What the rule is
For specified payments to registered micro and small enterprises, deduction timing can depend on payment within MSMED Act timelines, commonly 15 days without written terms and up to 45 days with written terms.
How disallowance works
- Expense is booked in accounts.
- Payment remains overdue beyond permitted period.
- Deduction may be disallowed for that year.
- Deduction is generally allowed in the year of actual payment.
- Vendor Udyam status and agreement terms matter.
Practical implications
- Large buyers need vendor MSME classification.
- March year-end outstanding review is essential.
- Procurement teams need payment discipline.
- MSME vendors should keep Udyam details current.
What to ask your accountant
- Have we identified all MSME vendors?
- Which payments cross 15/45 day rule?
- What is the 43B add-back before ITR?
- Can we pay before year-end or filing date?
Section 43B MSME Payment Rule: year and source check
Last fact-checked: 25 May 2026.
AY 2026-27 means FY 2025-26 income under the Income-tax Act, 1961. Tax Year 2026-27 means FY 2026-27 income under the Income Tax Act, 2025. Do not mix the two labels.
Use official portal pages, CBDT notifications, the supplied Act PDF and ICAI material before making a filing, payroll, TDS/TCS or rebate decision.
FAQs
Which year should I use for Section 43B MSME Payment Rule?
Use AY 2026-27 for FY 2025-26 income under the Income-tax Act, 1961. Use Tax Year 2026-27 for FY 2026-27 income under the Income Tax Act, 2025.
What documents should I share with a tax expert?
Share the portal screenshot, exact year, income breakup, certificates, AIS/Form 26AS, notices, challans and any computation already prepared.
Can WorkIndex help me find a specialist?
Yes. Post a requirement with the legal year, records and deadline so experts can quote on the real issue instead of a generic page title.
Section 43B MSME Payment Rule: year and source check
Last fact-checked: 25 May 2026.
AY 2026-27 means FY 2025-26 income under the Income-tax Act, 1961. Tax Year 2026-27 means FY 2026-27 income under the Income Tax Act, 2025. Do not mix the two labels.
Use official portal pages, CBDT notifications, the supplied Act PDF and ICAI material before making a filing, payroll, TDS/TCS or rebate decision.
What to verify for Section 43B MSME Payment Rule
- Correct financial year, assessment year or tax year.
- Taxpayer type, age category, residential status and business/profession status.
- Exact income heads, including salary, house property, business/profession, capital gains, VDA and other sources.
- AIS/TIS, Form 26AS, TDS/TCS certificates, challans and portal pre-fill.
- Deductions/exemptions allowed in the selected regime and current ITR utility validation rules.
- Whether the issue is a calculation, filing, notice response, rectification, appeal or advisory position.
Section 43B MSME Payment Rule: year and source check
Last fact-checked: 25 May 2026.
AY 2026-27 means FY 2025-26 income under the Income-tax Act, 1961. Tax Year 2026-27 means FY 2026-27 income under the Income Tax Act, 2025. Do not mix the two labels.
Use official portal pages, CBDT notifications, the supplied Act PDF and ICAI material before making a filing, payroll, TDS/TCS or rebate decision.
What to verify for Section 43B MSME Payment Rule
- Correct financial year, assessment year or tax year.
- Taxpayer type, age category, residential status and business/profession status.
- Exact income heads, including salary, house property, business/profession, capital gains, VDA and other sources.
- AIS/TIS, Form 26AS, TDS/TCS certificates, challans and portal pre-fill.
- Deductions/exemptions allowed in the selected regime and current ITR utility validation rules.
- Whether the issue is a calculation, filing, notice response, rectification, appeal or advisory position.