Filing annual returns and financial statements is an essential part of running a company in India. As per the Companies Act, 2013, every company must file MGT-7, which is the annual return, and AOC-4, which contains the company’s financial statements. Filing these forms on time ensures compliance and avoids penalties. This guide explains the step-by-step process to file MGT-7 and AOC-4 through online mode.
The following companies are required to file MGT-7 and AOC-4:
Private Limited Companies.
Public Limited Companies.
One-Person Companies (OPCs).
Exemptions apply to certain companies, such as those under liquidation or dormant status, but this depends on specific scenarios.
MGT-7 is the annual return form that every company must file to disclose its operational and governance details for a financial year. It captures key information, such as:
The company’s registered office and principal business activities.
Details of shareholders, directors, and key managerial personnel.
Any changes in the structure of the board of directors or shareholding.
The purpose of MGT-7 is to provide transparency about the company’s structure and compliance with governance norms.
AOC-4 is the form used for submitting a company’s financial statements to the Registrar of Companies (ROC). It includes critical financial documents like:
Audited balance sheets.
Profit and loss statements.
Auditor’s report.
Board’s report.
The financial data filed in AOC-4 gives a clear picture of the company’s financial health and operations.
Legal Compliance: Filing ensures that the company adheres to the rules outlined in the Companies Act, 2013.
Transparency: Provides the government and stakeholders with accurate information about the company’s structure and financial position.
Avoid Penalties: Timely filing prevents the imposition of penalties and legal action.
Creditworthiness: Maintaining compliance enhances the company’s reputation and trust among investors and financial institutions.
To file MGT-7 and AOC-4, make sure you have the following:
Active Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): The forms must be digitally signed by an authorized signatory.
Membership Number or Certificate of Practice (COP): If signed by a company secretary or auditor.
Updated Information: All relevant details like financial data, shareholder information, and board details.
MCA Account: A registered account on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal.
Gather the following details for the financial year:
Corporate Identification Number (CIN).
Registered office address and principal business activities.
Details of directors, shareholders, and key managerial personnel (KMP).
Changes in the board of directors or shareholding structure.
Visit the MCA portal (www.mca.gov.in) and download the MGT-7 form under the “Annual Filing Forms” section.
Step 3: Fill in the Form
Open the downloaded form in Adobe Reader or a compatible software.
Input the company’s general details, shareholding structure, and director information.
Provide details about changes in the company structure, if any.
List of shareholders and debenture holders.
Details of transfers or changes in shareholding.
Certification from a practicing professional (if applicable).
Use the “Check Form” button to ensure all mandatory fields are filled.
Attach the DSC of the authorized signatory.
Log in to your MCA account.
Navigate to the “Upload eForms” section and upload the completed MGT-7 form.
Pay the applicable fee using the available payment options.
Once the payment is successful, you will receive an acknowledgment with the Service Request Number (SRN). Keep this number for future reference.
Before starting, ensure you have the following documents:
Audited financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss account).
Directors’ report.
Auditor’s report.
Statement of cash flow (if applicable).
Download the AOC-4 form from the MCA portal under the “Annual Filing Forms” section.
Step 3: Fill in the Form
Input the company’s general information, like CIN and financial year.
Add details of the financial statements, including revenue, profits, and expenses.
Provide details of auditors and their report.
Attach the following documents in PDF:
Signed financial statements.
Board report and auditor’s report.
Additional documents as required, like notes to accounts.
Check the form for errors using the “Check Form” button.
Affix the DSC of the director or authorized signatory.
Log in to your MCA account.
Upload the AOC-4 form under the “Upload eForms” section.
Pay the prescribed fee online.
After a successful upload and payment, you will receive an SRN. This serves as proof of submission.
MGT-7: Must be filed within 60 days from the conclusion of the annual general meeting (AGM).
AOC-4: Must be filed within 30 days from the conclusion of the AGM.
Delays in filing MGT-7 and AOC-4 can lead to penalties:
MGT-7: ₹100 per day until filing is completed.
AOC-4: ₹100 per day, along with additional penalties as prescribed by the MCA.
Start preparing early to avoid last-minute errors.
Double-check all details before submission.
Keep track of deadlines to prevent penalties.
Consult a professional if you’re unsure about any part of the process.
Filing form MGT-7 and AOC-4 is essential for meeting legal requirements and ensuring transparency in business operations. Timely submission of these forms helps avoid penalties and demonstrates a company’s commitment to compliance. By following the correct process and adhering to deadlines, companies can maintain a good reputation and focus on their long-term growth.
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