Form 15G for NRI

[Guest]

Hi

I am non-resident Indian living abroad for ~6 years. Prior to that I was employed in India for >5 years. I have requested my last employer in India to file a request for EPF withdrawal (held with Maharashtra EPF). My last employer in India is insisting me to provide Form15G saying it is mandatory for EPF withdrawal application.

However I learned through online search that Form 15G is only meant for resident Indians. Also violating the repercussions of wrong filing is stiff.A false or wrong declaration in Form 15G attracts penalty under Section 277 of the Income Tax Act. 'Prosecution includes imprisonment ranging from three months to two years, and a fine.

Please advise if it is fine to provide Form 15G or not.

I do not have any salary income, shares, securities, mutual fund, NSS in India. I expect to earn bank interest income of <1 lac for FY2015-16.

Many Thanks

Rahul

AI Summary

Non-Resident Indian Queries Form 15G Requirement for EPF Withdrawal; Concerns Over Section 277 Penalties Arise. A non-resident Indian, who lived abroad for six years after being employed in India for over five years, seeks advice on whether to provide Form 15G for EPF withdrawal. The individual's former employer in India insists on the form, though it is typically for resident Indians. Concerns are raised about penalties for incorrect filing under Section 277 of the Income Tax Act. The individual has no salary, shares, or securities income in India, only expected bank interest below 1 lakh for FY2015-16. A respondent advises that since the individual was a resident when leaving the company, providing Form 15G is appropriate.