Professional Tax (PT) in Maharashtra is a tax on earnings from professional services, business income, or employment. This tax is levied by the Maharashtra State Government and applies to both individuals and companies. Companies, including private limited entities, must comply with PT laws if they are paying salaries or other remuneration.
For a Private Limited Company (body corporate), PT applies when there are salaries or payments made to employees or directors. Even if no salary is paid, companies must still file a nil return to remain compliant.
Is Professional Tax Applicable to Private Limited Companies in Maharashtra?
Yes, professional tax is applicable to Private Limited Companies in Maharashtra, even if the company does not pay any salary or wages. When no salary is paid to employees or directors, the company must still file a nil return at the end of the financial year to maintain compliance.
Key Takeaway:
- PT Liability: Not applicable if no salary is paid.
- Compliance: Nil return must be filed to avoid penalties.
What is the Due Date for Filing Professional Tax Returns for FY 2025-26?
The due date for filing the annual professional tax return for the Financial Year 2025-26 in Maharashtra is 31st July 2026. If no salary is paid during the year, the company is required to file a nil return by this date to remain compliant.
For Monthly Returns:
If salaries are paid, monthly returns (Form 5) must be filed by the 7th of each month.
For Annual Returns:
Form 16 (annual return) is due by 31st July of the following year (2026 in this case).
Penalties for Late Filing of Professional Tax Returns
Failure to file professional tax returns on time can result in penalties. The penalties are:
₹100 per day for every day of delay in filing the return.
A maximum penalty of ₹5,000 may be imposed for late submissions.
Best Practice: File the annual return (Form 16) on time to avoid penalties.
How to File Professional Tax Returns for a Private Limited Company in Maharashtra
The process to file professional tax returns for a private limited company is as follows:
- Register for Professional Tax (if not already registered).
- Obtain Login Credentials to access the Maharashtra Professional Tax Portal.
- File the Annual Return: Select the correct financial year and submit the nil return (if no salary is paid).
- Make Payment: If there is any liability, pay the tax before filing.
- Submit the Return: Ensure you get a confirmation or acknowledgement.
What to Do If You Have Login Issues for the Professional Tax Portal
If you face issues logging into the Maharashtra Professional Tax Portal, follow these steps:
Password Recovery: There is no direct option for password reset via email. You must contact the helpdesk for assistance.
Helpdesk Contact: Visit the official Maharashtra Professional Tax website and navigate to the Contact Us section for the relevant contact details.
If your registered mobile number is not accessible, contacting the helpdesk is necessary to regain access to your account and update your contact information.
Mandatory and Voluntary Registration for Other Categories
- Employees: Employees who earn above the prescribed exemption limit must mandatorily register and pay professional tax.
- Self-Employed Professionals: Professionals like lawyers, doctors, and chartered accountants who earn a certain income must also register and pay professional tax.
- Voluntary Registration: Even if a person or business does not meet the threshold for mandatory registration, they may still voluntarily register for professional tax.
Professional Tax in Other States
In India, professional tax laws vary by state. States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Gujarat have their own systems for levying PT on employees, employers, and self-employed individuals.
Each state sets its own rates, thresholds, and filing procedures. If your business operates in multiple states, ensure compliance with the professional tax laws of each state.
Professional Tax Filing Process for a Company
The process of filing a professional tax return for a private limited company in Maharashtra involves the following steps:
- Register for Professional Tax: If your company has not already registered with the Maharashtra Professional Tax Department, you will need to complete the registration process.
- Obtain the Login Credentials: To file the return, you need to log in to the Maharashtra Professional Tax portal. The login requires credentials, including a user ID and password.
- Filing the Annual Return: If no salary is paid, the company must file a nil return (Form 16) through the portal. Ensure that the correct financial year is selected.
- Payment of Tax: If there is a tax liability, you will be required to pay the amount before filing the return.
- Submit the Return: After completing the necessary details, submit the return and make sure to keep a copy of the acknowledgement for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is professional tax applicable to a company if no salary is paid?
A1: No, professional tax is not applicable if no salary is paid. However, the company must still file the annual return (Form 16) to declare a nil liability.
Q2: When is the due date for filing professional tax returns for FY 2025-26?
A2: The due date for filing the annual return for FY 2025-26 is 31st July 2026.
Q3: What is the penalty for late filing of the professional tax return?
A3: The penalty is ₹100 per day, with a maximum cap of ₹5,000.
Q4: How do I recover my professional tax login details?
A4: If you cannot recover your password using the reset option, you must contact the Maharashtra Professional Tax Helpdesk. Visit the official website and check the Contact Us section for assistance.
Conclusion
Compliance with professional tax regulations in Maharashtra is a critical requirement for companies, even if no salary is paid during the financial year. Filing a nil return (Form 16) is mandatory for all companies, regardless of salary disbursements. Be sure to file the return by 31st July 2026 to avoid penalties.
Always stay informed about the filing process, penalties, and due dates to ensure smooth operations. If you’re facing login issues or need help with the filing process, make sure to reach out to KcorpTax CA services or the helpdesk for support.
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