Many business owners assume that compliance is required only when the company is operational. In reality, annual filing is mandatory even if the company has no business activity during the year. Missing deadlines or incorrect filings can result in heavy penalties, director disqualification, and even company strike-off.
This article provides a complete guide to Private Limited Company annual filing, including forms, due dates, penalties, and benefits of timely compliance.
What Is Annual Filing for a Private Limited Company?
Annual filing refers to the mandatory submission of financial statements, annual returns, and tax filings by a Private Limited Company every financial year. These filings ensure transparency, accountability, and legal compliance under the Companies Act, 2013 and Income Tax laws.
Annual compliance includes:
Filing financial statements
Filing annual return
Conducting Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Filing income tax return
Auditor compliance
Who Is Required to File Annual Returns?
Every Private Limited Company registered in India must file annual returns, regardless of:
Turnover
Profit or loss
Business activity
Company size
Even newly incorporated companies must comply if they have completed a financial year.
Key Annual Compliance Requirements for Private Limited Companies
1. Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Every Private Limited Company must conduct an Annual General Meeting to:
Approve financial statements
Declare dividends (if any)
Appoint or reappoint auditors
Discuss company performance
Due Date:
Within 6 months from the end of the financial year
On or before 30th September (except first AGM)
2. Filing of Financial Statements – Form AOC-4
Form AOC-4 is used to file the company’s financial statements with the MCA.
Documents Included:
Balance Sheet
Profit & Loss Account
Cash Flow Statement
Notes to Accounts
Auditor’s Report
Director’s Report
Due Date:
Within 30 days from the date of AGM
3. Filing of Annual Return – Form MGT-7 / MGT-7A
The annual return contains details about:
Directors and shareholders
Share capital structure
Registered office address
Indebtedness
Company management
Form Applicable:
MGT-7A – For OPC and AOC companies
MGT-7 – For other Private Limited Companies
Due Date:
Within 60 days from AGM
4. Director KYC – Form DIR-3 KYC
Every director holding a DIN (Director Identification Number) must complete annual KYC.
Due Date:
30th September every year
Failure to file DIR-3 KYC results in DIN deactivation.
5. Income Tax Return Filing
Private Limited Companies must file their income tax return using ITR-6, regardless of profit or loss.
Due Date:
30th September (subject to extensions by the government)
Tax audit may be applicable depending on turnover and provisions.
6. Auditor Appointment – Form ADT-1
Auditor appointment or reappointment must be filed with MCA.
Validity:
Auditor is appointed for 5 years
ADT-1 is filed once unless there is a change
Documents Required for Annual Filing
To complete annual filing smoothly, the following documents are required:
Balance Sheet
Profit & Loss Statement
Auditor’s Report
Director’s Report
Shareholding pattern
Bank statements
GST returns (if applicable)
Previous year compliance details
Due Dates Summary for Annual Filing
| Compliance | Form | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| AGM | – | On or before 30th September |
| Financial Statements | AOC-4 | Within 30 days of AGM |
| Annual Return | MGT-7 / 7A | Within 60 days of AGM |
| Director KYC | DIR-3 KYC | 30th September |
| Income Tax Return | ITR-6 | 30th September |
Penalties for Late or Non-Filing
Non-compliance can attract heavy penalties under the Companies Act, 2013.
Late Fees for AOC-4
₹100 per day
Maximum penalty: ₹2,00,000
Late Fees for MGT-7
₹100 per day
Maximum penalty: ₹2,00,000
Director Disqualification
Continuous non-filing for 3 years leads to director disqualification for 5 years
Company Strike Off
MCA may initiate strike-off proceedings for long-term non-compliance
Benefits of Timely Annual Filing
Filing annual returns on time offers several advantages:
1. Legal Compliance
Keeps the company compliant with MCA and Income Tax laws.
2. Avoids Heavy Penalties
Timely filing helps avoid unnecessary fines and legal issues.
3. Improves Company Credibility
Banks, investors, and clients prefer compliant companies.
4. Smooth Business Operations
No interruptions in bank accounts, funding, or contracts.
5. Director Protection
Prevents DIN deactivation and director disqualification.
Annual Filing for Nil-Turnover Companies
Even if your company has:
No income
No expenses
No business activity
Annual filing is still mandatory. Nil-turnover companies must file:
AOC-4
MGT-7
ITR-6
Non-filing can still attract penalties.
Why Choose Professional Annual Filing Services?
Annual filing involves:
Legal knowledge
Accurate documentation
Strict deadlines
MCA portal compliance
Professional services help:
Avoid errors
Ensure timely filing
Handle notices and corrections
Maintain long-term compliance
This allows business owners to focus on growth instead of legal complexities.
Conclusion
Private Limited Company annual filing is not just a legal formality—it is a vital compliance requirement that ensures transparency, accountability, and credibility. Whether your company is active or dormant, meeting annual filing obligations protects directors, maintains business reputation, and prevents costly penalties.
Staying compliant with MCA and Income Tax regulations is essential for smooth business operations and future growth. Planning annual filings in advance and seeking professional support can save time, money, and unnecessary stress.
