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Overview

Filing of Financial Statements in XBRL

Filing of Financial Statements in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is a statutory requirement for certain classes of companies in India. XBRL is a standardized format for reporting financial information, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and comparability. Companies file their financial statements with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in this format, facilitating better regulatory oversight and data analysis.

The XBRL filing is an advanced digital format mandated for companies to submit their financial statements (Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, and Cash Flow Statements). This format ensures that financial data is machine-readable, facilitating analysis by regulators, investors, and stakeholders. XBRL filings are governed by the Companies Act, 2013, and relevant MCA guidelines. Statutory Registers are records that provide detailed information about a company’s structure, governance, and operational decisions. These registers must be maintained at the company’s registered office and updated regularly. They may be inspected by shareholders, auditors, and regulatory authorities, ensuring accountability and compliance.

Important

1. Regulatory Compliance : Mandatory for eligible companies as per MCA requirements.

2. Improved Accuracy : Reduces errors by automating data entry and validation.

3. Enhanced Transparency : Provides detailed financial information in a standardized format.

4. Global Standard : Aligns with international practices, improving comparability.

5. Data Analysis : Facilitates regulatory and investor analysis through machine-readable data.

Applicability

XBRL filing is mandatory for

1. Listed Companies : All companies listed on stock exchanges in India.

2. Unlisted Companies : With a paid-up capital of ₹5 crore or more, or a turnover of ₹100 crore or more.

3. Subsidiaries of Listed Companies : If they fall under the prescribed thresholds.

4. Companies Required to Prepare Financials in Ind-AS : As per MCA guidelines.

Note: Banking, insurance, and power companies are currently exempt from XBRL filing.



Documents Required




Features

Features & Benefits of Filing of Financial Statements in XBRL

Mandatory for Specific Companies
Listed companies and those meeting financial thresholds must file in XBRL.
Global Standard Format
Uses XBRL, an internationally recognized reporting format.
Automated Validation
Ensures data accuracy through validation tools.
Ind-AS Compliant
Financials prepared as per Indian Accounting Standards (Ind-AS) are supported.
Certified Filing
Requires certification by a practicing professional (CA/CS/CMA).

Filing of Financial Statements in XBRL

E-Filing Process
Entire process is conducted online through the MCA portal.
Detailed Tagging
Allows granular reporting by tagging specific data points in financials.
Efficient Data Analysis
Facilitates regulatory and stakeholder analysis of financial information.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Non-filing or incorrect filing attracts significant penalties.
Supports Audit
Enhances reliability of financial data during audits.



Comparison with Related Services

Feature XBRL Filing Annual Financial Statements Annual Return Filing
Objective Digital submission of financials Reporting financial position Reporting corporate structure
Format XBRL (machine-readable) PDF/physical format E-forms (MGT-7)
Applicability Specific companies All companies All companies
Deadline Within 30 days of AGM Within 30 days of AGM Within 60 days of AGM
Regulatory Authority MCA MCA MCA
Penalty for Non-Compliance High Moderate High
Certification CA/CS/CMA certification Optional Optional
Key Users Regulators, Investors Shareholders, Regulators Shareholders, Regulators
Data Accessibility Machine-readable format Human-readable format Human-readable format



Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to file financial statements in XBRL?

Listed companies, companies with a paid-up capital of ₹5 crore or more, or turnover of ₹100 crore or more, and companies preparing financials under Ind-AS must file in XBRL format.

What is the penalty for non-filing in XBRL?

Non-compliance can attract penalties under the Companies Act, 2013, including fines for both the company and its directors.

Can all companies file in XBRL format?

No, only companies that meet the MCA criteria are required to file in XBRL format. Other companies may voluntarily adopt XBRL.

What is the role of the MCA XBRL validation tool?

The validation tool checks the accuracy of XBRL tagging and ensures compliance with MCA requirements before submission.

What is the deadline for XBRL filing?

Companies must file financial statements in XBRL format within 30 days of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Does XBRL filing require certification?

Yes, XBRL filings must be certified by a practicing Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant using their Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).