Annual Filing Requirements – Who Needs to Comply with Annual Filing?
Category I: All Registered Companies
Every company registered under the Companies Act must file:
- Financial Statements using e-Form AOC-4, which includes the Directors’ Report and other relevant attachments (Annual Report). This must be submitted within 30 days after the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
- Annual Return using e-Form MGT-7, which must be filed within 60 days after the AGM.
Category II: Non-Compliant Companies
Some companies are specifically required to complete their pending annual filings:
- Companies listed in the Strike-Off Public Notice No-ROC-DEL/248/STK-5/2018/2912, dated June 18, 2018, due to failure in fulfilling annual compliance.
- Companies whose directors have been disqualified under Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 for non-compliance with annual filing regulations.
Failing to comply with annual filing can result in severe consequences, including monetary penalties and disqualification of directors.
Annual Filing Requirements for Companies
Every registered company in India, regardless of its type, must file both an Annual Return and an Income Tax Return with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) each year.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) Requirements
- All companies, except One Person Companies (OPCs), must hold an AGM each year.
- The AGM should take place within six months after the end of the financial year, which in India runs from April 1 to March 31.
- For newly incorporated companies, the first AGM must be conducted within 18 months of incorporation or 9 months after the end of the first financial year, whichever is earlier.
- Generally, companies must file their annual return by September 30 following the financial year-end.
What Information is Included in the Annual Return?
The Annual Return (Form MGT-7) contains essential company details, including:
- Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account
- Compliance Certificate
- Registered Office Address
- List of Shareholders and Shareholding Structure
- Details of Share Transfers and Transmission
- Information on Shares, Debentures, and Directorship Changes
These documents provide transparency regarding a company’s financial health and corporate structure.
Key E-Forms for Annual Filing
To comply with annual filing requirements, companies must submit specific e-Forms to the Registrar of Companies (ROC):
- AOC-4 – Used to file financial statements and other essential documents.
- AOC-4 CFS – Required for filing the consolidated financial statement of a group.
- AOC-4 XBRL – Needed for submitting XBRL-based financial statements and supporting documents.
- MGT-7 – Used for filing the Annual Return for companies with share capital.
These filings ensure that companies remain compliant with corporate regulations and avoid legal complications.
Why is Annual Filing Important?
Annual filing is more than just a regulatory formality—it plays a crucial role in ensuring corporate transparency and accountability. Here’s why it matters:
- Legal Compliance – Avoid penalties, fines, and potential disqualification of directors.
- Financial Transparency – Helps investors, stakeholders, and government authorities assess a company’s financial health.
- Good Standing – Ensures a company’s continued legal existence and eligibility for loans, investments, and business growth opportunities.
Ignoring annual filing obligations can result in severe consequences, including the risk of having the company’s name struck off from the register or directors being barred from holding office.
Annual Filing Requirements – Final Thoughts
Annual filing is a crucial responsibility for companies operating in India. Whether your business is a startup, an established company, or a non-profit organization, timely compliance with MCA filing requirements ensures smooth operations and avoids unnecessary legal trouble.
If your company has missed its filing deadlines, it’s essential to take corrective action immediately. Consulting with a corporate compliance expert or a Company Secretary (CS) can help you navigate the process efficiently.
Get in touch with Pitchers Global today!