Answer Book question

Does an overdue MSME invoice earn interest?

Yes, by statute: compound interest with monthly rests at three times the RBI bank rate from the due date, for registered MSMEs under the MSMED Act. The widely cited figure of around 16.5 percent reflects the formula at a particular bank rate; verify the current rate. The buyer cannot contract out of it.

By Kerala Rising · ·

Short answer

Yes, by statute: compound interest with monthly rests at three times the RBI bank rate from the due date, for registered MSMEs under the MSMED Act. The widely cited figure of around 16.5 percent reflects the formula at a particular bank rate; verify the current rate. The buyer cannot contract out of it.

Real life

A ₹5 lakh invoice paid 120 days late. Statutory interest for the delay period is several thousand rupees a month. The supplier invoices it; the buyer, aware of tax consequences, pays.

What this means

The interest is a deterrent and compensation. It applies regardless of the contract.

What to check

Udyam Due date Current RBI bank rate × 3 Invoice for interest

What people often miss

Not claiming it out of fear of losing the customer. it can be waived strategically, but know it exists.

The Kerala / NRI angle

Kerala Rising's page on delayed-payment interest has the current computation.

An example

₹5 lakh, 75 days late, statutory rate: interest in the low thousands per month.

When this may not be the right answer

None.

What to do next

Compute Decide whether to claim Keep the record

Related questions

My customer has not paid for 45 days. What can I do? What is MSME Samadhaan?

Related Kerala Rising help

Start or grow a business

Sources and what to verify

RBI directions on MSE collateral-free lending · CGTMSE scheme guidelines · MSMED Act 2006 delayed-payment provisions · MSME Samadhaan portal · Udyam registration portal · Kerala Industries Department scheme documents (verify current terms) Rates, limits and whether you may qualify change. Confirm with the official source. Ask Kerala Rising: Send us the quotation before you pay the advance. Or send us the bank's letter before you sign the mortgage. We will tell you what questions to ask. WhatsApp +1 443 595 9000 · keralarising.com Kerala Rising › Business › Finance · Business 27

Before you act

This page is general orientation, not personal insurance, investment, medical, legal, lending, tax, or professional advice. Rules, rates, benefits, and claim or application decisions can change. Confirm the current position with the named official source and use a licensed or qualified professional where your situation requires one. Kerala Rising does not decide whether you may qualify, approve claims, or promise an outcome.