Facing Penalties for Late PF Contributions: Can We Request an Exemption?

The PF department has imposed Rs. 74,131/- as damage (14B) and Rs. 107,408/- as interest (7Q) for the late deposit of PF contribution and has provided a date for a hearing. Is it possible to request an exemption from depositing the damage? Could you please provide the related document?

Thank you.

You have mentioned that damages and interest have been levied, and a date of hearing has been provided. In my opinion, there is no provision to give the date of the hearing after the levy of damages and interest except in certain conditions. Please check; it must be a notice under Section 14-B containing the probable damages to be levied as per the records of the PF Office, along with interest on all such belated depositions of PF contributions.

Regards,
AK Chandok
RPFC (Retd.)
www.akchandok.com

Respected Team,

Along with the 14B & 7Q summons notice, they sent Annexure files as well. In those Annexures, you can find the details of late payment and more. This means you have to check that report. If any doubts arise, you can contact them. If not, you have to pay the 14B & 7Q amount and then you have to go to the meeting along with the paid Challan of 14B & 7Q. Even if the given meeting date has passed, you or your representative have to go to the PF concern person and get an acknowledgment stamp from EPFO on the paid Challan of 14B & 7Q.

If you fail to attend the summons notice hearing of 14B & 7Q on the said date, then within a week or two, you'll receive another inquiry notice letter from EPFO with another date.

So, it's better to check the Annexures. If you have any doubts, raise them. Otherwise, pay the 14B & 7Q amount and get an acknowledgment form from the PF office on the paid Challan.

Regards,
Ramnarayan
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]