Blog/Income Tax & Compliance

Income Tax for Furniture Workshop and Carpenter Owners in India: Section 44AD, GST on Furniture, Wood Products, and ITR Filing (AY 2026-27)

Reddy Sri Harsha
September 21, 2026
23 min read
Updated: September 21, 2026
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Income tax guide for furniture workshop and carpenter owners in India. Section 44AD, GST 18% on furniture, business code 01099, ITR filing AY 2026-27.

Furniture Maker or Carpenter Filing ITR?. Talk to a qualified CA at Tax Garden, Hyderabad.

Looking for expert help with income tax for furniture workshop carpenter owners India, carpenter income tax filing, furniture maker income tax India, carpentry business tax India, furniture workshop ITR filing AY 2026-27? The team at Tax Garden, based in Kondapur, Hyderabad, helps Indian SMEs stay compliant. End-to-end filings, notices, and deadline tracking, all in one place.

Who is this guide for? If you run a furniture workshop, carpentry business, woodworking unit, custom furniture shop, or work as a self-employed carpenter earning income from manufacturing furniture, fitting wooden interiors, or providing carpentry services in India, this guide covers your complete income tax obligations for AY 2026-27 (FY 2025-26): how your income is classified, why Section 44AD (not 44ADA) applies, which ITR form to file, GST on furniture and wood products, TDS obligations, equipment depreciation, and deductible business expenses.

India has an estimated 75 lakh carpenters and woodworking professionals, ranging from solo carpenters operating from residential workshops to organised furniture manufacturing units with 20 or more workers. Despite this scale, there is no dedicated income tax guide for this segment. Carpenters face a unique set of tax complexities: manufacturing furniture from raw materials attracts different GST treatment than pure carpentry services at a construction site, the business code in ITR is frequently filled incorrectly, and the distinction between manufacturing and job work determines both your GST rate and ITC eligibility.

This guide covers every tax obligation a furniture workshop or carpenter owner faces, from income classification to GST on furniture sales, raw material input credits, equipment depreciation, TDS on contract receipts, and ITR filing. If you are in a related business, see also our guides for electricians and plumbers, tailors and boutique owners, and printing press owners.


How Furniture Workshops and Carpenters Earn Income

Carpentry and furniture businesses generate revenue from multiple streams, often running simultaneously:

Tax Rate Chart

Common Revenue Streams for Furniture Workshops and Carpenters

Typical ranges; actual revenue varies by location, specialisation, and clientele

Custom Furniture Manufacturing (Own Workshop)

Tables, beds, wardrobes, kitchen cabinets manufactured to order

30% to 50% of revenue

Carpentry Services at Construction Sites

Door frames, window frames, false ceiling, wooden flooring at client site

15% to 35% of revenue

Modular and Fitted Furniture Installation

Kitchen modules, built-in wardrobes, TV units; material + labour

10% to 25% of revenue

Repair and Polishing Services

Re-polishing, re-upholstery, hinge replacement, damage repair

5% to 15% of revenue

Furniture Trading (Buy and Resell)

Ready-made furniture sourced from wholesalers or factories; retail margin

5% to 20% of revenue

Interior Woodwork Contracts

Complete room interiors for builders, offices, hotels; TDS 194C deducted by contractor

10% to 30% of revenue

Source: Industry estimates based on NSDC skill reports and Tax Garden client data (FY 2025-26)

A carpenter with a small workshop in a Tier 2 city handling 3 to 5 orders per month earns roughly Rs 4 lakh to Rs 12 lakh per year. A furniture workshop with 5 to 10 workers and a showroom can earn Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore annually. Solo carpenters doing repair and site work earn Rs 2 lakh to Rs 6 lakh per year.


Income Classification: Business, Not Profession

This is the single most important distinction for carpenters and furniture makers. It determines which presumptive scheme applies, which ITR form you file, and how your expenses are treated.

Carpenters, furniture manufacturers, woodworkers: Business income

Carpentry and furniture manufacturing are classified as Profits and Gains of Business or Profession under the business head. They are not a "specified profession" under Section 44AA (Section 62 under ITA 2025). The specified professions are: legal, medical, engineering, architectural, accountancy, technical consultancy, interior decoration, authorised representative, company secretary, information technology, and film artist.

Carpentry and furniture manufacturing do not appear in this list. You use Section 44AD (Section 58, ITA 2025), not Section 44ADA.

The "interior decoration" trap

Some furniture makers who manufacture and install fitted furniture (wardrobes, kitchen modules, TV units) attempt to classify their income as "interior decoration" profession to use Section 44ADA. This is incorrect. Interior decoration under Section 44AA refers to the design and decoration of interior spaces. Manufacturing and installing wooden furniture is a manufacturing and contracting activity, not interior decoration. A qualified interior designer who only creates design plans and does not manufacture or install anything may use Section 44ADA. A carpenter who builds and installs the furniture is doing business, not interior decoration.

Business code for carpenters and furniture makers

Tax Rate Chart

Business Codes for ITR Filing

Select the correct code in ITR-4 or ITR-3

01099 - Other Manufacturing

Primary code for furniture manufacturing workshops

Furniture, wood products, plastics

06003 - Building Installation Activities

Use if you primarily do on-site carpentry (door frames, windows, flooring)

Carpentry at construction sites

07013 - Retail Sale of Furniture, Household Articles

Use if you primarily trade in ready-made furniture, not manufacture

Furniture retail shops

Source: CBDT Business Code List for ITR Filing (AY 2026-27); see full list at Tax Garden business code guide

If your workshop both manufactures and sells furniture, use 01099. If you are primarily a site carpenter working on construction projects, use 06003. For GST registration and Udyam (MSME) registration, use NIC code 31001 (Manufacture of furniture made of wood). See the business code list for the complete reference.


Presumptive Taxation Under Section 44AD

Most carpenters and furniture workshop owners benefit from Section 44AD because the deemed profit rates are far lower than actual margins for manufacturing businesses. Under Section 44AD (now Section 58 of the Income Tax Act 2025):

Tax Rate Chart

Deemed Profit Rates Under Section 44AD (Section 58, ITA 2025)

Carpentry and furniture manufacturing business income

Digital Receipts (UPI, Bank Transfer, NEFT, RTGS)

Payment received via account-payee cheque, bank draft, or electronic mode

6% deemed profit

Cash Receipts

Cash payments and non-account-payee cheques

8% deemed profit

Source: Section 58(2), Table Sl. No. 1, Income Tax Act 2025

Eligibility conditions

  1. You must be an individual, HUF, or partnership firm (not LLP).
  2. Your total turnover must not exceed Rs 2 crore in the financial year. If cash receipts are 5% or less of total turnover, the limit increases to Rs 3 crore.
  3. Your business must not be commission, brokerage, or agency. Running a furniture workshop or carpentry business is none of these, so you are eligible.

Why cash percentage matters for carpenters

Carpentry workshops, especially small ones in residential areas, are highly cash-intensive businesses. Customers paying Rs 5,000 for a table repair or Rs 15,000 for a custom shelf frequently pay in cash. If your cash receipts exceed 5% of total turnover:

  1. The Section 44AD turnover threshold drops from Rs 3 crore to Rs 2 crore.
  2. The tax audit threshold drops from Rs 10 crore to Rs 1 crore.

Displaying a QR code at your workshop counter and encouraging UPI payments directly reduces your compliance burden.

Worked example

A furniture workshop in Nagpur earns Rs 25 lakh in FY 2025-26. Of this, Rs 15 lakh comes via UPI and bank transfers, and Rs 10 lakh is received in cash. Cash is 40% of turnover (above 5%).

Comparison

Section 44AD Tax Calculation: Rs 25 Lakh Turnover (40% Cash)

ComponentAmount
Digital receipts (Rs 15 lakh x 6%)Rs 90,000
Cash receipts (Rs 10 lakh x 8%)Rs 80,000
Total deemed profitRs 1,70,000
Less: Standard deduction (salaried only)Not applicable
Taxable income under new regimeRs 1,70,000
Tax payable (below Rs 12 lakh rebate)Rs 0
Health and education cessRs 0
Total tax payableRs 0

Takeaway: Under the new regime for AY 2026-27, income up to Rs 12 lakh qualifies for full rebate under Section 87A.

Even at Rs 25 lakh turnover, the deemed profit of Rs 1.70 lakh is well within the Rs 12 lakh rebate limit. Most small carpenters and furniture workshop owners pay zero income tax under Section 44AD with the new regime.

When Section 44AD does not help

If your furniture workshop earns Rs 50 lakh with 50% cash receipts, your deemed profit is Rs 3.5 lakh (Rs 25 lakh x 6% + Rs 25 lakh x 8% = Rs 1.5 lakh + Rs 2 lakh). Still within the rebate. But if your actual expenses are low (high-margin custom furniture), your actual profit may be Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, which is below deemed profit. Section 44AD always works in your favour if your actual margins are above the deemed 6-8%.

For large workshops earning Rs 1 crore or more, the audit threshold becomes relevant. With cash above 5%, audit threshold is Rs 1 crore. Exceeding this triggers a mandatory tax audit under Section 44AB.


GST on Furniture and Wood Products

GST rates vary significantly depending on what you sell, what materials you use, and whether you are providing a manufacturing service or a construction service.

GST on finished furniture

Tax Rate Chart

GST Rates on Furniture Products

Rate depends on product type and material

Wooden Furniture (Tables, Beds, Wardrobes) - HSN 9403

All wooden furniture for domestic or commercial use

18% GST

Wooden Seating (Chairs, Sofas, Benches) - HSN 9401

Includes convertible seat-beds and garden furniture

18% GST

Bamboo, Cane, Rattan Furniture - HSN 9401/9403

Reduced rate after 56th GST Council meeting

5% GST

Wooden Doors, Windows, Frames - HSN 4418

Builders' joinery and carpentry of wood

18% GST

Mattresses (Coir, Foam, Spring) - HSN 9404

Often sold along with beds; separate HSN

18% GST

Source: GST Rate Schedule (as amended through 2026); HSN Chapter 94

GST on raw materials (input purchases)

Tax Rate Chart

GST Rates on Raw Materials for Furniture Making

ITC claimable under regular scheme; not claimable under composition

Sawn Timber, Wood Planks - HSN 4407

Teak, sal, shisham, mango wood planks

18% GST

Plywood, Veneered Panels - HSN 4412

Commercial, marine, and decorative plywood

18% GST

MDF, Fibreboard - HSN 4411

Medium-density fibreboard for modular furniture

18% GST

Particle Board, Chipboard - HSN 4410

Budget-grade board material

18% GST

Veneer Sheets - HSN 4408

Decorative veneer for surface finishing

5% GST

Hardware (Hinges, Handles, Locks) - HSN 8302

Furniture fittings and mountings

18% GST

Adhesives, Wood Glue - HSN 3506

Fevicol, white glue, epoxy

18% GST

Paints, Polishes, Lacquers - HSN 3208/3209

Wood polish, melamine, PU finish

18% GST

Source: GST Rate Schedule; HSN Chapters 35, 38, 44, 83

GST on carpentry services

Tax Rate Chart

GST Rates on Carpentry and Joinery Services

Service classification determines rate

Carpentry/Joinery Services - SAC 995476

On-site carpentry: door fitting, window frames, false ceiling work

18% GST

Manufacturing on Job Work Basis - SAC 9988

Job work in furniture manufacturing (customer supplies raw material)

12% GST

Composition Scheme (Manufacturer)

Turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore; no ITC; intra-state only

1% GST

Source: GST Rate Schedule; SAC 9954, 9988; Notification 11/2017-CT(R)

Composition scheme vs regular scheme

Comparison

GST Scheme Comparison for Furniture Manufacturers

FeatureRegular SchemeComposition Scheme
GST rate on furniture18%1% (0.5% + 0.5%)
Input tax creditAvailable on all purchasesNot available
Turnover limitNo limitRs 1.5 crore
Inter-state salesAllowedNot allowed
E-commerce salesAllowedNot allowed
GST invoiceTax invoice with GSTINBill of supply (no tax collection)
ReturnsGSTR-1, GSTR-3B monthly/quarterlyCMP-08 quarterly, GSTR-4 annual
Best forWorkshops buying expensive raw materialsSmall carpenters with low material cost

Takeaway: If your raw material cost is more than 40% of your selling price, the ITC benefit under regular scheme usually outweighs the lower composition rate.

A furniture workshop buying Rs 10 lakh of plywood and timber (18% GST = Rs 1.8 lakh ITC) and selling Rs 25 lakh of furniture (18% GST = Rs 4.5 lakh) pays net GST of Rs 2.7 lakh under the regular scheme. Under composition at 1%, the same workshop pays Rs 25,000 but loses Rs 1.8 lakh of ITC, paying Rs 25,000 instead of Rs 2.7 lakh. Composition wins here by Rs 2.45 lakh. But if raw material cost is 60% of revenue (Rs 15 lakh, ITC Rs 2.7 lakh), regular scheme GST is Rs 4.5 lakh minus Rs 2.7 lakh = Rs 1.8 lakh, while composition is still Rs 25,000. Composition still wins for most small workshops.

The math changes at higher turnovers. Run your own numbers with our GST calculator or read the detailed composition scheme guide.


TDS on Payments Received by Carpenters

When a company, government body, or other business entity pays a carpenter or furniture workshop for contract work, TDS is deducted under Section 194C (Section 393, ITA 2025).

Tax Rate Chart

TDS Rates Under Section 194C on Carpenter Payments

Deducted by the payer (company, builder, government)

Individual or HUF Carpenter

Most solo carpenters and proprietorship workshops

1% TDS

Partnership Firm or Company

Registered firms and companies

2% TDS

Source: Section 393, Income Tax Act 2025 (formerly Section 194C)

When TDS applies

  • A single payment exceeds Rs 30,000, or
  • Aggregate payments during the financial year exceed Rs 1 lakh

When TDS does not apply

  • Individual homeowners ordering personal furniture are not required to deduct TDS under Section 194C
  • Payments below Rs 30,000 in a single transaction and below Rs 1 lakh in aggregate during the year

Checking your TDS

All TDS deducted by your clients appears in your Form 26AS and Annual Information Statement (AIS) on the income tax portal. Before filing ITR, verify that all TDS credits match. If a builder deducted TDS but did not deposit it with the government, raise a grievance on the income tax portal. The TDS deducted is adjustable against your final tax liability.


Depreciation on Workshop Equipment

If you are not using Section 44AD (opting for actual profit computation), you can claim depreciation on your workshop machinery and assets. Even under Section 44AD, depreciation is deemed to have been allowed, so the Written Down Value of your assets reduces each year.

Comparison

Depreciation Rates for Furniture Workshop Assets

Asset CategoryRate (WDV)Examples
Building (workshop/showroom owned)10%Workshop building, showroom, storage shed
Furniture and fittings (in office/showroom)10%Office desk, display racks, showroom shelves
Plant and machinery15%Saw machines, planing machines, routers, lathes, drilling machines, sanders, wood turning machines, edge banding machines
Motor vehicles15%Delivery van, pickup truck for transporting furniture
Computers and software40%Billing computer, design software, accounting software
Solar power systems40%Solar panels for workshop power supply

Takeaway: Additional 20% first-year depreciation available on new plant and machinery for production undertakings under Section 32(1)(iia). Half-year rule: assets used for less than 180 days get 50% of the applicable rate.

A furniture workshop that installs a new CNC router costing Rs 5 lakh can claim 15% regular depreciation (Rs 75,000) plus 20% additional depreciation (Rs 1,00,000) in the first year, totalling Rs 1,75,000 in depreciation. This reduces taxable profit by Rs 1,75,000 if using actual profit computation (ITR-3). Under Section 44AD, this depreciation is deemed allowed and the WDV reduces for future calculations, but you cannot claim it as a separate deduction.


Common Deductible Expenses

If filing under actual profit computation (not Section 44AD), these expenses reduce your taxable business income:

Step-by-Step Guide

Deductible Business Expenses for Carpenters and Furniture Makers

1

Raw Materials

Timber, plywood, MDF, particle board, veneer, hardware fittings, adhesives, nails, screws, sandpaper, wood polish, paint, lacquer

2

Labour and Wages

Wages to assistant carpenters, helpers, polishers, delivery staff; PF and ESI contributions if applicable

3

Workshop Rent

Monthly rent for workshop space, showroom, or storage godown; TDS under Section 194-IB if rent exceeds Rs 50,000/month

4

Power and Fuel

Electricity for machines, diesel for generator, petrol for delivery vehicle

5

Equipment Depreciation

WDV depreciation on saw machines, routers, lathes, delivery vehicles, computers at prescribed rates

6

Transport and Delivery

Freight charges, tempo hire for delivering furniture to customers; subject to Section 194C TDS if paid to transporters

7

Insurance

Workshop insurance, fire insurance, vehicle insurance, workmen's compensation policy

8

Professional Fees

CA fees for filing, GST return filing charges, Udyam registration assistance

Section 40A(3): Cash payment limit

Under Section 40A(3), any single expense payment exceeding Rs 10,000 in cash is disallowed as a deduction. This is critical for carpenters who buy timber from local sawmills in cash. Always pay by UPI, cheque, or bank transfer for purchases above Rs 10,000. Payments to daily-wage helpers below Rs 10,000 per day in cash are permissible.

Section 43B(h): MSME payment compliance

If you purchase raw materials from MSME-registered suppliers, you must pay them within the time limit specified in their supply agreement (maximum 45 days, or 15 days if no written agreement). Unpaid amounts beyond this period are disallowed as a deduction under Section 43B(h). Most timber merchants and plywood dealers are MSME-registered. Check their Udyam registration before delaying payment.


ITR Filing: Which Form and When

Comparison

ITR Form Selection for Carpenters and Furniture Makers

SituationITR FormDue Date
Section 44AD, income below Rs 50 lakhITR-4 (Sugam)31 July 2026
Actual profit computation, no auditITR-331 July 2026
Tax audit required (turnover > Rs 1 crore with cash > 5%)ITR-331 October 2026
Partnership firm using Section 44ADITR-4 (Sugam)31 July 2026
LLP or companyITR-5 (LLP) / ITR-6 (Company)31 October 2026

Takeaway: Late filing attracts interest under Section 234A at 1% per month and late fee under Section 234F (Rs 5,000 if total income > Rs 5 lakh, Rs 1,000 if below).

Filing checklist for carpenters

Step-by-Step Guide

Pre-Filing Checklist for AY 2026-27

1

Reconcile Turnover

Match your total receipts (cash + bank) with bank statement and cash book. Include all contract payments, retail sales, repair charges.

2

Check Form 26AS and AIS

Verify all TDS credits from builders, companies, and government departments. Report any mismatch before filing.

3

Calculate Cash Percentage

If cash receipts exceed 5% of turnover, your audit threshold is Rs 1 crore. If below 5%, threshold is Rs 10 crore.

4

Select Correct Business Code

01099 for manufacturing, 06003 for site carpentry, 07013 for furniture retail. Enter in Schedule BP.

5

Choose Tax Regime

New regime (default) or old regime. Most carpenters benefit from the new regime due to lower rates and Rs 12 lakh rebate.

6

Declare Deemed Profit (44AD)

6% of digital receipts + 8% of cash receipts. Declare profit equal to or higher than deemed amount.

7

Pay Advance Tax if Required

Under Section 44AD, single installment by 15 March. If tax exceeds Rs 10,000 after TDS credit, pay advance tax.


Business Structure Options

Comparison

Business Structure Comparison for Furniture Workshops

StructureTax RateSection 44ADLiabilityBest For
Sole ProprietorshipSlab rates (0-30%)YesUnlimited personalSolo carpenters, small workshops
Partnership Firm30% flatYesUnlimited (partners)Family-run workshops with 2-3 partners
LLP30% flatNoLimitedMedium workshops wanting liability protection
Private Company25% (turnover up to Rs 400 crore)NoLimitedLarge furniture factories, multiple showrooms

Takeaway: Most carpenters and small furniture workshops operate as sole proprietorships. See the detailed business structure comparison guide for more.

For sole proprietors earning below Rs 12 lakh deemed profit (which covers most carpenters with turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore under digital payments), the effective tax rate is zero. A partnership firm pays 30% flat rate on any profit above the basic exemption, making it less tax-efficient for small operations. Choose a partnership or LLP only when you need to formally split ownership or limit liability. See the business structure comparison for a detailed analysis.


Common Tax Filing Mistakes by Carpenters

Comparison

7 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

MistakeConsequenceCorrect Approach
Using Section 44ADA instead of 44ADDeemed profit at 50% instead of 6-8%; massively overpays taxCarpentry is business, not specified profession. Use 44AD.
Wrong business code (using 06003 for manufacturing)Mismatch between activity and code; may trigger scrutinyUse 01099 for manufacturing, 06003 only for site carpentry
Not reporting cash salesMismatch with GST returns and bank deposits; reassessment riskReport all cash receipts; declare at minimum 8% as deemed profit
Paying timber suppliers above Rs 10,000 in cashExpense disallowed under Section 40A(3); higher taxable incomePay by UPI, cheque, or bank transfer for amounts above Rs 10,000
Not claiming TDS creditDouble taxation: TDS deducted by builder + tax paid on same incomeCheck Form 26AS, claim all TDS credits in ITR
Ignoring advance tax under 44ADInterest under Section 234B and 234C; can add 1% per monthPay single installment by 15 March if tax exceeds Rs 10,000
Not maintaining any records despite using 44ADCannot defend turnover figure during assessmentKeep bank statements, cash receipt book, and major purchase bills for 6 years

Record-Keeping Requirements

Even under Section 44AD (which exempts you from maintaining formal books of accounts), keep these records for at least 6 years from the end of the relevant assessment year:

Step-by-Step Guide

Essential Records for Carpenters and Furniture Workshops

1

Bank Statements

All bank accounts used for business. This is your primary proof of digital turnover for the 6% deemed profit rate.

2

Cash Receipt Book

Numbered receipts for all cash collections. Even a simple notebook with date, customer name, amount, and description is sufficient.

3

Purchase Bills

Bills from timber merchants, plywood dealers, hardware shops. Required for GST ITC claims and to defend material costs during assessment.

4

GST Returns Filed

Copies of GSTR-1, GSTR-3B (regular) or CMP-08, GSTR-4 (composition). These cross-verify your declared turnover.

5

TDS Certificates (Form 16A)

Certificates from all clients who deducted TDS on your payments. Cross-verify with Form 26AS.

6

Asset Purchase Invoices

Bills for machinery, vehicles, computers. Required for depreciation claims and capital gains computation on sale.


Advance Tax Under Section 44AD

If you use Section 44AD, you need to pay your entire advance tax in a single installment by 15 March of the financial year. You do not need to pay quarterly installments (15 June, 15 September, 15 December) that regular businesses follow.

If your total tax liability after TDS credit exceeds Rs 10,000, you must pay advance tax. Failure to pay attracts interest under Section 234B (simple interest at 1% per month on shortfall) and Section 234C (interest for deferral).

For most small carpenters with deemed profit below Rs 12 lakh, total tax is zero after the Section 87A rebate, and no advance tax is needed.


GST Registration: When It Becomes Mandatory

Comparison

GST Registration Thresholds for Carpenters and Furniture Makers

CategoryThresholdNotes
Manufacturer/trader in regular statesRs 40 lakhTelangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, UP, etc.
Service provider in regular statesRs 20 lakhApplies if you provide only carpentry services (no material supply)
Manufacturer/trader in special category statesRs 20 lakhManipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand
Service provider in special category statesRs 10 lakhPure service providers in special category states
E-commerce seller (any state)Rs 0 (mandatory)Selling furniture on Amazon, Flipkart, or any e-commerce platform

Takeaway: A furniture workshop that both manufactures and sells goods uses the Rs 40 lakh threshold. A carpenter providing only on-site labour services uses Rs 20 lakh.

If you cross the applicable threshold, register within 30 days. Read the complete GST registration process guide and turnover threshold guide.


Second-Hand Furniture and the GST Margin Scheme

If your business involves buying and reselling used furniture, you may benefit from the GST margin scheme. Under this scheme, GST is charged only on the margin (selling price minus purchase price), not on the full selling price.

If you buy a used wooden almirah for Rs 5,000 and sell it for Rs 8,000, GST is charged only on the Rs 3,000 margin at 18%, which is Rs 540. Without the margin scheme, GST on the full Rs 8,000 would be Rs 1,440. The margin scheme requires that you purchase from an unregistered person or a registered person who has not charged GST on the sale.


E-Way Bill for Furniture Transport

If you transport furniture (finished goods or raw materials) with a consignment value exceeding Rs 50,000, an e-way bill is mandatory. Some states have lower thresholds. Check the state-wise e-way bill limits for your state.

Furniture manufacturers regularly ship goods to customer locations. Ensure your delivery staff carries a copy of the e-way bill (physical or digital) along with the tax invoice. Non-compliance attracts a penalty equal to the tax amount or Rs 10,000, whichever is higher, plus detention of goods and vehicle.


Key Takeaways

  1. Carpentry and furniture manufacturing are business income, not professional income. Use Section 44AD with 6% deemed profit on digital receipts and 8% on cash.
  2. Business code: 01099 (manufacturing) or 06003 (site carpentry). NIC code: 31001.
  3. GST on furniture: 18% (HSN 9403/9401). Composition scheme: 1% for turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore.
  4. TDS at 1% under Section 194C when receiving payments from companies and builders.
  5. Workshop machinery depreciation: 15% WDV plus 20% additional first-year on new assets.
  6. Cash payments above Rs 10,000 to suppliers are disallowed. Pay digitally.
  7. Advance tax under 44AD: single installment by 15 March. Most small carpenters pay zero tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ITR form should a carpenter or furniture workshop owner file for AY 2026-27?

Most carpenters and furniture workshop owners file ITR-4 (Sugam) when using Section 44AD presumptive taxation and total income is below Rs 50 lakh. If you maintain full books of accounts, claim actual expenses and depreciation, or your income exceeds Rs 50 lakh, file ITR-3. Carpentry and furniture manufacturing are classified as business income, not professional income.

Is carpentry a profession or business under income tax?

Carpentry and furniture manufacturing are business income, not professional income. The specified professions under Section 44AA (Section 62, ITA 2025) are legal, medical, engineering, architectural, accountancy, technical consultancy, interior decoration, authorised representative, company secretary, information technology, and film artist. Carpentry does not appear in this list. You use Section 44AD (Section 58, ITA 2025), not Section 44ADA.

What is the GST rate on wooden furniture in India 2026?

Wooden furniture such as tables, beds, wardrobes and shelves attracts 18% GST under HSN 9403, and wooden seating under HSN 9401 is also 18%. Wooden doors, windows and frames under HSN 4418 attract 18%. Bamboo, cane and rattan furniture was cut to 5% from 22 September 2025, so check the material before you raise the invoice.

Can furniture makers use the GST composition scheme?

Yes. A furniture manufacturer with aggregate turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore (Rs 75 lakh in some special category states) can opt for composition and pay 1% GST (0.5% CGST plus 0.5% SGST) on turnover. You cannot claim input tax credit on timber, plywood or hardware, cannot make inter-state sales, and cannot collect GST from customers. If raw materials are a large share of your price, the regular scheme with ITC is often cheaper.

What depreciation can I claim on woodworking machinery?

If you keep books and file ITR-3, saw machines, planers, routers, lathes and CNC machines are plant and machinery at 15% WDV, showroom furniture is 10% and computers are 40%. Assets used under 180 days in the year of purchase get half the rate. The additional 20% first-year depreciation under Section 32(1)(iia) is allowed only under the old regime. Under Section 44AD, depreciation is deemed already allowed.

Do carpenters need to deduct TDS on payments?

If you are a carpenter or furniture maker receiving payments from companies, government bodies, or other businesses for contract work, TDS is deducted from your payments under Section 194C at 1% for individuals and HUFs. TDS applies when a single payment exceeds Rs 30,000 or aggregate payments during the year exceed Rs 1 lakh. Individual homeowners ordering personal furniture do not deduct TDS.

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