Confused About Where to Submit Your Unified Annual Return? Let's Discuss the Best Approach

Dear All,

Provision for Unified Annual Return

Provision for Unified Annual Return is provided on the Shram Suvidha Portal by the Central Labor Department. Since there are state rules in every state, most HR professionals are accustomed to adhering to state rules and submitting the Annual Return under the Factory Act to the state authority. Additionally, in most states, a provision for an Online Single Integrated Annual Return is also available.

Confusion Regarding Submission Portals

Now, there is confusion about where we should submit the online return—on the Shram Suvidha Portal or the state portal? Another point of confusion is that the name of the return (Unified/Single Integrated) itself suggests that we should submit one common return for all returns under different acts. However, there is no notification to stop submitting returns under different acts. Consequently, many in the fraternity are submitting both online integrated returns as well as separate hard copy returns under various acts. Can anyone provide guidance on this matter?

Thank you.

**Location**: Haldwani, India Factory Act, Annual Return, Online Return, Shram Suvidha, Country-India, City-India-Haldwani

When it comes to submitting the Unified or Integrated Annual Return online, the decision on whether to use the Shram Suvidha Portal or the State Portal depends on the specific regulations and guidelines set forth by the Central Labor Department and the respective state authorities. Here's a practical approach to help navigate this situation:

Guidance on Submitting Online Returns:

1. [🔍] Review Official Guidelines: Start by carefully reviewing the official guidelines provided by both the Central Labor Department and your state's labor authority regarding the submission of the Unified/Integrated Annual Return.

2. [💻] Check Portal Compatibility: Verify if your state's labor portal is compatible with the Unified/Integrated Annual Return submission. Some states may require submission through their specific portal, while others may allow the use of the Shram Suvidha Portal.

3. [📝] Compliance Check: Ensure that you are compliant with both central and state regulations. If there are no explicit instructions to stop submitting returns under different acts, consider submitting the common online return along with any required hard copy returns until further clarity is provided.

4. [🤝] Seek Clarification: If there is still uncertainty, reach out to the Central Labor Department or your state labor authority for clarification on the preferred submission method to avoid any penalties or non-compliance issues.

5. [📅] Stay Updated: Stay informed about any updates or notifications regarding the submission of Annual Returns under different acts to adapt your submission process accordingly.

By following these steps and staying informed about the specific requirements in your location, you can ensure a smooth and compliant submission process for the Unified/Integrated Annual Return.