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Late Payment Interest Calculator

Calculate interest on overdue payments. Includes Section 43B(h) MSME compliance check.

Free - No signup - India-specific
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RBI reference rate: 18% p.a. for commercial transactions

Are you a registered MSME supplier?
Enables Section 43B(h) compliance check
Is GST applicable?
Adds GST late filing interest calculation
Fill in the details and click Calculate to see results

How Late Payment Interest Is Calculated in India

Late payment interest is typically calculated using the simple interest formula: Interest = Principal x Rate x Days / 365. The principal is the overdue invoice amount, the rate is the agreed annual interest rate, and days is the number of days the payment is overdue.

Common interest rates for commercial transactions in India range from 12% to 24% per annum. The RBI reference rate of 18% is frequently used as a benchmark when no specific rate is agreed upon.

Section 43B(h) - The MSME 45-Day Payment Rule

Section 43B(h) was added by the Finance Act 2023 and became effective from April 2024. It applies specifically to buyers who purchase from MSME-registered suppliers.

The rule: If a buyer has a written agreement with an MSME supplier, payment must be made within 45 days. Without a written agreement, the limit is just 15 days.

Tax consequence: If the buyer pays after the deadline, they cannot deduct the expense from their taxable income for that financial year. The deduction is only allowed in the year when payment is actually made.

This gives MSME suppliers significant leverage for faster payment collection. When sending payment reminders, citing Section 43B(h) can accelerate payment from large buyers.

GST Late Payment Interest Rules

Under Section 50 of the CGST Act, interest at 18% per annum is charged on late payment of GST. This applies to the net tax liability after adjusting input tax credit.

The interest is calculated from the day following the due date of payment to the date of actual payment. Both CGST and SGST components carry the same 18% interest rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard late payment interest rate in India?

There is no single standard rate. The RBI reference rate is often used as a benchmark. Common commercial rates range from 12% to 24% per annum. The rate should ideally be specified in your payment terms or contract.

Is Section 43B(h) applicable to all businesses?

No. It applies specifically when the buyer is purchasing from a supplier registered as an MSME under the MSMED Act 2006. If the supplier is not MSME-registered, 43B(h) does not apply.

What is the 45-day limit for MSME payments?

Under Section 43B(h), if a buyer has a written agreement with an MSME supplier, payment must be made within 45 days. Without a written agreement, the limit is 15 days. Payments made after this period cannot be claimed as tax deductible expenses.

Can I charge interest on overdue payments?

Yes, if your payment terms or contract specify late payment interest. Even without explicit terms, you may be able to claim interest under commercial law. Always specify interest terms clearly in your invoices.

How does GST late interest work?

Under Section 50 of the CGST Act, interest at 18% per annum is charged on late payment of GST. This is calculated on the net tax liability after adjusting input tax credit.

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