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MSME Samadhaan: Delayed Payment Complaint + Interest is the most practical route for micro and small businesses to recover stuck payments and legally claim interest when buyers delay dues beyond the allowed timeline. If your invoices are pending and reminders aren’t working, this process helps you submit a structured complaint online (now through the MSME ODR system) with proof of supply, acceptance, and outstanding amount—so the case can be taken up through the appropriate facilitation mechanism. And if you want help preparing the documents and filing correctly, you can take soft support from Eudyamaadhar at +91 9241250551.
What is MSME Samadhaan (and what changed recently)
MSME Samadhaan is the Government of India’s delayed payment monitoring system that helps Micro and Small Enterprises raise payment disputes against buyers and route them to the appropriate Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC).
Important update: the Samadhaan portal now displays a notice that all new delayed payment applications are to be filed on the MSME ODR Portal (Online Dispute Resolution)
So, think of Samadhaan as the “information + redirection + status ecosystem,” while new filings go through MSME ODR.
Who can file a delayed payment complaint
You can file a delayed payment complaint if you meet all of the below:
You are a Micro or Small Enterprise with valid Udyam Registration.
Your Udyam registration date must be prior to the invoice in dispute (benefits are not retrospective).
Also note: Udyam registration has no government fee (it’s free to file on the official portal).
When is a payment “delayed” (15-day vs 45-day rule)
The MSMED Act sets a strict outer limit on credit time given to buyers:
If there is no written agreement on credit period: payment should be made within 15 days from the day of acceptance/deemed acceptance.
If there is a written agreement: payment must be made as per the agreed date, but the agreed period cannot exceed 45 days from acceptance/deemed acceptance.
Practical takeaway: In most real cases, once you cross the 45-day mark from acceptance/deemed acceptance, you’re clearly in “delayed payment” territory under MSMED protections.
How interest is calculated (Section 16)
If the buyer does not pay within the permitted timeline, the buyer becomes liable to pay:
Compound interest with monthly rests
At three times the RBI Bank Rate
The Samadhaan portal itself highlights this Section 16 liability and explicitly mentions monthly compounding.
Which RBI Bank Rate should you use?
The RBI Bank Rate changes over time. For example, the RBI Governor’s statement dated 05 Dec 2025 states the Bank Rate at 5.50% at that time.
Your calculation should use the bank rate applicable during the period of delay.
Simple formula (for your working sheet)
Annual interest rate = 3 × (RBI Bank Rate)
Monthly compounding means month-wise calculations work best (especially when bank rate changes).
Tip: When you file, attach a clean “statement of claim” with (1) invoice-wise principal, (2) due date logic (15/45 days), and (3) month-wise interest working.
Documents checklist to file a strong case
A delayed payment case moves faster when your file proves (a) supply/service completion, (b) acceptance, and (c) outstanding amount.
Must-have documents
Udyam Registration proof (and it must be dated before disputed invoice).
Work order / purchase order (Samadhaan FAQ indicates work order is compulsory; if oral, you may need an affidavit).
Invoices (combine multiple invoices into a single PDF if needed).
Proof of delivery / completion
delivery challan, e-way bill, GRN/acknowledgement, email confirmation, service completion proof
Communication trail
reminders, emails, WhatsApp screenshots (export), letters
Ledger / statement of account showing outstanding balance and any partial payments
Buyer details (legal name, address, GSTIN/PAN if available)
Optional but powerful
A timeline one-pager: PO date → supply date → acceptance evidence → due date → reminders → outstanding
A calculation sheet: invoice-wise due date + month-wise interest
Step-by-step: How to file on MSME ODR
Because the portal experience can change by state and workflow, here’s a practical step-by-step that stays safe and correct:
Confirm eligibility first
Micro/Small + valid Udyam + Udyam date before invoice.
Fix “Udyam data” errors before filing
If your portal shows errors like “classification year data does not exist,” Samadhaan FAQ suggests updating investment/turnover details in Udyam.
Prepare a single, clean PDF set
Combine invoices + PO + affidavit (if any) + key proofs. The portal explicitly allows combining multiple invoices into one PDF.
File on MSME ODR (for new applications)
Samadhaan clearly asks new applicants to file via MSME ODR.
MSME ODR is designed for dispute avoidance/containment/resolution and online access to justice.
After submission, follow up with the concerned MSEFC
Samadhaan FAQ indicates the application is forwarded to the concerned MSEFC and you may need to contact them for action/status.
Practical tip: Keep your acknowledgment, application number, and the exact buyer legal name consistent across invoice/PO/claim.
What happens after filing (MSEFC process)
After filing, the dispute is handled under the MSMED Act’s dispute resolution structure via MSEFC:
The council typically attempts conciliation first.
If conciliation fails, it can proceed to arbitration (itself or via an institution).
This is why your documentation quality matters—conciliation often depends on clarity, while arbitration needs proof-ready records.
Common mistakes that delay your case
Avoid these because they create “back-and-forth” or outright rejection:
Udyam registration date is after the disputed invoice (very common, and portals flag it).
Missing acceptance/delivery proof (buyer claims “not received” or “not accepted”)
Buyer legal name mismatch (invoice says one entity; PO says another)
Wrong due date logic (15/45-day rule ignored)
Weak scanning/unclear PDFs
Claim file has principal but no clean interest working (or vice versa)
Extra pressure point: Section 43B(h) for buyers
From a practical negotiation perspective, many buyers have become sensitive to the Income-tax rule (Section 43B(h)) that ties deductibility of MSME dues to timely payment within MSMED timelines.
This doesn’t replace your legal right under MSMED Act—but it often helps you push for settlement because delayed payments can create tax/accounting complications for buyers.
FAQs MSME Samadhaan
Is Udyam mandatory to file a delayed payment case?
Samadhaan FAQ states Udyam is mandatory for benefits under delayed payment provisions, and it also explains that registration benefits are not retrospective—so the registration date must be prior to the invoice date.
Is it mandatory to file only online?
No—Samadhaan FAQ says the portal exists to facilitate online applications and is not the only way.
Can I file for interest only if the principal is already paid?
Yes, Samadhaan FAQ indicates a claim can be filed for interest alone even if principal is received.
How is penal interest calculated—monthly or quarterly?
Samadhaan FAQ says interest is calculated on a monthly compounding basis.
Do I need a legal notice before filing?
Samadhaan FAQ states a legal notice is not necessary before filing the case.
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Udyam registration is free on the government portal.
But in delayed payment cases, businesses usually lose time because of weak documentation, wrong due-date calculation, or portal-ready PDFs.
If you want help Eudyamaadhar can support you end-to-end in a simple, practical way.
Call/WhatsApp: +91 9241250551