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Overview

Annual Return Filing

Annual Return Filing is a mandatory compliance requirement for companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) in India. It involves the submission of detailed information about the company’s financial performance, shareholding structure, directors, and other corporate details to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Annual Return Filing ensures that companies and LLPs remain compliant with the Companies Act, 2013, or the LLP Act, 2008. It is a critical step to maintain transparency and update the Registrar of Companies (ROC) on the organization's operations and changes during the financial year. Non-compliance can result in hefty penalties and legal consequences for the business and its directors/partners.

Importance

1. Legal Compliance : Avoid penalties and ensure adherence to statutory requirements.

2. Transparency : Update stakeholders about company activities and financials.

3. Maintaining Active Status : Prevent the company or LLP from being struck off the ROC register.

4. Ease in Business Operations : Smoothens business processes such as fundraising or applying for loans.

5. Enhancing Credibility : Builds trust among investors, creditors, and other stakeholders.



Documents Required

For Companies

For LLPs




Features

Features & Benefits of Annual Return Filing

Annual Compliance Mandate
Required for all registered companies and LLPs.
Regulatory Filing
Filed with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) via the MCA portal.
Forms Specific to Business Type
Includes forms like MGT-7, AOC-4 (for companies) and Form 8, Form 11 (for LLPs).
Disclosures on Corporate Activities
Includes information on directorships, shareholding, and meetings.
Financial Details
Covers revenue, profits, and financial position.

Annual Return Filing

Audit Reporting
Mandatory for certain categories of companies.
Online Submission
Done entirely through the MCA portal.
Dynamic Updating
Reflects changes in directorship or shareholding structure.
Deadline-Driven
Timely filing is critical to avoid penalties.
Stakeholder Transparency
Improves investor and creditor trust.



Comparison with Related Services

Feature Annual Return Filing Annual Financial Statements GST Filing
Objective Corporate compliance Financial reporting Tax compliance
Scope Corporate structure, shareholding, and activities Financial details GST transactions
Mandatory for Companies Yes Yes Yes
Regulatory Body MCA MCA GST Department
Deadline Within 60 days of AGM (companies) or May 30 for LLPs As per financial year-end Monthly/Quarterly
Forms Used MGT-7, AOC-4 (companies), Form 8, Form 11 (LLPs) Financial statements GSTR-1, GSTR-3B
Key Information Disclosed Corporate and operational data Financial data GST invoices
Applicability Companies and LLPs All registered businesses GST-registered entities
Penalty for Non-Compliance High Moderate Low to Moderate
Filing Platform MCA Portal MCA Portal GST Portal



Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to file an Annual Return?

All companies and LLPs registered in India must file an annual return with the ROC, regardless of their turnover or activity status.

What is the due date for filing Annual Returns?
  • For companies: Within 60 days of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
  • For LLPs: By May 30 each year.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?

Late filing attracts penalties starting at ₹100 per day of delay, and repeated non-compliance may result in the company being struck off or prosecution of directors/partners.

Is an AGM mandatory for all companies?

AGMs are mandatory for private and public companies, except for One Person Companies (OPC) and small companies.

Can an annual return be revised after submission?

Revision is generally not allowed except under extraordinary circumstances, with approval from the ROC.

What forms are required for filing Annual Returns?
  • Companies: MGT-7 (Annual Return), AOC-4 (Financial Statements).
  • LLPs: Form 8 (Statement of Accounts and Solvency), Form 11 (Annual Return).