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

[DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN]

At the time of relinquishing from the company in India you are the resident in India. As such the view of the Department is correct to provide Form 15G for EPF withdrawal application.

AI Summary

Form 15G requirement may apply where status at resignation was resident, affecting EPF withdrawal obligations. The adviser states that Form 15G may be required for EPF withdrawal if the individual was a resident of India at the time of relinquishing employment; where residency at cessation was resident, the department's insistence on Form 15G is correct and the declaration must be accurate to avoid penalties under Section 277.