Extension of time limit set out in Rule 3 for complying with the condition laid down in Clause (ea) of rule 4 of Part A of the Fourth Schedule to the Income-tax Act Rule 4 of Part A of the Fourth Schedule to the Income-tax Act provides for the conditions which are required to be satisfied by a provident fund for receiving or retaining recognition under the Income-tax Act.
Rule 3 of Part A of the Fourth Schedule provides that the Chief Commissioner or the Commissioner of Income-tax may accord recognition to any provident fund which satisfies the conditions prescribed in rule 4 and the rules made by the Board in this behalf.
The proviso to sub-rule (1) of the said rule 3, inter-alia, specifies that in a case where recognition has been accorded to any provident fund on or before 31st day of March, 2006, and such provident fund does not satisfy the conditions set out in clause (ea) of rule 4 on or before 31st day of March, 2008, the recognition to such fund shall be withdrawn. One of the requirements of this clause (ea) of Rule 4 is that the establishment shall obtain exemption under section 17 of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (EPF&MP Act).
With a view to provide further time to Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) to decide on the pending applications seeking exemption under section 17 of the EPF&MP Act, The proviso to sub-rule (1) of rule 3 of Part A has been amended so as to extend the time limit by one more year i.e., from 31st day of March, 2008 to 31st day of March, 2009.
Applicability: This amendment has been made applicable with effect from 1st April 2008.
Note: Above is the Analysis of Amendment made by The Finance Act, 2008.
