When to use P0807
Use P0807 for money received from abroad: off-site software exports (SOFTEX / EDF). It sits under RBI head 08, software, IT, telecom and information.
Choose the code for the work you did, not for the way the money arrived: a client's fee is an export of services even when it comes through a payment platform.
Freelancers and service firms reach this code from the kind of work:
- Software, apps and websites (SAC 998314): an alternative to
P0802. Building or fixing software for a client. Software you license or sell as a product goes as P0807. - Royalties and licences (photos, music, IP) (SAC 997339): an alternative to
P0902. Fees for using your work — stock photos, music, designs, patents. Software licences are P0807.
The same purpose in the other direction is S0807: Off-site software imports (electronically delivered licences) (money paid abroad).
Form A1 or Form A2
Neither. Form A1 and Form A2 are applications to send money out of India. For money coming in, the bank issues a Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA), or a payment platform an e-FIRA, naming the purpose code.
Income tax
Money received for goods or services you export is your business or professional income, taxed in your own return with the rest of your income. Nothing is withheld in India on money coming in.
If the client's country withheld tax, keep its withholding certificate: under the tax treaty you can usually claim credit for that tax in India when you file your return.
GST
An export of services is zero-rated when the supplier is in India, the client outside India, the place of supply outside India and the payment received in convertible foreign exchange (or in rupees where RBI permits it): section 2(6) of the IGST Act. A registered supplier invoices under a Letter of Undertaking without IGST, or pays IGST and claims it back. A freelancer below the registration threshold needs no GST registration at all.
Reporting and closure
From 1 October 2026 the invoice goes on the monthly consolidated Export Declaration Form (A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 25 of 28 September 2026), due within 30 days of the month end, to the AD bank through which the money comes (STPI or the SEZ authority where they apply). RBI indicated on 7 October 2026 that individuals need not file it; ask your bank.
The money must be realised within nine months of the invoice (twelve when invoiced or settled in rupees). The bank issues a FIRA, the entry closes in EDPMS, and the eBRC follows for exporters who claim benefits.
Questions
Guides
General information on RBI purpose codes and the FEMA, income-tax and GST rules as they stood on 14 October 2026. It is not legal or tax advice: confirm the position for your payment with your AD bank or your chartered accountant before acting.
