Where to get the app
Install BooksOn HSN only from an official store:
| Store | Link | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play | play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.bookson.hsn | Through Google Play |
| Samsung Galaxy Store | galaxystore.samsung.com/detail/in.bookson.hsn | Through Galaxy Store |
The package name is always in.bookson.hsn and the publisher is ARISHIMETO Technologies Private Limited. Copies from other websites may be modified: the app checks its own signature and dataset, and a copy that fails shows an "unofficial" warning and does not install dataset updates.
See the app in one minute
System requirements
- Android 7.0 (API level 24) or later; built for Android 16 (target API level 36).
- Phones, tablets, foldables and Chromebooks, in portrait and landscape.
- English, हिन्दी (Hindi) and தமிழ் (Tamil).
- The full rate dataset (about 16 MB) is part of the download, so the app works offline from the first launch.
App updates
New versions of the app are released on Google Play and Galaxy Store and reach you through the store you installed from. Each store reviews them on its own, so one store can have a version first: version 1.0.5 reached Google Play on 9 November 2026 and reaches Galaxy Store after Samsung's review (version 1.0.4 reached Google Play on 1 November 2026 and Galaxy Store on 2 November 2026). Keep automatic updates on in the store app to get fixes and new features promptly. The installed version is shown in the app under About.
Each app version carries the dataset that was current when it was built. If the dataset built into an update is newer than the one on your phone, the app switches to it automatically on the next launch; from version 1.0.4 the app then downloads newer datasets from this website (see below).
Dataset updates (new GST notifications)
When CBIC issues a rate notification, we add it to the dataset and publish a new dataset release on this website. From app version 1.0.4, the app picks it up between app updates, so you do not have to wait for a new version in the store: version 1.0.5 has dataset version 11 built in, and version 1.0.4 has dataset version 8 built in and downloads dataset 11 as a data update. Earlier app versions cannot download dataset updates: version 1.0.3 has dataset version 7 (up to Notification 1/2026-Central Tax (Rate), without the changes of 1 November 2026), so update the app from Google Play or Galaxy Store. The current release is version 11, published on , up to Notification 10/2026-Central Tax (Rate), including the rates in force from 1 November 2026; it corrects version 9 and changes no rates.
- Automatically: from version 1.0.5, once a day on any network when the battery is not low: a small update with only the changes downloads on any network, a full new dataset only on Wi-Fi (unmetered). The first check runs about two hours after you first open the app.
- On demand: About → Check for updates now (uses any connection).
- Small downloads: where possible the app downloads only the changes since your version; otherwise the full file.
- Signed and checked: every release is signed with our private key (ECDSA P-256) and carries a SHA-256 checksum. The app installs a release only if the signature, checksum, size and version all match; anything else is discarded, and a rejected release is not downloaded again.
- Safe to interrupt: a release replaces the old one only after it has been fully downloaded and verified, so an interrupted download never leaves you with a broken dataset.
- Nothing personal: the check sends only the app and dataset versions; no identifier is attached.
If a check fails, for example with no connection, the app keeps working with the dataset it already has. The dataset version, its publication date and the latest notification included are shown on the home screen, on every rate card and in About.
Permissions
From version 1.0.4 the app asks for one permission, and only if you want what it is for: notifications, for the GST and advance tax due-date alerts and, from version 1.0.5, for alerts when a rate update changes a code you saved. On Android 13 and later it is asked only after a short explanation: when you turn on the due-date alerts, or when you agree to alerts for saved codes (offered the first time you save a code, and in Saved). You can turn the due-date alerts off at any time in About, and the alerts for saved codes in Saved. The other permissions are normal ones that Android grants at install:
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| Show notifications (asked) | Due-date alerts, the day before and on the day a return or advance tax is due. From version 1.0.5 it can also tell you when a rate update changes a code you saved (turn it off in Saved). The app shows no other notifications. |
| Internet access | Dataset updates and due-date extensions from this website; usage statistics and crash reports, with no name, contact details or search text: from version 1.0.5 only if you allow them (the app asks when you first open it, after an update too; if you had switched them off in an earlier version, they stay off), and you can switch them on or off at any time in About → Your data. From version 1.0.5 the app sends nothing you type about yourself: a sign-up request or a suggestion opens your own email app, and you send it from there. |
| View network connections | Run the automatic dataset check and the due-date extensions check only when a connection is available, and download a full new dataset automatically only on Wi-Fi. |
| Run at startup, prevent phone from sleeping, run foreground service | Added by Android's WorkManager library to keep the daily dataset check and the twice-daily due-date check scheduled across restarts. |
| Google Play install referrer | Read once on Google Play installs to see which campaign the install came from. |
The app does not access contacts, files, photos, camera, microphone, location, SMS or call logs. The due-date alerts are worked out on your phone from the filing type you choose, and those settings stay on your phone. Nationwide due-date extensions by CBIC and CBDT reach the app as a small signed file from this website, checked twice a day on any connection, with no identifier attached.
Google Play
| Requirement | BooksOn HSN |
|---|---|
| Target API level | Targets Android 16 (API 36), the level Google Play requires for new apps and updates from 31 August 2026. |
| Privacy policy | www.bookson.co.in/privacy, also linked in the app (About → Your data). |
| Data safety | Declared as collected: app interactions, in-app search history (the codes opened, never the search text), crash logs and diagnostics, device or other IDs (Firebase IDs), approximate location, other info (the profession shown as "Prepared by" on a share), other financial info (which tax regime came out lower and the return-filing status, never amounts) and other actions (the star rating), all through Google Firebase; from version 1.0.5 these are sent only if the user allows usage statistics: the app asks when it is first opened, after an update too, About → Your data switches them on or off at any time, and if the user had switched them off in an earlier version, they stay off. Also declared, as optional: name, email address, phone number, emails and other user-generated content (the suggestion text), which reach BooksOn only in a sign-up request or suggestion that the user sends as an email from their own email app; the app itself does not transmit them. Encrypted in transit. No data sold or shared for advertising. |
| Data deletion | In the app (About → Your data → Delete my data) and on the web: www.bookson.co.in/delete-data. The app has no user accounts; a BooksOn account set up from an emailed sign-up request is deleted on request by email, as that page explains. |
| Ads and purchases | No ads, no advertising ID, no in-app purchases, no subscriptions. |
| Target audience | Adults (18 and over); not designed for children. |
| Financial features | None: a reference and calculator app with no payments, loans or financial products. |
| Government information | Not a government app. The store listing and this website name the CBIC sources and state that the app is not affiliated with the Government; see Sources & disclaimer. |
| App signing | Uses Play App Signing; the signing key is enrolled with the first upload to Google Play. |
| Device compatibility | Native libraries support 16 KB memory pages; edge-to-edge display without deprecated Android APIs, and predictive back gestures; resizable for large screens. |
| Accessibility | From version 1.0.4, works with TalkBack and with text up to 200%; the known limits are listed on the Accessibility page. |
Samsung Galaxy Store
- The same app (package
in.bookson.hsn) and policies as on Google Play; updates are delivered through Galaxy Store and can arrive there later, because each store reviews them on its own (version 1.0.4 reached Galaxy Store on 2 November 2026, a day after Google Play; version 1.0.5 reaches Galaxy Store after Samsung's review). - The in-app "Rate" button opens the Galaxy Store listing on Galaxy Store installs; Google Play features (install referrer, in-app review) are not used there.
- The privacy policy is linked in the app and on the store listing; the age rating follows the Galaxy Store questionnaire for an adult business app.
Release notes
Version 1.0.5 — 9 November 2026 (Google Play; Galaxy Store after Samsung's review)
- Every code, old and new rate: GST 2.0 → Every code (8-digit) shows the GST rate of each HSN code (8 digits) and SAC code (6 digits) on 21 September 2025 and after GST 2.0, and any later change with the date it applies from.
- Alerts for codes you saved: when a rate update changes the rate, rules or notification of a code you saved, the app can show a notification, and the code stays marked in Saved until you open it. The comparison is made on your phone and nothing is sent; turn the alerts off in Saved.
- ITC time limit: Calculator → ITC time limit gives the last day to take input tax credit on an invoice or debit note under section 16(4), with section 16(5) for 2017-18 to 2020-21.
- Rate updates on any network: the daily check for a newer dataset now also runs on mobile data, as an update with only the changes is small; a full new dataset still waits for Wi-Fi unless you tap "Check for updates now".
- Your details stay with you: the app no longer sends anything you type about yourself. "About you" stays on your phone; the BooksOn sign-up form and suggestions open your own email app with the message to support@bookson.in ready, and you send it from there. Delete my data clears what the app keeps about you on the phone and resets the analytics identifier. New Terms version 1.3, accepted once after the update.
- Usage statistics only if you allow them: the app asks once, on a new install and after this update alike, and sends no usage statistics or crash reports until you tap Allow ("Not now" keeps them off, and the app works the same). If you had switched them off, they stay off and you are not asked. Change it any time in About → Your data.
- Dataset version 11 built in (published 8 November 2026), with the rates in force from 1 November 2026 and the corrections of datasets 9, 10 and 11; see the corrections log.
- Fixes: the keyboard no longer covers text fields; TDS under section 194-IB is worked on the rent for all the months, with the tax capped at the last month's rent when there is no PAN; GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C for FY 2020-21 use the due date extended to 28 February 2022 (Notification 40/2021-Central Tax); where notifications set different due dates by State or turnover, the default due date is now set correctly (GSTR-9, GSTR-3B); the GSTR-9 late-fee band follows aggregate turnover, not the State's; and a rate card or report shared in Hindi or Tamil from a phone set to English is no longer in English.
- No new permission: alerts for saved codes use the same notifications permission as the due-date alerts.
Version 1.0.4 — 1 November 2026 (Google Play) and 2 November 2026 (Galaxy Store)
- TDS/TCS calculator: pick the section, the date and the amount to see the TDS or TCS at the rate and threshold in force on that date, with the higher rate without PAN, a lower or nil certificate rate, and the section to quote under the 1961 and 2025 Acts. Every rate and threshold since 1 April 2020 is listed by date, and the working can be shared as a PDF. Also on the web: TDS and TCS calculator.
- Due-date alerts: a notification the day before and on the day GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, IFF, PMT-06, CMP-08, GSTR-4, GSTR-9/9C and advance tax are due, even when the app is closed. Pick monthly, quarterly (QRMP) or composition; turn the alerts off in About. "Remind a client" makes a short message to send on WhatsApp or by e-mail, with what to send and the late fee and interest if filed late. The dates are explained on GST return due dates.
- GSTIN check: see offline whether a GSTIN is correctly formed, with its State, PAN and type of registration. To check one in a WhatsApp message or an e-mail, select it and choose "Check in BooksOn HSN" in the text menu, or share the text to the app. A button opens the GST portal for the name, address, status and returns. Also on the web: GSTIN check.
- Income tax, filing late: enter your filing date (actual or planned) and choose the official or extended due date to see the interest under sections 234A, 234B and 234C (423, 424 and 425 from tax year 2026-27) and the late fee under 234F (428(a)), with an "If you miss the due date" guide. To check an intimation for FY 2025-26 (section 143(1)) or tax year 2026-27 (section 270(1)), enter its figures: the interest and late fee are worked out again, head by head, with what to check where they differ (individuals only). See income tax due date, interest and late fee.
- GST late fee and interest: GSTR-3B interest on tax paid with a late return can leave out cash already in the cash ledger on the due date (rule 88B(1) proviso, for due dates from 10 July 2024), and a new part works out interest on ITC wrongly availed and used (section 50(3), rule 88B(3)). Where a notification set or extended the due date, the result names it. More for professionals: for CAs, auditors and tax consultants.
- Rate note (PDF): for one code, every rate option on one or two dates (before and after GST 2.0 unless you pick others) with IGST, CGST, SGST/UTGST, cess, the notification, entry and period in force, the rules in force and the code's rate history.
- "Prepared by" and the client's language: add the name, designation and firm of the CA, auditor or tax consultant to the rate cards, rate notes, calculations and income tax reports you share, and share them in English, Hindi or Tamil, whatever the app's own language. The name, designation and firm stay on the phone.
- Rates by business: 32 lists, with 8 new ones for factories: engineering and fabrication units, tool rooms and tool dealers, auto and two-wheeler component makers, plastic moulding units, electrical equipment makers, electronics manufacturers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and chemical manufacturers and dealers. Also on the web: GST rates by business.
- Accessibility: works with TalkBack (buttons and fields have spoken names, results are read out, switches and choices say whether they are on) and with text up to 200%; the selected option carries a tick and a border, not only a tint. See Accessibility.
- Rate updates from this website: new GST notifications reach the app as signed dataset updates between app updates; see dataset updates.
- Dataset version 11 (published 8 November 2026): corrections only, no new notification; version 1.0.4 downloads it as a data update. Solar cells and panels, photovoltaic generators, solar-energy gadgets, wind turbines and wind-powered generating sets now show the renewable energy devices entry, 5% (Notification 9/2025-Central Tax (Rate), S. No. 437), instead of the 18% of their heading; see the corrections log.
- Dataset version 10 (published 3 November 2026): corrections only, no rate changes; version 1.0.4 downloads it as a data update. It now shows the Nil exemptions for export freight by air and by sea as ending on 30 September 2022, when they lapsed (earlier datasets showed them as still in force), and makes the Hindi and Tamil sentences for cabs, autos and buses booked through an app clearer; see the corrections log.
- Dataset version 9 (published 1 November 2026): corrections only, no rate changes; version 1.0.4 downloads it as a data update. It corrects the notification wording for legal services, long-term leases of industrial plots and the meter and connection services of electricity companies, the date from which two notifications of October 2024 apply, and the reverse-charge sentence for goods transport (co-operative societies), and makes some Hindi and Tamil sentences clearer; see the corrections log.
- Dataset version 8 (published 30 October 2026), with the rates that Notifications 2/2026 to 10/2026-Central Tax (Rate) bring into force from 1 November 2026: for example retreaded tractor tyres 5%, psyllium seeds Nil, delivery services through e-commerce operators 5%, and reverse charge on used cooking oil, plastic and tyre scrap and e-waste bought from unregistered sellers. Fixes are in the corrections log.
- Display: edge-to-edge on Android 15 without deprecated Android APIs.
- New permission: notifications, asked only for the due-date alerts. Also new: usage statistics and crash reports (Firebase, by Google), with no search text, name or contact details; switch them off in About → Your data.
Versions 1.0.2 and 1.0.3 — October 2026
- Search by business: type kirana, petrol bunk, sweet shop, hardware or supermarket and see every item it sells with its HSN code and today's GST rate.
- Everyday item names in English, Hindi and Tamil, such as toor dal, jeera, gas cylinder, मूंग दाल and சீனி.
- "Find your item" and "Find your rate": answer a few questions to reach the right code and rate.
- GST 2.0 table: the old and new rate of every item that changed on 22 September 2025.
- Income tax calculator: old vs new regime for FY 2025-26 and tax year 2026-27, with HRA, advance tax and TDS, and a PDF report to download or share.
Version 1.0.1 — 5 October 2026
- Updated Android components and full-screen display on newer phones, following Google Play's pre-launch checks. No change to rates or features.
Version 1.0.0 — 28 September 2026
- First release: HSN/SAC search by code, words or both (with Hindi and Tamil terms), rate as on any date since 1 July 2017, rate cards citing the CBIC notification entry, chapter-wise browse, bookmarks and recent codes.
- Calculators: GST amount (inclusive/exclusive, intra/inter-state, cess) and late fee & interest for GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-4, GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C.
- New BooksOn design with light, dark and "follow system" themes; English, Hindi and Tamil.
- Dataset version 5 (published 28 September 2026).
