FCRA Dept has now extended filing of Annual Return to 30th June 2021. As per the Notice this is done to enable NPOs to comply with following (based on FCRA Public Notice dt 23-11-2020):
- Opening of FCRA Account with SBI, New Delhi Main Branch, Sansad Marg.
- Upload Adhar details of all office bearers / directors / key functionaries, etc.
- Upload affidavits of all office bearers / directors / key functionaries, etc.
- Obtain Darpan Id from Darpan portal
Thus from the language of Public Notice, it appears that FCRA Dept wants NPOs to comply with the above changes. However it is not clear why opening of Bank Account is being insisted, since that has nothing to do with Annual return relating to 31st March 2020. However seems govt is insistence that all NPOs open there FCRA account in SBI, New Delhi Main Branch, at the earliest.
FCRA Dept had made Darpan Id mandatory in Oct’2017. An NPO had gone to Delhi HC against the same, who allowed NPO to file returns without Darpan Id, on the ground that it need not make its Adhar details public of its Trustees, which was required for getting Darpan Id. See earlier post http://blog.srr-foundation.org/?p=3652 .
Once again the notice reiterates, that NGO need not visit Parliament Street Branch, and can request any other Branch of SBI to facilitate. Though it may take some time for SBI branches to facilitate, but ultimately they should do it.
If in any doubt, please contact SBI Parliament Street Branch email id: agmcommercial00691@sbi.co.in .
So now anyone expecting transfer of FC funds from outside India, you may do so till the date of opening of account or 31st March 2021, whichever is earlier.
All new applicants must open bank account directly in SBI, Parliament Street with immediate effect.
Please note that FUNDS TRANSFER TO NGOS is not covered by above notice, no Indian NGO can transfer funds to another NGO, after effective date of Amendment Act, i.e. 29th Sept 2021.
Socio Research & Reform Foundation (NGO)
512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place,
New Delhi – 110008.
hi ,
we did not file 2018 19 with fcra fc4 return till now, is there any way to file it, by paying penalty or any way, please guide.
Rajiv, you can file, but penalty for non-filing is minimum Rs 1 lakh or 5% of FC rec’d during FY 2018-19, whichever is higher. Please note in case FC rec’d (including interest)is less than Rs 1 lakh, than penalty amount will be amount of FC rec’d plus Rs 1000/- penalty.