Essential Annual Compliances for Companies in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Introduction to Annual Compliances for Companies in India

In India, companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013, must comply with various annual regulatory requirements. These compliances ensure transparency, financial accountability, and adherence to legal norms set by regulatory authorities such as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the Registrar of Companies (ROC), and the Income Tax Department. Annual compliance requirements vary based on the type of company. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, fines, or even disqualification of directors.

2. Types of Companies and Their Compliance Requirements

The following are the annual compliances for companies in India -

3. Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.) –

A Private Limited Company is a privately held business entity with limited liability.  

The following are the Private Limited Company law compliance in India -

1.  Annual Financial Statements & Audit - Filing of AOC-4 with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

2.  Annual Return Filing (MGT-7) - Details of shareholding and company structure.

3. Income Tax Return (ITR-6) - Filed annually with the Income Tax Department.

4. Board Meetings - At least four board meetings per year.

5. Statutory Audit- Conducted by a Chartered Accountant.

4. Public Limited Company –

A Public Limited Company can issue shares to the public and has stricter compliance obligations.

The following are the Public Limited Company law compliance in India -

1.  Annual Return (MGT-7) and Financial Statement Filing (AOC-4).

2. Statutory and Secretarial Audit - Compulsory for all public companies.

3. Quarterly & Annual SEBI Filings (For listed companies).

4. Board and Shareholder Meetings - At least four board meetings and an Annual General Meeting (AGM).

5. One Person Company (OPC)

The following are the OPC Company law compliance in India -

1. A One Person Company is a company with a single owner and limited liability.

2. Annual Return Filing (MGT-7A): Simplified return filing.

3. Financial Statements Filing (AOC-4).

4. Income Tax Return (ITR-6).

5.  Board Meeting: Minimum one meeting per year.

6. Audit Requirements: Mandatory if turnover exceeds Rs 2 crore.

6. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) –

The following are the LLP Company law compliance in India -

1. An LLP combines the benefits of a partnership and a limited company. Compliance includes -

2. Annual Return Filing (Form 11) - Statement of partners and capital structure.

3.  Statement of Accounts & Solvency (Form 8).

4. Income Tax Return (ITR-5).

5.  Audit Requirement - Mandatory if turnover exceeds Rs 40 lakh or contribution exceeds Rs 25 lakh.

7. Section 8 Company (Non-Profit Organization)

A Section 8 Company is formed for charitable purposes.

The following are the Section 8 Company law compliance in India -

1.  Annual Return (MGT-7) and Financial Statement (AOC-4) filing.

2.  No dividend declaration; profits must be reinvested in the objective.

3.  Income Tax Exemptions if registered under Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.

8. Key Annual Compliance Filings for Companies in India

Companies registered in India must fulfill various annual compliance requirements as mandated by the Companies Act, 2013, the Income Tax Act, 1961, and other regulatory authorities like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Here are the key annual compliance filings for companies in India

Annual Financial Statements & Audit Filing (AOC-4)

Form AOC-4 is the form used to file a company's annual financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). It is an e-form prescribed by the Companies Act of 2013. It is applicable to all companies except LLPs.

Annual Return Filing (MGT-7/MGT-7A for OPCs & Small Companies)

Both the forms are electronic forms that companies in India use to file their annual returns.

Income Tax Return (ITR-6 for Companies, ITR-5 for LLPs)

Companies registered in India and operating a business for profit must file.

Board Meetings & Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Board meetings should be a minimum of four per year for Private and Public Limited Companies.

AGM is mandatory for Public and Private Limited Companies (except OPCs).

Director KYC (DIR-3 KYC)

Director KYC (DIR-3 KYC) is a form that directors must submit annually to the Registrar of Companies (ROC). It's used to verify a director's identity and keep their information up to date.

Auditor Appointment & ROC Filing (ADT-1)

Form ADT-1 is a form used to inform the Registrar of Companies (ROC) about the appointment of an auditor in a company. Must be submitted within 15 days of the AGM.

Statement of Accounts & Solvency for LLPs (Form 8)

 

The Statement of Accounts & Solvency (Form 8) is a financial statement that LLPs file annually with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). The filing deadline is October 30th each year.

LLP Annual Return (Form 11)

 

Form LLP 11 is an annual return of an LLP that needs to be filed within 60 days from the end of a financial year.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report (For Companies Falling Under CSR Rules)

 

The newly introduced form CSR-2 is required to be filed by those entities that fall under the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. The form must be filed as part of the Board's Report in AOC-4.

TDS Return Filing (Form 24Q/26Q)

 

It serves as a statement of tax deducted at source on salaries.

9. Best Practices to Ensure Smooth Annual Compliance for Companies in India –

  •  Maintain a compliance calendar.
  • Appoint a dedicated compliance officer or consultant.
  • Conduct internal compliance audits.
  • Automate compliance filings using technology.
  • Reconcile tax filings with financial statements.
  • Submit filings well before due dates.
  • Regularly update compliance knowledge.
  • Implement a compliance review mechanism.
  • Engage with legal and tax advisors proactively.

10. Conclusion –

Annual compliance for companies in India is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and maintaining legal standing. By adhering to statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements, businesses can avoid penalties, maintain credibility, and foster sustainable growth. A well-structured compliance strategy—incorporating timely filings, accurate record-keeping, internal audits, and professional guidance—helps streamline the process and minimizes risks.

Global Jurix simplifies annual compliance filing for companies in India. From ROC filings, tax returns, GST compliance, audits, and legal documentation, we handle it all—ensuring accuracy and timely submissions. Stay compliant, avoid penalties! Contact us today!

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