Compliance Calendar for the month of April – 2025

 

Compliance Calendar for the month of April – 2025

By: Sukhvinder Singh Bhatia

Compliances: TDS/Income Tax

Date	Day	TDS/Income Tax
07-04-25	Monday	1) TDS/TCS payment for March 2025 (due date for deposit by an office of the government). 2) Uploading of declarations received in Form 27C from the buyer in the month of March, 2025.
14-04-25	Monday	Issue TDS Certificates: - Form 16B (Property TDS, Feb 2025) - Form 16C (Rent TDS by individuals/HUF, Feb 2025) - Form 16D (Virtual Digital Assets, Feb 2025) under Sections 194-IA, 194-IB, 194M, 194S.
15-04-25	Tuesday	1) Quarterly statement in respect of foreign remittances (to be furnished by authorized dealers) in Form No. 15CC for quarter ending March, 2025 2) Statement in Form no. 3BB by a stock exchange in respect of transactions in which client codes been modified after registering in the system for the month of March, 2025
30-04-25	Wednesday	1) Deposit of Tax deducted by an assessee other than an office of the Government for the month of March, 2025. 2) Furnishing of challan-cum-statement in respect of tax deducted under section 194-IA, 194-IB, 194M or 194S in the month of March, 2025. 3) e-filing of a declaration in Form No. 61 containing particulars of Form No. 60 received during the period October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. 4) Uploading declarations received from recipients in Form. 15G/15H during the quarter ending March, 2025. 5) Deposit of TDS for the period January 2025 to March 2025 when Assessing Officer has permitted quarterly deposit of TDS under section 192, 194A, 194D or 194H. 6) Intimation by a pension fund/Sovereign Wealth Fund in respect of investment made in India for quarter ending March 31, 2025.

 

Explanation of the Income Tax Compliances for April 2025:

1. TDS/TCS Payment for March 2025 (Due Date for Deposit by Government)

TDS and TCS deducted or collected for the month of March 2025 must be deposited by April 7th, 2025.

2. Uploading Declarations Received in Form 27C from Buyers (March 2025)

• Purpose: Form 27C is a declaration by buyers of specified goods (e.g., timber, tendu leaves) stating that the goods are for manufacturing/processing and not trading, exempting TCS under Section 206C.
• Due Date: Declarations received in March 2025 must be uploaded by April 7 2025.
• Responsibility: Sellers collecting TCS must upload these declarations to the Income Tax portal.

3. Issuance of TDS Certificates

TDS certificates for February 2025 transactions must be issued within 15 days from the due date of furnishing the challan-cum-statement (March 30, 2025), i.e., by April 14, 2025. For March 2025, issuance falls in May 2025, but February 2025 compliances are due in April:

• Form 16B (Property TDS, Section 194-IA)
• Applicability: TDS on property transactions > ₹50 lakh (1% rate).
• Due Date: For February 2025 TDS, issue by April 14, 2025.
• Form 16C (Rent TDS by Individuals/HUF, Section 194-IB)
• Applicability: TDS on rent > ₹50,000 per month (5% rate, reduce to 2% from October 1, 2024).
• Due Date: For February 2025 TDS, issue by April 14, 2025.
• Form 16D (Virtual Digital Assets, Section 194S)
• Applicability: TDS on transfer of virtual digital assets (e.g., cryptocurrency) > ₹10,000/₹50,000 (1% rate).
• Due Date: For February 2025 TDS, issue by April 14, 2025.
• Section 194M: TDS on payments > ₹50 lakh to contractors/professionals by individuals/HUF not covered under 194C/194J (5% rate – 2% from Oct’24).

4. Quarterly Statement for Foreign Remittances (Form 15CC)

• Applicability: Authorized dealers (e.g., banks) must report foreign remittances for the quarter ending March 31, 2025.
• Due Date: April 15, 2025 (within 15 days from quarter-end).
• Purpose: Tracks remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) or other purposes, linked to TCS under Section 206C(1G) (if applicable).

5. Statement in Form 3BB by Stock Exchanges (March 2025)

• Applicability: Stock exchanges must report transactions where client codes were modified after registration in March 2025.
• Due Date: April 15, 2025 (within 15 days from month-end).
• Purpose: Ensures transparency in stock market transactions.

6. Deposit of TDS by Non-Government Assessees (March 2025)

• Due Date: TDS deducted in March 2025 by assessees (other than government offices) must be deposited by April 30, 2025.
• Notes: Use Challan ITNS 281 for payment.

Below are the details for each section:

• Salary (Section 192)
• Applicability: TDS on salary payments to employees, calculated based on applicable income tax slab rates after considering exemptions and deductions.
• Due Date: TDS deducted in March 2025 must be deposited by April 30, 2025.
• Rate: As per the employee’s income tax slab (old or new regime, as opted).
• Notes: Employers must ensure accurate computation based on Form 12BA (statement of perquisites) and declarations submitted by employees.
• Contractors (Section 194C)
• Applicability: TDS on payments to resident contractors/sub-contractors for work (e.g., construction, labor supply, advertising).
• Due Date: TDS deducted in March 2025 must be deposited by April 30, 2025.
• Rate:
• 1% for individuals/HUF.
• 2% for other entities (e.g., companies, firms).
• Threshold: No TDS if a single payment is ≤ ₹30,000 and the aggregate for the year is ≤ ₹1,00,000.
• Notes: Applies to payments credited or paid, whichever is earlier.
• Professional Fees (Section 194J)
• Applicability: TDS on payments for professional services (e.g., legal, medical, technical, consultancy) or fees for technical services.
• Due Date: TDS deducted in March 2025 must be deposited by April 30, 2025.
• Rate: 10% (2% for certain technical services).
• Threshold: No TDS if payment ≤ ₹30,000 per financial year per category.
• Notes: Distinguish from Section 194C (contractual work) to avoid misclassification.
• Rent (Section 194I)
• Applicability: TDS on rent payments for land, building, machinery, or equipment.
• Due Date: TDS deducted in March 2025 must be deposited by April 30, 2025.
• Rate:
• 10% for land/building/furniture.
• 2% for machinery/equipment.
• Threshold: No TDS if annual rent ≤ ₹2,40,000 (increased to ₹6,00,000 from April 1, 2025, per Budget 2025).
• Notes: Applies to payments to residents only.
• Interest (Section 194A)
• Applicability: TDS on interest payments (other than on securities).
• Due Date: TDS deducted in March 2025 must be deposited by April 30, 2025.
• Rate: 10%.
• Commission (Section 194H)
• Applicability: TDS on commission or brokerage payments (excluding insurance commission).
• Due Date: TDS deducted in March 2025 must be deposited by April 30, 2025.
• Rate: 5%
• Threshold: No TDS if payment ≤ ₹15,000 per financial year.
• Notes: Applies to payments to residents for services in business/profession.
• TCS (Section 206C)
• Applicability: TCS on specified transactions (e.g., sale of goods > ₹50 lakh, motor vehicles > ₹10 lakh, scrap, etc.).
• Due Date: TCS collected in March 2025 must be deposited by April 30, 2025.
• Rate: Varies by transaction (e.g., 0.1% for goods > ₹50 lakh under Section 206C(1H), 1% for motor vehicles).
• Notes: TCS on purchase of goods under Section 206C(1H) is removed from April 1, 2025, per Budget 2025.

8. Furnishing Challan-cum-Statement (March 2025)

• Sections: 194-IA (property), 194-IB (rent), 194M (contractors/professionals), 194S (VDAs).
• Due Date: April 30, 2025 (within 30 days from month-end).
• Forms:
• Form 26QB (194-IA), Form 26QC (194-IB), Form 26QD (194M), Form 26QE (194S).

9. E-filing of Form 61 (October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025)

• Applicability: Declaration of particulars of Form 60 (for individuals without PAN) received during this period.
• Due Date: April 30, 2025.
• Purpose: Ensures reporting of transactions by persons without PAN.

10. Uploading Form 15G/15H Declarations (Quarter Ending March 2025)

• Applicability: Declarations from recipients (e.g., senior citizens) stating income below taxable limit, exempting TDS.
• Due Date: April 15, 2025 (within 15 days from quarter-end).
• Portal: Uploaded via the Income Tax e-filing portal.

 

11. Quarterly TDS Deposit (January – March 2025)

• Applicability: If the Assessing Officer permits quarterly TDS deposit under Sections 192, 194A, 194D (insurance commission), or 194H.
• Due Date: April 30, 2025.
• Notes: Requires prior approval; typically for small taxpayers.

12. Intimation by Pension Fund/Sovereign Wealth Fund (Quarter Ending March 31, 2025)

• Applicability: Notification of investments in India for tax exemptions under Section 10(23FE).
• Due Date: April 30, 2025 (assumed, based on quarterly reporting norms).
• Form: As prescribed (e.g., Form II).

Key Notes

• Penalties: Late deposit attracts interest at 1% (non-deduction) or 1.5% (non-payment) per month. Non-filing of statements may incur a penalty of ₹200 per day under Section 234E.
• Challan: Use ITNS 281 for TDS/TCS payments, except for specific forms (e.g., 26QB).
• Budget 2025 Changes: Proposed TDS/TCS rationalizations (e.g., threshold increases, rate reductions) effective April 1, 2025, may apply - verify with official notifications.

This comprehensive guide covers all specified compliances for April 2025. Ensure timely adherence to avoid penalties and interest. For exact rates or thresholds, cross-check with the latest Finance Act amendments or CBDT circulars.

 

 

Compliances: GST (Goods and Service Tax)

Date	Day	GST Related Compliances
10-04-25	Thursday	1) GSTR-7: TDS deductors under GST for March 2025. 2) GSTR-8: TCS collectors (e-commerce operators) for March 2025.
11-04-25	Friday	GSTR-1 (Monthly): For March 2025 (turnover > ₹5 crore or not opted for QRMP scheme)
13-04-25	Sunday	1) GSTR-6: Input Service Distributors for March 2025. 2). GSTR-5 by NRIs.
18-04-25	Friday	CMP-08: GST Composition Scheme taxpayers for Jan-Mar 2025 (quarterly return-cum-challan)
20-04-25	Sunday	1) GSTR-3B (Monthly): For March 2025 (turnover > ₹5 crore or not opted for QRMP scheme) 2) GSTR-5A
22-04-25	Tuesday	GSTR-3B (Quarterly): For Jan-Mar 2025 (Group A states under QRMP scheme)
24-04-25	Thursday	GSTR-3B (Quarterly): For Jan-Mar 2025 (Group B states under QRMP scheme)
25-04-25	Friday	PMT-06: Monthly GST payment under QRMP scheme for March 2025. ITC-04 : Half-Yearly Job Work Return.
28-04-25	Monday	GSTR-11: UIN holders for refund claims on purchases in March 2025

 

Detailed Explanation of GST Compliances:

1. GSTR-7: TDS Deductors under GST for March 2025

• Purpose: GSTR-7 is a monthly return filed by entities required to deduct Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) under GST. It captures details of TDS deducted from payments made to suppliers, TDS liability, and any refunds claimed.
• Applicability: Applies to specific entities mandated under Section 51 of the CGST Act, such as:
• Departments or establishments of Central/State Governments.
• Local authorities.
• Government agencies or notified persons (e.g., PSUs, societies with 51% government control).
• TDS is deducted at 1% CGST + 1% SGST (or 2% IGST) on payments exceeding ₹2.5 lakh per contract (excluding taxes).
• Filing Requirements:
• Details of GSTIN of deductees, amount paid, TDS deducted, and tax heads (CGST, SGST, IGST).
• Filed electronically on the GST portal with authentication via DSC or EVC.
• Mandatory monthly filing proposed (Union Budget 2024 amendment to Section 39), even if no TDS is deducted, pending CBIC notification.
• Due Date: 10th April 2025 for March 2025 transactions.
• Key Points:
• TDS credit is reflected in the deductee’s electronic cash ledger once GSTR-7 is filed and accepted by the deductee.
• Late filing incurs a penalty of ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at ₹5,000, plus 18% interest on unpaid TDS from the due date.

2. GSTR-8: TCS Collectors (E-commerce Operators) for March 2025

• Purpose: GSTR-8 is a monthly return filed by e-commerce operators required to collect Tax Collected at Source (TCS) under Section 52 of the CGST Act. It details supplies made through their platform and TCS collected.
• Applicability: Applies to e-commerce operators (e.g., Amazon, Flipkart) collecting TCS at 0.5% (0.25% CGST + 0.25% SGST or 0.5% IGST) on net taxable supplies.
• Filing Requirements:
• Details of supplies made by sellers, taxable value, TCS collected, and tax heads.
• Filed electronically on the GST portal.
• Due Date: 10th April 2025 for March 2025 transactions.
• Key Points:
• Sellers can claim TCS credit in their electronic cash ledger.
• Late filing attracts a penalty of ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at ₹5,000, plus 18% interest on unpaid TCS.
• Ensures compliance for online sellers, even those below the GST registration threshold.

 

3. GSTR-1 (Monthly): For March 2025 (Turnover > ₹5 Crore or Not Opted for QRMP Scheme)

• Purpose: GSTR-1 is a return detailing outward supplies (sales) made by a registered taxpayer, enabling recipients to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC).
• Applicability: Mandatory monthly filing for:
• Taxpayers with aggregate turnover exceeding ₹5 crore in the previous financial year (2024-25).
• Taxpayers with turnover ≤ ₹5 crore who have not opted for the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme.
• Filing Requirements:
• Includes B2B, B2C, exports, credit/debit notes, and amendments.
• HSN code reporting mandatory (Phase 3 implemented from January 2025 with dropdown selection).
• Filed electronically; nil returns can be filed via SMS.
• Due Date: 11th April 2025 for March 2025 transactions.
• Key Points:
• Errors can be corrected in the next period’s GSTR-1 (no revision of filed returns).
• Late filing incurs a penalty of ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at ₹5,000, and may delay ITC for recipients.

4. GSTR-6: Input Service Distributors for March 2025

• Purpose: GSTR-6 is a monthly return filed by Input Service Distributors (ISDs) to distribute ITC on input services to their branches/units with the same PAN.
• Applicability: Applies to businesses registered as ISDs under GST, distributing ITC received on common services (e.g., head office distributing marketing service ITC).
• Filing Requirements:
• Details of ITC received and distributed, including GSTIN of recipients.
• Filed electronically on the GST portal.
• Due Date: 13th April 2025 for March 2025 transactions.
• Key Points:
• Mandatory from April 1, 2025, for entities distributing ITC (per 53rd GST Council recommendation).
• Late filing incurs a penalty of ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at ₹5,000.

5. GSTR-5: By NRIs for March 2025

• Purpose: GSTR-5 is a monthly return filed by Non-Resident Taxable Persons (NRTPs) to report supplies made in India and tax liability.
• Applicability: Applies to non-resident taxpayers registered under GST for temporary business activities in India (e.g., event organizers, exhibitors).
• Filing Requirements:
• Details of outward supplies, ITC availed (if any), and tax payable.
• Filed electronically on the GST portal.
• Due Date: 13th April 2025 for March 2025 transactions.
• Key Points:
• NRTPs must pay tax on a forward charge basis; no ITC unless specified.
• Late filing incurs a penalty of ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at ₹5,000, plus 18% interest on unpaid tax.

6. CMP-08: GST Composition Scheme Taxpayers for Jan-Mar 2025 (Quarterly Return-cum-Challan)

• Purpose: CMP-08 is a quarterly statement-cum-challan for taxpayers under the GST Composition Scheme to report turnover and pay tax.
• Applicability: Applies to taxpayers opting for the Composition Scheme (turnover ≤ ₹1.5 crore, or ₹75 lakh in special category states).
• Filing Requirements:
• Self-assessed tax on outward supplies at a fixed rate (e.g., 1% for traders, 5% for restaurants).
• Filed electronically with payment via the GST portal.
• Due Date: 18th April 2025 for the Jan-Mar 2025 quarter.
• Key Points:
• No ITC availed; tax paid on total turnover.
• Late filing incurs a penalty of ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at ₹5,000, plus 18% interest.

7. GSTR-3B (Monthly): For March 2025 (Turnover > ₹5 Crore or Not Opted for QRMP Scheme)

• Purpose: GSTR-3B is a monthly summary return to declare outward supplies, ITC availed, and tax liability.
• Applicability: Mandatory monthly filing for:
• Taxpayers with turnover > ₹5 crore in the previous financial year.
• Taxpayers with turnover ≤ ₹5 crore who have not opted for QRMP.
• Filing Requirements:
• Summary of sales, ITC, tax paid, and liability adjustments.
• Filed electronically on the GST portal.
• Due Date: 20th April 2025 for March 2025 transactions.
• Key Points:
• Late filing incurs a penalty of ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at ₹5,000, plus 18% interest on unpaid tax.
• GSTR-1 must be filed first (Section 39(10) of CGST Act).

8. GSTR-5A: OIDAR Service Providers for March 2025

• Purpose: GSTR-5A is a monthly return for non-resident Online Information and Database Access or Retrieval (OIDAR) service providers supplying services to unregistered persons in India.
• Applicability: Applies to OIDAR providers (e.g., Netflix, Zoom) registered under GST.
• Filing Requirements:
• Details of supplies made, tax collected, and paid.
• Filed electronically on the GST portal.
• Due Date: 20th April 2025 for March 2025 transactions.
• Key Points:
• Tax paid on a forward charge basis.
• Late filing incurs a penalty of ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at ₹5,000, plus 18% interest.

9. GSTR-3B (Quarterly): For Jan-Mar 2025 (Group A States under QRMP Scheme)

• Purpose: Quarterly GSTR-3B under QRMP for taxpayers with turnover ≤ ₹5 crore opting for quarterly filing.
• Applicability: Group A States: Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep.
• Filing Requirements: Same as monthly GSTR-3B but filed quarterly.
• Due Date: 22nd April 2025 for Jan-Mar 2025.
• Key Points: Monthly tax payments via PMT-06 required for Jan and Feb.

10. GSTR-3B (Quarterly): For Jan-Mar 2025 (Group B States under QRMP Scheme)

• Purpose: Same as above, for Group B States.
• Applicability: Group B States: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Delhi.
• Filing Requirements: Same as above.
• Due Date: 24th April 2025 for Jan-Mar 2025.
• Key Points: Same as Group A.

11. PMT-06: Monthly GST Payment under QRMP Scheme for March 2025

• Purpose: Monthly tax payment challan for QRMP taxpayers to deposit tax for the first two months of a quarter.
• Applicability: Taxpayers with turnover ≤ ₹5 crore under QRMP.
• Filing Requirements:
• Payment via Fixed Sum Method (35% of previous quarter’s tax) or Self-Assessment Method.
• Filed electronically on the GST portal.
• Due Date: 25th April 2025 for March 2025.
• Key Points:
• No late fee, but 18% interest applies if payment is delayed beyond the due date.
• Amount offsets quarterly GSTR-3B liability.

12. GSTR-11: UIN Holders for Refund Claims on Purchases in March 2025

• Purpose: GSTR-11 is filed by Unique Identification Number (UIN) holders (e.g., embassies, UN bodies) to claim refunds on GST paid on inward supplies.
• Applicability: Applies to UIN holders purchasing goods/services in India.
• Filing Requirements:
• Details of inward supplies received, GST paid, and refund claimed.
• Filed electronically on the GST portal.
• Due Date: 28th April 2025 for March 2025 purchases (quarterly filing).
• Key Points:
• No late fee or interest, but timely filing ensures refund processing.
• Refund claims must be filed within two years from the quarter-end.

ITC-04: Job Work Return for March 2025

• Purpose: ITC-04 is a half-yearly return filed by registered taxpayers (principal manufacturers) who send goods to job workers for processing under Section 19 of the CGST Act. It tracks the movement of goods (inputs, semi-finished goods, or capital goods) sent to and received back from job workers, ensuring compliance with Input Tax Credit (ITC) provisions related to job work.
• Applicability: Applies to:
• Principal manufacturers or taxpayers who send taxable goods to job workers for processing (e.g., dyeing, cutting, assembling) without transferring ownership.
• Taxpayers claiming ITC on goods sent for job work, ensuring goods are returned or supplied from the job worker’s premises within the stipulated time.
• Not applicable if the job worker is registered under GST and issues a tax invoice for services (in such cases, it’s treated as a regular supply, not job work).
• Filing Requirements:
• Details to be furnished:
1. Goods sent to job workers: Challan-wise details of inputs/capital goods sent (quantity, value, GSTIN of job worker if registered).
2. Goods received back: Details of processed goods returned by the job worker or supplied directly from the job worker’s premises to customers.
3. Goods lost/destroyed: Details of any goods not returned (e.g., wastage), requiring ITC reversal.
• Filed electronically on the GST portal in Form ITC-04.
• Separate tables for:

• Goods sent to job workers (Table 4).
• Goods received back or supplied from job worker’s premises (Table 5A).
• Goods sent from one job worker to another (Table 5B).
• Goods not returned/lost (Table 6).

• Requires authentication via DSC or EVC.
• Due Date: 25th April 2025 for the period October-March 2025. (April-March 2025 for those having annual aggregate turnover upto Rs. 5 Cr.)
• Key Points:
• Time Limits for Return of Goods:

• Inputs/Semi-finished goods: Must be returned or supplied within 1 year from the date of dispatch to the job worker.
• Capital goods: Must be returned or supplied within 3 years from the date of dispatch.
• If goods are not returned within these timelines, ITC availed by the principal must be reversed with interest (18% p.a.) from the date of dispatch.

• Documentation:

• Goods must be sent under a delivery challan (Rule 55 of CGST Rules), mentioning details like description, quantity, value, and HSN code.
• Multiple challans can be linked to a single job work transaction in ITC-04.

• Penalties:

• Late filing incurs a penalty of ₹200/day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST), capped at ₹5,000.
• Non-compliance (e.g., failure to reverse ITC for goods not returned) may lead to demand notices under Section 73 or 74 of the CGST Act, with interest and penalties up to 100% of the tax amount.

• Job Worker’s Role:

• If the job worker is unregistered, the principal tracks all movements.
• If registered, the job worker may supply goods directly to the principal’s customers under the principal’s instructions (via e-way bill and ITC-04 reporting).

• Relevance to ITC:

• Ensures ITC claimed on goods sent for job work is valid only if conditions (return within time, proper documentation) are met.
• Mismatch between ITC-04 and e-way bills/GSTR-1 may trigger scrutiny.

Additional Notes:

• Practical Example:
• A textile manufacturer sends 1,000 meters of fabric (value ₹5 lakh) to a job worker for dyeing on January 15, 2025. The job worker returns 950 meters (50 meters lost as wastage) on March 20, 2025. In ITC-04 (filed by April 25, 2025), the principal reports:
• Goods sent: 1,000 meters (Table 4).
• Goods received: 950 meters (Table 5A).
• Goods lost: 50 meters (Table 6), with ITC reversal if claimed earlier.
• Compliance Tips:
• Maintain a job work register linking challans to ITC-04 entries.
• Cross-check with e-way bills to avoid discrepancies.
• File nil ITC-04 if no job work transactions occur in the period. (mandatory unless exempted by turnover threshold).

*For Help on How to Fill and File ITC-04 on GST Portal, Use the following Link for Teaching Manual:

https://tutorial.gst.gov.in/userguide/inputtaxcredit/Manual_itc04.htm

These explanations reflect the latest GST rules as of today (April 2, 2025), and are subject to updates via CBIC notifications. Always verify due dates and requirements on the GST portal closer to the filing period.

Compliances: PF/ESI

Date	Day	PF/ESI
15-04-25	Tuesday	PF & ESI Contribution: Payment and return filing for March 2025.

 

Detailed Explanation of PF and ESI Compliances for March 2025

1. Provident Fund (PF) Compliance

The Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, governs PF contributions in India. Employers and employees contribute to the PF scheme, which provides retirement benefits.

PF Contribution Payment for March 2025

• Applicability: Mandatory for establishments with 20 or more employees (or voluntarily for smaller organizations).
• Contribution Rates:
• Employee: 12% of basic salary + dearness allowance (DA).
• Employer: 12% of basic salary + DA, split as:
• 3.67% to PF account.
• 8.33% to Pension Scheme (EPS, subject to a wage ceiling of Rs. 15,000/month).
• Additional contributions: 0.5% for EDLI (Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance), 0.65% for administrative charges (or 0.5% for establishments with PF trusts).
• Wage Ceiling: Rs. 15,000/month for mandatory contributions.
• Due Date for Payment: 15th of the following month, i.e., April 15, 2025, for March 2025 wages. A 5-day grace period may apply, but it’s best to adhere to the 15th to avoid penalties.
• Process:
• Contributions are remitted via the Unified Portal of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
• Employers generate a challan through the Electronic Challan cum Return (ECR) system and make the payment online.
• Penalty for Late Payment:
• Interest at 12% per annum on delayed payments (Section 7Q).
• Damages ranging from 5% to 25% per annum, depending on the delay duration (e.g., 5% for up to 2 months, 10% for 2-4 months, 15% for 4-6 months and 25% for more than 6 months delay).

PF Monthly Return (ECR) Filing for March 2025

• Purpose: The Electronic Challan cum Return (ECR) is a monthly filing that reconciles PF contributions with employee details.
• Details Included:
• Employee-wise PF contributions (employee and employer share).
• Pension fund contributions.
• EDLI contributions.
• Due Date: Typically filed by the 15th of the following month (April 15, 2025), but often finalized by the end of the month for reconciliation purposes.
• Process:
• Log in to the EPFO Unified Portal.
• Upload the ECR file (in the prescribed format) detailing employee-wise contributions.
• Generate a challan and confirm the payment.
• Penalty for Late Filing: Late filing may attract penalties similar to late payment, including interest and damages.

2. Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Compliance

The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, provides social security benefits like medical care, maternity benefits, and disability benefits to employees.

ESI Contribution Payment for March 2025

• Applicability: Mandatory for establishments with 10 or more employees (20 in some states) where the employee’s monthly wage does not exceed Rs. 21,000.
• Contribution Rates:
• Employee: 0.75% of wages.
• Employer: 3.25% of wages.
• Total: 4% of wages.
• Wage Ceiling: Rs. 21,000/month for mandatory contributions.
• Due Date for Payment: 15th of the following month, i.e., April 15, 2025, for March 2025 wages.
• Process:
• Contributions are remitted via the ESIC portal (www.esic.gov.in).
• Employers generate a challan and make the payment online.
• Penalty for Late Payment:
• Interest at 12% per annum on delayed payments.
• Additional penalties under Section 85 of the ESI Act, including fines up to Rs. 10,000 and imprisonment for wilful default.

ESI Monthly Return Filing for March 2025

• Purpose: To report the ESI contributions made for the month and ensure compliance with the ESIC scheme.
• Details Included:
• Employee-wise wages and ESI contributions.
• Number of days worked by each employee.
• Due Date: 15th of the following month, i.e., April 15, 2025, for March 2025 contributions. However, for practical purposes, employers often finalize this by the end of the month.
• Process:
• Log in to the ESIC portal.
• File the monthly contribution details and generate a summary.
• Ensure the payment matches the filed return.
• Penalty for Late Filing:
• Late filing attracts penalties including interest and potential legal action.

 Additional Notes:

• Unified Portal: Both PF and ESI contributions are managed through their respective online portals (EPFO for PF, ESIC for ESI). Ensure your establishment is registered and has updated employee records.
• Record Keeping: Maintain records of wage registers, contribution challans, and filed returns for at least 5 years, as they may be required during audits by EPFO/ESIC authorities.
• Practical Tip: While the payment due date for both PF and ESI is April 15, 2025, it’s advisable to complete payments a few days earlier to account for bank processing delays or technical issues on the portals.

 

Compliances: ROC/MCA (Company Law)

Date	Day	ROC/MCA
15-04-25	Tuesday	Form ADT-1 - Appointment of Auditor (if AGM held by March 31, 2025). Due within 15 days of AGM (assuming AGM on March 31instead of September 30th or Before).
30-04-25	Wednesday	MSME Form-1 - Half-yearly return for outstanding payments to MSME suppliers exceeding 45 days (for October 2024 - March 2025 period). Mandatory for specified companies under Section 405 of the Companies Act, 2013.
30-04-25	Wednesday	Form NDH-3 - Half-yearly return by Nidhi companies detailing financials and membership (for October 2024 - March 2025). Due within 30 days from the end of the half-year, as per Rule 21 of Nidhi Rules, 2014.
30-04-25	Wednesday	Form PAS-6 - Reconciliation of Share Capital Audit Report (half-yearly) for unlisted public companies (for October 2024 - March 2025). Due within 60 days from the end of the half-year, but typically aligned with April 30 for simplicity.

 

Detailed Explanation of Key Compliances:

1. MSME Form-1:
• Purpose: To report outstanding payments to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) exceeding 45 days from the date of acceptance of goods/services, as per the MSME Development Act, 2006.
• Applicability: Applies to "specified companies" (public or private) with dues to MSME suppliers.
• Period Covered: October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
• Due Date: April 30, 2025 (half-yearly filing).
• Penalty: Non-compliance attracts a penalty of Rs. 20,000, with an additional Rs. 1,000 per day (max Rs. 3,00,000) under Section 405(4).
2. Form NDH-3:
• Purpose: Nidhi companies must file this return to provide details of their financial status, loans, and membership.
• Applicability: Mandatory for all Nidhi companies registered under Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Period Covered: October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
• Due Date: April 30, 2025.
• Penalty: Non-filing may lead to fines and legal action under the Companies Act.
3. Form ADT-1:
• Purpose: To inform the ROC about the appointment/re-appointment of an auditor after the AGM.
• Applicability: All companies required to appoint an auditor under Section 139.
• Due Date: Within 15 days of AGM (e.g., if AGM is held on March 31, 2025, due by April 15, 2025).
• Penalty: Late filing incurs additional fees based on the delay duration.
4. Form PAS-6:
• Purpose: Reconciliation of share capital for unlisted public companies to ensure transparency.
• Applicability: Unlisted public companies.
• Period Covered: October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
• Due Date: Technically due within 60 days of March 31 (May 30, 2025), but often prepared by April 30 for efficiency.

Notes:

• Other Compliances: April may also involve preparatory work for annual filings like AOC-4 (financial statements) and MGT-7 (annual return), though their due dates typically fall later (e.g., October/November 2025, within 30/60 days of AGM).
• Event-Based Filings: Forms like MGT-14 (resolutions) or DIR-12 (director changes) may be due in April if triggered by events in March/April 2025.
• MCA Updates: Check the MCA website (www.mca.gov.in) for any extensions or new notifications specific to FY 2025-26.

This calendar provides a general overview based on standard practices as of April 2025. For precise deadlines tailored to your company’s circumstances (e.g., AGM date or specific events), consult the MCA portal or a professional advisor.

 

 

[Keep Reading – Keep Learning – Keep Growing]

_/\_