
• Event management companies that include catering as part of their service package
• Small catering startups looking to build a professional brand from day one

Whether you are billing ₹20,000 for small birthday party or ₹5,00,000 for a 500-person wedding reception, invocreto is built to grow with your business.

Final Thoughts: Run a Smarter Catering Business

The catering industry in India is growing fast so its need to stay organized, professional and GST-compliant. Understanding your HSN code 996334 for catering services at events, marriage halls, and outdoor/indoor functions is important first step. Second step is using tool that makes billing, invoicing and payment collection effortless. 

Invocreto invoice billing software brings together proforma invoices, GST-compliant final invoices, online payment collection, automatic reminders, and smart business tools, all in one easy-to-use platform built for Indian businesses.

Stop spending hours on billing. Start spending that time on what you do best serving great food and creating unforgettable experiences for your clients.

👉 Try best invoicing software Invocreto today and reduce stress of catering billing.