{"id":36336,"date":"2026-07-22T16:52:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:22:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/?p=36336"},"modified":"2026-07-22T16:52:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T11:22:19","slug":"annual-return-filing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/","title":{"rendered":"How to File Annual Returns for a Company in India: Complete ROC Filing Guide (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone  wp-image-36337\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company-300x158.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"830\" height=\"437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company-200x105.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company-400x211.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company-600x316.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company-800x422.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company-1200x633.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Annual-Returns-for-a-Company.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Company Annual Return Filing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is not something you deal with when it becomes a problem. By then it already is one. Under the Companies Act, 2013, every registered company in India must submit its annual return to the Registrar of Companies through MCA21 every financial year. Miss the window, and penalties start running from the very next day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This guide covers every form, every deadline, every fee, and the full step-by-step process for <\/span><b>company annual return filing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in FY 2025-26. Your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/company-annual-filing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">annual return is filed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> correctly and on time with <\/span><b>LegalRaasta<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, helping you avoid compliance stress during legal filing.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#What_is_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\" title=\"What is Company Annual Return Filing?\">What is Company Annual Return Filing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Which_Companies_Must_Complete_Annual_Return_Filing\" title=\"Which Companies Must Complete Annual Return Filing?\">Which Companies Must Complete Annual Return Filing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Annual_Return_vs_Financial_Statements_Key_Difference\" title=\"Annual Return vs Financial Statements: Key Difference\">Annual Return vs Financial Statements: Key Difference<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Forms_Required_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\" title=\"Forms Required for Company Annual Return Filing\">Forms Required for Company Annual Return Filing<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Form_MGT-7\" title=\"Form MGT-7\">Form MGT-7<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Form_MGT-7A\" title=\"Form MGT-7A\">Form MGT-7A<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Form_AOC-4\" title=\"Form AOC-4\">Form AOC-4<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Form_AOC-4_CFS\" title=\"Form AOC-4 CFS\">Form AOC-4 CFS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Form_ADT-1\" title=\"Form ADT-1\">Form ADT-1<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Documents_Required_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\" title=\"Documents Required for Company Annual Return Filing\">Documents Required for Company Annual Return Filing<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#For_Form_MGT-7_or_MGT-7A\" title=\"For Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A:\">For Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#For_Form_AOC-4\" title=\"For Form AOC-4:\">For Form AOC-4:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Step-by-Step_Company_Annual_Return_Filing_Process_2026\" title=\"Step-by-Step Company Annual Return Filing Process (2026)\">Step-by-Step Company Annual Return Filing Process (2026)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Step_1_Prepare_Financial_Statements\" title=\"Step 1: Prepare Financial Statements\">Step 1: Prepare Financial Statements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Step_2_Conduct_the_Board_Meeting\" title=\"Step 2: Conduct the Board Meeting\">Step 2: Conduct the Board Meeting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Step_3_Hold_the_Annual_General_Meeting\" title=\"Step 3: Hold the Annual General Meeting\">Step 3: Hold the Annual General Meeting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Step_4_Finalise_the_Annual_Return\" title=\"Step 4: Finalise the Annual Return\">Step 4: Finalise the Annual Return<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Step_5_File_Form_AOC-4\" title=\"Step 5: File Form AOC-4\">Step 5: File Form AOC-4<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Step_6_File_Form_MGT-7_or_MGT-7A\" title=\"Step 6: File Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A\">Step 6: File Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Step_7_Pay_the_Prescribed_ROC_Fees\" title=\"Step 7: Pay the Prescribed ROC Fees\">Step 7: Pay the Prescribed ROC Fees<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Step_8_Verify_Filing_Status_on_MCA_Portal\" title=\"Step 8: Verify Filing Status on MCA Portal\">Step 8: Verify Filing Status on MCA Portal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Due_Dates_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing_FY_2025-26\" title=\"Due Dates for Company Annual Return Filing (FY 2025-26)\">Due Dates for Company Annual Return Filing (FY 2025-26)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#ROC_Filing_Fees_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\" title=\"ROC Filing Fees for Company Annual Return Filing\">ROC Filing Fees for Company Annual Return Filing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Penalties_for_Late_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\" title=\"Penalties for Late Company Annual Return Filing\">Penalties for Late Company Annual Return Filing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_During_Annual_Return_Filing\" title=\"Common Mistakes to Avoid During Annual Return Filing\">Common Mistakes to Avoid During Annual Return Filing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Annual_Return_Filing_Checklist_for_Companies\" title=\"Annual Return Filing Checklist for Companies\">Annual Return Filing Checklist for Companies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Why_Choose_LegalRaasta_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\" title=\"Why Choose LegalRaasta for Company Annual Return Filing?\">Why Choose LegalRaasta for Company Annual Return Filing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/blog\/annual-return-filing\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\"><\/span><b>What is Company Annual Return Filing?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Company annual return filing <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">entails that each registered business entity makes a formal disclosure of its structure, ownership, and governance information to the Registrar of Companies every year. Think of it as the government&#8217;s yearly update on who owns the company, who runs it, and what changed during the year. Three key provisions govern this:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Section 92<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of the Companies Act, 2013 makes annual return filing mandatory for every company<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Section 137<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> separately requires financial statements to be filed with the ROC<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rule 11<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014 prescribes the forms and timelines<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a continuing offence. If you do not file, the penalty does not stop at a fixed amount. It keeps growing every day until you fix it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Companies_Must_Complete_Annual_Return_Filing\"><\/span><b>Which Companies Must Complete Annual Return Filing?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Company Type<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Filing Obligation<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Form to Use<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/private-limited-company-registration\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Private Limited Company<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mandatory every year<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MGT-7 + AOC-4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/public-limited-company-registration\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Public Limited Company<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mandatory every year<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MGT-7 + AOC-4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/opc-registration\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One Person Company<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mandatory every year<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MGT-7A + AOC-4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Small Company<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mandatory every year<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MGT-7A + AOC-4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dormant Company<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mandatory every year<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MGT-7 + AOC-4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/section-8-company-registration\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Section 8 Non-Profit Company<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mandatory every year<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MGT-7 + AOC-4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/foreign-company-registration-india\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Foreign Company operating in India<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mandatory every year<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Form FC-4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Zero turnover does not mean zero obligation. Even if your company did nothing the entire year, the <\/span><b>company annual return filing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is still due.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Annual_Return_vs_Financial_Statements_Key_Difference\"><\/span><b>Annual Return vs Financial Statements: Key Difference<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">People mix these up constantly. They are two separate filings with different forms, different deadlines, and different purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Parameter<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Annual Return<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Financial Statements<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What it contains<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shareholders, directors, KMP, governance details<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Balance sheet, P&amp;L, cash flow<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Governing section<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Section 92<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Section 137<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Form used<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MGT-7 or MGT-7A<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">AOC-4 or AOC-4 CFS<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Due date trigger<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">60 days from AGM<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">30 days from AGM<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Who certifies<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Company Secretary or Director<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CA and Director<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Both are part of the <\/span><b>company annual return filing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Submitting one without the other leaves your company non-compliant.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Forms_Required_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\"><\/span><b>Forms Required for Company Annual Return Filing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The <\/span><b>company annual return filing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> process involves multiple MCA forms depending on your company type and size. Here is what each form covers and when it applies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Form_MGT-7\"><\/span><b>Form MGT-7<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is the principal annual return form for all companies other than OPCs and small companies. It includes information about the shareholders, share transfers, promoter information, directors, KMP, board meetings occurring during the year, and related party disclosures. If your paid-up capital is greater than Rs 10 lakh, a practicing Company Secretary should sign it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Form_MGT-7A\"><\/span><b>Form MGT-7A<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">OPCs and small companies use this instead of MGT-7. It was introduced to reduce the compliance load on smaller businesses. Fewer disclosures, simpler format, same legal obligation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Form_AOC-4\"><\/span><b>Form AOC-4<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every company files this to submit its audited financial statements to the ROC. The balance sheet, profit and loss account, directors&#8217; report, and auditor&#8217;s report all go in here. No <\/span><b>company annual return filing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is complete without it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Form_AOC-4_CFS\"><\/span><b>Form AOC-4 CFS<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Holding companies that prepare consolidated financial statements covering their subsidiaries file this in addition to the standard AOC-4. Not a replacement, an addition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Form_ADT-1\"><\/span><b>Form ADT-1<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When the AGM appoints or reappoints an auditor, this form must go to the ROC within 15 days. It is not the annual return itself, but it is part of the full annual ROC compliance package.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Documents_Required_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\"><\/span><b>Documents Required for Company Annual Return Filing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The documents you need vary slightly between MGT-7 and MGT-7A, but the core set is the same for all companies completing <\/span><b>company annual return filing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Form_MGT-7_or_MGT-7A\"><\/span><b>For Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Updated shareholder list with holdings as on 31 March<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directors and KMP details with DIN and current designation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Board meeting records for the full financial year<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Related party transaction disclosures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Details of any penalties or legal proceedings during the year<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalraasta.com\/digital-signature-dsc\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Valid DSC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> of the director authorised to sign<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"For_Form_AOC-4\"><\/span><b>For Form AOC-4:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Audited and signed balance sheet and profit and loss account<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Directors&#8217; report with every mandatory annexure attached<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Auditor&#8217;s report signed by the statutory auditor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cash flow statement (OPCs and small companies are exempt from this)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CSR report if your company crosses the CSR threshold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DSC of director and CA certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-by-Step_Company_Annual_Return_Filing_Process_2026\"><\/span><b>Step-by-Step Company Annual Return Filing Process (2026)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The complete <\/span><b>company annual return filing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> process runs through MCA21 and involves eight steps from financial statement preparation to final ROC verification.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Prepare_Financial_Statements\"><\/span><b>Step 1: Prepare Financial Statements<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your CA puts together the audited accounts for FY 2025-26 before the AGM. Balance sheet, P&amp;L, cash flow. All must be signed by the auditor before the AGM date.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Conduct_the_Board_Meeting\"><\/span><b>Step 2: Conduct the Board Meeting<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The financial statements are adopted to be published, and the date of the AGM is determined. Write up the minutes within 30 days and adopt the board resolution and directors&#8217; report.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Hold_the_Annual_General_Meeting\"><\/span><b>Step 3: Hold the Annual General Meeting<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The AGM should be held no more than 6 months after the end of the financial year. For FY 2025-26, that means on or before 30 September 2026. Shareholders at the AGM approve the financial statements and other matters relating to the election of auditors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Finalise_the_Annual_Return\"><\/span><b>Step 4: Finalise the Annual Return<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The MGT-7\/MGT-7A is finalised by a Company Secretary or a Director, through consolidation of all relevant data as on 31 March 2026, after the AGM. Ensure accuracy of each shareholder amount with the share register before closure.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_File_Form_AOC-4\"><\/span><b>Step 5: File Form AOC-4<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Submission of the financial statement to ROC shall be made within thirty days from the date of the AGM. Prepare a complete directors&#8217; report, auditor&#8217;s report and all the annexures. The fee must be paid to ROC at the time of filing the application, via the MCA21 payment system.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_File_Form_MGT-7_or_MGT-7A\"><\/span><b>Step 6: File Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The annual return is filed within 60 days of the AGM each year. Attach the list of shareholders and all necessary disclosures. Only when the paid-up capital is Rs 10 lakh or more, do you need to have it certified by a practicing Company Secretary before submission.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_7_Pay_the_Prescribed_ROC_Fees\"><\/span><b>Step 7: Pay the Prescribed ROC Fees<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Payments of government fees are made on filing of each form through MCA21. The amount is determined based on the authorised share capital as indicated in the table below.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_8_Verify_Filing_Status_on_MCA_Portal\"><\/span><b>Step 8: Verify Filing Status on MCA Portal<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Always keep your SRN handy after submitting. Track it on MCA21. After the ROC approval, download the acknowledgement and register the same with the statutory record of the company for that year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Due_Dates_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing_FY_2025-26\"><\/span><b>Due Dates for Company Annual Return Filing (FY 2025-26)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Form<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Trigger<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Due Date of AGM on 30 Sep 2026<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">AGM<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Within 6 months of FY end<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">On or before 30 September 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">AOC-4<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">30 days from AGM<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">29 October 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MGT-7 or MGT-7A<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">60 days from AGM<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">29 November 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ADT-1<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">15 days from AGM<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">15 October 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are the outer limits. Waiting until the last week creates unnecessary risk from portal downtime, document errors, and DSC issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ROC_Filing_Fees_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\"><\/span><b>ROC Filing Fees for Company Annual Return Filing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Authorised Share Capital<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Normal Fee Per Form<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Less than Rs 1,00,000<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rs 200<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 4,99,999<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rs 300<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rs 5,00,000 to Rs 24,99,999<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rs 400<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rs 25,00,000 to Rs 99,99,999<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rs 500<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rs 1,00,00,000 and above<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rs 600<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These fees apply per form when you file within the deadline. Filing late multiplies the fee by the amounts in the penalties section below.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Penalties_for_Late_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\"><\/span><b>Penalties for Late Company Annual Return Filing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Delay Period<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Additional Fee<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Up to 30 days<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2 times normal fee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">31 to 60 days<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">4 times normal fee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">61 to 90 days<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">6 times normal fee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">91 to 180 days<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">10 times normal fee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Beyond 180 days<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">12 times normal fee<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Beyond the MCA additional fees, Section 92(5) hits the company with Rs 50,000 and every defaulting officer with Rs 5,000 per day of continued default. Stay in default long enough, and Section 164(2) kicks in, disqualifying directors from holding any directorship in any company for five years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid_During_Annual_Return_Filing\"><\/span><b>Common Mistakes to Avoid During Annual Return Filing<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are the errors that regularly result in rejections, refiling costs, and penalty notices during company annual return filing.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wrong form selected:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> MGT-7 filed by a small company or OPC that should have used MGT-7A.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Shareholder data mismatch:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> What is in MGT-7 does not match the actual share register.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Expired DSC:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Director tries to sign the form with a certificate that has lapsed on MCA21.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Incomplete AOC-4:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Submitted without the directors&#8217; report, auditor&#8217;s report, or required annexures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Wrong reference date:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Director or shareholder details entered as on the wrong date instead of 31 March.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>ADT-1 skipped:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Company forgets to file auditor appointment form after the AGM, creating a separate default.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Annual_Return_Filing_Checklist_for_Companies\"><\/span><b>Annual Return Filing Checklist for Companies<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before you hit submit on any form, go through every item on this list for your company annual return filing:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2705 AGM held on or before 30 September 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2705 Financial statements audited and board-approved before AGM date<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2705 Directors&#8217; report complete with every mandatory annexure<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2705 Right form selected based on company type and size<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2705 Shareholder list updated and verified as of 31 March 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2705 Director DSC active and valid before starting the upload<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2705 ROC fee calculated correctly against authorised share capital<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2705 ADT-1 ready for auditor appointment if applicable<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2705 SRN saved after every form submission for tracking<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Choose_LegalRaasta_for_Company_Annual_Return_Filing\"><\/span><b>Why Choose LegalRaasta for Company Annual Return Filing?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Company annual return filing has multiple interdependent forms, tight deadlines, and MCA21 technical requirements that catch out even experienced directors and finance teams every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Identifies the right forms based on your company type and capital structure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prepares all documents and cross-checks everything before submission.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Files AOC-4, MGT-7 or MGT-7A, and ADT-1 on MCA21 with all attachments in order.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Handles DSC coordination for directors who need to sign the forms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tracks every SRN and downloads acknowledgements after ROC approval.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sends deadline reminders each year so the filing never slips through.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Company annual return filing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> has no exemptions based on size, revenue, or activity. Every registered company files. Every year. Without exception. Directors who treat it as an optional formality end up dealing with personal liability notices, disqualification risks, and penalty amounts that dwarf the original filing cost many times over.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MCA21 makes the full process digital. Getting it done cleanly before the deadline is far simpler than fixing the fallout after missing it. Connect with <\/span><b>LegalRaasta <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">today and get your company annual return filing done correctly and on time so your compliance record stays clean every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><b> What is company annual return filing under the Companies Act, 2013?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Company annual return filing is the yearly submission of a company&#8217;s shareholder, director, and governance details to the ROC under Section 92. Filed using Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A on MCA21 within 60 days of the AGM date every financial year.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Which companies must do ROC filing every year?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All registered Indian companies, including Private Limited, Public Limited, OPC, small companies, dormant companies, and Section 8 entities, must complete company annual return filing every year. Zero turnover and zero activity do not exempt any registered company from this obligation under the Act.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> What are the due dates for MGT-7 and AOC-4 in FY 2025-26?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For company annual return filing in FY 2025-26, AOC-4 is due 30 days after the AGM and MGT-7 is due 60 days after. If the AGM happens on 30 September 2026, AOC-4 is due by 29 October and MGT-7 by 29 November 2026 on MCA21.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><b> What happens if a company misses its annual return filing deadline?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Late company annual return filing brings additional ROC fees from 2 to 12 times the normal amount depending on the delay. Section 92(5) adds Rs 50,000 on the company and Rs 5,000 per day on defaulting directors, with disqualification possible under Section 164 for extended defaults.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><b> Is company annual return filing mandatory for dormant companies?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes. A dormant company registered under Section 455 must complete company annual return filing every year without exception. Having no operations or transactions during the year does not remove the obligation to file with the ROC through MCA21 before the due date.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"6\">\n<li><b> Can the annual return be changed after filing?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Company annual return filing cannot be revised once the ROC approves it. Any correction needs a fresh form with a written explanation attached. This is why accuracy before submission matters so much. Check all data carefully before the director signs with their DSC.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li><b> What documents are needed for ROC annual return filing?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For company annual return filing you need audited financial statements, directors&#8217; report with annexures, auditor&#8217;s report, shareholder list as on 31 March, director and KMP details, board meeting records, valid DSC of the authorised director, and CA certification for AOC-4 on the MCA portal.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li><b> How much does company annual return filing cost?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Government fees for company annual return filing run from Rs 200 to Rs 600 per form depending on authorised share capital. Late filing multiplies these fees between 2 and 12 times based on how many days past the deadline the forms are filed on MCA21.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"9\">\n<li><b> Can LegalRaasta handle company annual return filing for my company?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes. LegalRaasta manages the complete company annual return filing process, including document preparation, AOC-4 and MGT-7 or MGT-7A filing on MCA21, DSC coordination, ADT-1 submission, SRN tracking, and downloading acknowledgements after ROC approval every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"10\">\n<li><b> How long does the ROC annual filing process take?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Company annual return filing takes 7 to 15 working days from when all documents are ready, depending on MCA21 processing and whether the ROC raises queries. Filing before the deadline gives enough time to fix any issues without paying additional late fees.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Company Annual Return Filing is not something you deal with when it becomes a problem. By then it already is one. Under the Companies Act, 2013, every registered company in India must submit its annual return to the Registrar of Companies through MCA21 every financial year. Miss the window, and penalties start running from the very [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":36337,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3879],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36336","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to File Annual Returns for a Company in India (2026)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to file annual returns for a company in India with our complete ROC Filing Guide for 2026, covering forms, due dates, documents, penalties and process.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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