Understanding Penalties for Late PF Annual Return Submission: What Are the Time Limits and ESI Implications?

Hi! Greetings!

I would be grateful if someone could tell me about the penalties/repercussions for delayed submission of the Annual return of PF. What is the time limit for delayed submission, if any? Is the situation the same with ESI?

12th November was the last day for ESI; ESI return for the 1st quarter (April-September) should be submitted within 40 days after September.

Hi, thanks for the information.

Regarding the delayed payment for the late submission of the annual report for the years 2008-2009, what is the penalty?

For example, in the last financial year 2008-09, the total annual turnover was 60 lakhs. The last date of submission was 30th September 2009. In case of non-submission, when is the deadline after September, and what is the penalty? Please clarify the issue.

Hello Tej Bahadur,

The time limit for submission of PF Annual Return without a grace period is 30th April, and with a grace period, it is up to 31st May. If the delay of submission of the Annual Return is not more than 1/2 months, then the RPFC office does not take it very seriously. However, at the time of inspection, they will make it a point that you are submitting the returns late regularly. As per statute, for late submission of Returns, the RPFC office can issue a show cause notice and start prosecution.

My suggestion is don't take any chance with statutory matters and play it safe, submit the returns on time.

Anji,

It is not openly clear about the penalty imposed by the department on delayed returns. To my knowledge, it is calculated on the total challan value for that half-yearly period. In the case of delayed remittances, it is anywhere from 17% to 37%.

Rgds,
Chandru

Dear All,

I have been working in the retail sector in Delhi. I have received a show cause notice for not submitting the half-yearly return for the period 09/08 to 03/09. Could you please provide me with a draft letter format in response to this show cause notice?

Thanks & Regards,
Vinod