In force · As amended up to 2026-08
103. Self-assessment of cess. — (1) The employer shall, within sixty days or such period as may be notified by the Central Government of the completion of his each building and other construction work, pay such cess (adjusting the advance cess already paid under section 100) payable under this Chapter on the basis of his self-assessment on the cost of construction worked out on the basis of the documents and in the manner prescribed by the Central Government and after such payment of cess, he shall file a return under clause (d) of section 123.
(2) If the officer or the authority to whom or to which the return has been filed under sub-section (1) finds any discrepancy in the payment under the self-assessment and the payment required under the return referred to in that sub-section, then, he or it shall, after making or causing to be made such inquiry as he or it thinks fit and after such inquiry make the appropriate assessment order.
(3) An order of assessment made under sub-section (2) shall specify the date within which the cess shall be paid by the employer, if any.
— 104. Penalty for non-payment of cess within the specified time. If any amount of cess payable by any employer under section 103 is not paid within the date specified in the order of assessment made under sub-section (2) of that section, it shall be deemed to be in arrears and the authority prescribed by the Central
Government in this behalf may, after making such inquiry as it deems fit, impose on such employer a penalty not exceeding the amount of cess:
Provided that, before imposing any such penalty, such employer shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard and if after such hearing the said authority is satisfied that the default was for any good and sufficient reason, no penalty shall be imposed under this section.
Source: India Code