Introduction

Every registered company and LLP in India must file annual returns and financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) to remain compliant under the Companies Act, 2013.

These filings not only demonstrate transparency but also ensure that your organisation maintains an active legal status and avoids penalties or disqualification of directors.

In this blog, Bisways Consulting Group provides a simplified, step-by-step checklist of annual ROC compliances — including due dates, key forms, and common mistakes that businesses should avoid.

Understanding Annual ROC Filings

ROC filings act as a formal declaration of your company’s financial position, ownership structure, and operational status.

There are two main categories of annual filings:

1.For Companies (Private / Public / OPC):

• Form AOC-4 / AOC-4 XBRL – filing of audited financial statements.

• Form MGT-7 / MGT-7A – annual return capturing shareholding, directors, and governance details.

2. For LLPs (Limited Liability Partnerships):

• Form 8 – Statement of Accounts and Solvency.

• Form 11 – Annual Return of Partners and basic business information

These forms must be digitally signed using a valid Director’s DSC and certified by a practising professional (CA / CS / CMA).

How to Analyse a P&L Statement

💡Tip: If AGM is not held due to extension, count deadlines from the extended date approved by ROC

Step-by-Step Filing Process

• 1.Finalise Books of Accounts and ensure they are audited by a Chartered Accountant.

• 2.Hold the Board Meeting to approve financials and the notice for AGM.

• 3.Conduct the AGM (for companies) within 6 months of financial year end.

• 4.Prepare and attach documents — auditor report, directors’ report, and balance sheet with notes.

• 5.File AOC-4 followed by MGT-7 through the MCA portal using valid DSCs.

• 6.Pay filing fees and additional fees (if delayed).

• 7.Maintain proof of submission — SRN acknowledgements for each filing.

For LLPs, partners should review Form 11 and Form 8 before submission and cross-verify figures with books.

Late Filing Penalties

Delays in ROC filings attract heavy per-day penalties:

• ₹100 per day per form from the due date till the actual filing date.

• PNo cap — penalty continues until the filing is complete.

• Directors of defaulting companies may face disqualification under Section 164(2) if non compliance persists for 3 consecutive years.

⚠️ Example:

A private company files AOC-4 and MGT-7 30 days late. Each form attracts ₹3,000 penalty = ₹6,000 total, excluding professional fees.

Documents Required for Annual Filings

• Audited Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Statement, and Cash Flow Statement.

• Notes to Accounts and Director’s Report.

• Auditor’s Report (with UDIN).

• AGM Notice and Minutes.

• Shareholding pattern and list of directors.

• For LLPs — statement of capital contribution, partner list, and solvency declaration.

All attachments must be digitally signed and uploaded in PDF format under prescribed naming conventions.

Common Errors Businesses Make

• 1.Incorrect financial year (not April–March).

• 2.Using expired DSCs of directors or auditors.

• 3.Missing UDIN for auditor certificates.

• 4.Failure to conduct AGM within time limit.

• 5.Mismatch between financials and MCA forms.

• 6.Not updating director or registered office details before filing annual return.

Avoiding these errors ensures smooth approval without resubmission or MCA remarks.

Why Annual Filings Matter

• 1.Creates legal credibility with banks, investors, and clients.

• 2.Ensures directors remain active and company status stays “Compliant.”

• 3.Prevents striking-off under Section 248 for non-filing.

• 4.Reflects corporate governance and transparency — essential for funding and contracts.

Bisways Compliance Checklist (At a Glance)

• ✅Financial Statements Finalised

• ✅ Audit Completed with UDIN

• ✅ Board & AGM Conducted

• ✅MGT-7 Filed within 60 Days

• ✅All SRNs Downloaded and Filed

• ✅ Registers & Minutes Maintained

Conclusion

Timely ROC filing is not just a statutory routine — it’s your company’s public reputation scorecard. Filing on time saves penalties, keeps directors qualified, and signals governance excellence.