Rule 297 makes an order of recognition take effect from the first day of the month after the month the application is received (or a later month in the same financial year at the employer's request), with recognition possible from 1 April of the financial year of application if the delay in applying had sufficient reason.
297
Rules 2026 · Rule 297
Order of recognition (recognised provident fund)
Rules 261-310
The rule. The order takes effect from the first day of the month immediately following the month in which the application is received by the income-tax authority, unless at the employer's request the first day of a later month in the same financial year is specified (sub-rule 1). If the approving authority is satisfied there was sufficient reason for delay in applying, it may accord recognition from a date not earlier than 1 April of the financial year in which the application is made (sub-rule 2).