ROC Annual Return Filing Services — Complete Guide for Companies
Running a company in India isn’t just about starting it — it’s about keeping it compliant.
One of the most important annual compliance requirements under the Companies Act, 2013 is ROC Annual Return Filing.
Every registered company — whether Private Limited, Public Limited, OPC, LLP, or Section 8 — must file its annual returns and financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) within the prescribed time.
Failure to file these returns can attract heavy penalties, disqualification of directors, and even strike-off of the company by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
If you own or manage a business, understanding the ROC filing process, due dates, forms, and penalties is essential to staying legally compliant and avoiding unwanted notices.
This guide explains everything you need to know about ROC Annual Return Filing in India — including its importance, step-by-step procedure, required documents, and how professional services can simplify the process for you.
1. What Is ROC Annual Return Filing?
“ROC Filing” refers to the process of submitting a company’s financial statements and annual return to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
It ensures that your company’s records are up to date and transparent with the government.
Every incorporated entity — whether active, dormant, or not doing any business — is legally bound to file these annual returns every year.
2. Why ROC Filing Is Important
Many startups and small businesses assume that if there’s no turnover or profit, they can skip filing — which is a serious mistake.
Here’s why ROC filing is crucial:
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Legal Compliance: Filing annual returns is mandatory under the Companies Act, 2013.
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Avoiding Penalties: Non-filing attracts heavy late fees of ₹100 per day, per form.
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Maintaining Active Status: Regular filing keeps your company’s legal status “Active” on MCA records.
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Investor and Lender Trust: A compliant company enjoys higher credibility with investors, clients, and banks.
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Protection from Strike Off: The ROC can strike off non-filing companies after due notice.
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Director Safety: Non-filing may disqualify directors for five years under Section 164(2).
3. Who Must File ROC Annual Returns
The following entities are required to file annual returns with the ROC:
| Type of Entity | Relevant Sections | Applicable Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | Section 92 & 137 | AOC-4, MGT-7A |
| Public Limited Company | Section 92 & 137 | AOC-4, MGT-7 |
| One Person Company (OPC) | Section 92 & 137 | AOC-4, MGT-7A |
| Section 8 Company | Section 92 & 137 | AOC-4, MGT-7A |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | LLP Act, 2008 | LLP Form-8, LLP Form-11 |
Even dormant or zero-transaction companies must file these forms annually.
4. Key ROC Filing Forms and Their Purpose
Here’s a breakdown of all mandatory ROC forms that a company must file annually:
| Form | Purpose | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| AOC-4 | Filing financial statements (Balance Sheet, P&L, Audit Report, etc.) | Within 30 days of AGM |
| MGT-7/MGT-7A | Annual return containing company and shareholding details | Within 60 days of AGM |
| ADT-1 | Appointment of Auditor | Within 15 days from AGM |
| DIR-3 KYC | KYC verification for all directors | 30th September every year |
| DPT-3 | Statement of deposits or loans not considered as deposits | 30th June every year |
| MSME-1 | Half-yearly return for payments to MSMEs | 30th April & 31st October |
| INC-20A | Declaration of commencement of business (only once) | Within 180 days of incorporation |
For LLPs:
| Form | Purpose | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| LLP Form 11 | Annual Return | 30th May every year |
| LLP Form 8 | Statement of Accounts & Solvency | 30th October every year |
5. ROC Filing Due Dates for FY 2024–25 (Tentative)
| Form | Due Date |
|---|---|
| AOC-4 | 30 days from AGM (usually 30th October 2025) |
| MGT-7/MGT-7A | 60 days from AGM (usually 28th November 2025) |
| ADT-1 | 14 days from AGM (usually 14th October 2025) |
| DIR-3 KYC | 30th September 2025 |
| DPT-3 | 30th June 2025 |
| MSME-1 (H1) | 30th April 2025 |
| MSME-1 (H2) | 31st October 2025 |
Note: The above due dates are standard, but they may change if the MCA grants an extension.
6. Documents Required for ROC Filing
Here’s a checklist of documents required for ROC annual filing:
For Form AOC-4
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Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account
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Directors’ Report
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Auditors’ Report
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Notes to Accounts
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Cash Flow Statement (if applicable)
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Board resolution approving the financials
For Form MGT-7/MGT-7A
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List of shareholders and debenture holders
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Details of share transfers
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Details of directors and key managerial personnel
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Registered office address
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Compliance certificate (for public companies)
For LLP Form 8 & 11
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Profit & Loss Account
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Balance Sheet
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Partner details
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Statement of Accounts and Solvency
All documents must be digitally signed by the company’s directors and certified by a Practicing Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant.
7. Step-by-Step ROC Filing Process
Here’s how ROC Annual Return Filing is carried out through the MCA portal:
Step 1: Hold a Board Meeting
Approve the financial statements and fix the date of the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Step 2: Conduct AGM
Present and approve the financial statements, auditor’s appointment, and annual return in the AGM.
Step 3: Prepare and Verify Documents
Collect all financial data, audit reports, and shareholder details for the financial year.
Step 4: File Form AOC-4
Submit the company’s financial statements and reports to the ROC within 30 days from the date of AGM.
Step 5: File Form MGT-7 or MGT-7A
File the company’s annual return containing details of directors, shareholders, and shareholding pattern within 60 days of AGM.
Step 6: File ADT-1 for Auditor Appointment
Every year, auditor appointment or re-appointment must be reported in Form ADT-1.
Step 7: Verify and Acknowledge
Once all forms are filed successfully, download the Acknowledgment and SRN (Service Request Number) for future reference.
8. Penalties for Late or Non-Filing
MCA imposes strict penalties for late or non-filing of annual returns.
For Companies:
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₹100 per day per form, starting from the due date, with no upper cap.
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Directors may be disqualified for 5 years for continuous non-filing.
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The ROC may strike off the company under Section 248.
For LLPs:
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₹100 per day of default (no upper limit).
Example:
If your company delays AOC-4 filing by 60 days, the penalty is ₹6,000 (₹100 × 60 days).
9. ROC Filing for Newly Incorporated Companies
Newly registered companies must also comply with the following:
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Form INC-20A: Declaration of commencement of business within 180 days of incorporation.
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First Financial Year: Can extend up to 15 months from incorporation.
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First ROC Filing: Depends on the date of incorporation and AGM.
For example, a company incorporated in October 2024 will have its first AGM by March 2026 and must file AOC-4 and MGT-7A thereafter.
10. How ROC Annual Filing Services Help You
Managing compliance on your own can be confusing — forms, attachments, deadlines, and certifications can feel overwhelming.
That’s where professional ROC filing services come in.
Key Benefits of Hiring Experts:
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Timely Compliance – Never miss deadlines or pay late fees again.
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Accuracy in Filings – Avoid errors that lead to rejection or penalties.
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End-to-End Support – From document preparation to MCA approval.
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Compliance Dashboard – Track filings, due dates, and updates.
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Digital Filing Assistance – DSC creation, form uploads, and validation handled for you.
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Year-Round Support – ROC compliance, DIR-3 KYC, DPT-3, MSME filings, etc.
Professional ROC services ensure your company stays legally compliant, penalty-free, and transparent throughout the year.
11. Why Choose Us for ROC Filing Services
If you are looking for trusted ROC filing support, our team offers a simple, affordable, and reliable compliance solution:
✅ Experienced CA/CS Team: Managed by experts with 10+ years of corporate filing experience.
✅ Complete Online Process: 100% digital – no need to visit any office.
✅ Affordable Pricing: Transparent, flat-rate packages – no hidden charges.
✅ Quick Turnaround: Filings completed within 2–3 business days.
✅ PAN India Service: We assist companies and LLPs across all states in India.
Whether your company is active, dormant, or newly incorporated, we can help you file ROC returns on time and keep your business in good standing with the MCA.
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Missing the AGM date or delaying financial finalization.
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Uploading unsigned or mismatched PDF attachments.
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Using incorrect form versions (MGT-7 instead of MGT-7A).
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Forgetting to file ADT-1 for auditor appointment.
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Ignoring DPT-3 filing for loans or advances.
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Using expired DSC for digital signing.
Even minor oversights can lead to form rejection — so it’s safer to let professionals handle the process.
13. Compliance Calendar for FY 2024–25 (Quick Reference)
| Compliance | Form | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Auditor Appointment | ADT-1 | 14th Oct 2025 |
| Financial Statement Filing | AOC-4 | 30th Oct 2025 |
| Annual Return | MGT-7/7A | 28th Nov 2025 |
| Director KYC | DIR-3 KYC | 30th Sep 2025 |
| Deposit Return | DPT-3 | 30th Jun 2025 |
| MSME Return (H1) | MSME-1 | 30th Apr 2025 |
| MSME Return (H2) | MSME-1 | 31st Oct 2025 |
Keep this calendar handy to ensure you never miss a filing.
14. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to file annual returns doesn’t just result in fines — it can severely affect your company’s reputation and operations:
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Disqualification of Directors for five years (Section 164).
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Ineligibility to apply for loans or funding.
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Company strike-off or closure by ROC.
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Difficulty in transferring shares or appointing new directors.
Maintaining regular ROC filings is essential for the long-term survival and credibility of your business.
15. Our ROC Filing Packages (Sample)
| Package | Suitable For | Includes | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | OPC / Small Pvt Ltd | AOC-4, MGT-7A, ADT-1 | ₹2,499 + Govt Fees |
| Standard | Private Ltd (2–5 Directors) | AOC-4, MGT-7, ADT-1, DIR-3 KYC | ₹4,999 + Govt Fees |
| Premium | Public Ltd / Section 8 | All Annual ROC Filings + DPT-3 + MSME-1 | ₹7,999 + Govt Fees |
(These are sample rates – you can customize based on your actual pricing.)
16. How We Simplify the Process
Our ROC filing process is fully digital and hassle-free:
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Upload Documents (Balance Sheet, Audit Report, etc.)
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We Prepare Forms and get your approval.
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Digital Signatures Applied and forms validated.
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Forms Uploaded on MCA Portal.
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Acknowledgment Sent with SRN and confirmation.
You get complete transparency, compliance reminders, and year-round support.
17. Why Regular ROC Filings Build Trust
Filing your annual returns on time not only keeps your company compliant but also helps build:
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Investor Confidence – Regularly filed returns show professionalism.
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Banking Trust – Banks often check MCA records before approving loans.
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Vendor Credibility – Your MCA master data reflects “Active” status.
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Goodwill – Being compliant reflects responsible management.
Simply put, ROC filing is the backbone of corporate credibility in India.
18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can a dormant company skip ROC filing?
No. Even dormant or inactive companies must file AOC-4 and MGT-7A annually.
Q2: Can ROC filing be done manually?
No. All filings are done digitally through the MCA portal using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
Q3: What happens if I miss the due date?
You’ll be charged ₹100 per day per form, with no maximum limit.
Q4: Can I file ROC returns without an auditor?
No. Every company must appoint a statutory auditor before filing AOC-4.
Q5: Can I revise a form after submission?
No. Once a form is approved, it cannot be revised — only resubmitted if ROC rejects it.
19. Tips to Stay Compliant Year-Round
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Keep your books of accounts updated monthly.
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Schedule your AGM within six months of financial year-end.
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File auditor appointment within the due date.
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Maintain director KYC every year.
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Hire a CA/CS professional to track all MCA updates.
Staying proactive saves you from last-minute stress and late penalties.
20. Conclusion
ROC Annual Return Filing is not just a legal obligation — it’s a mark of transparency, discipline, and professionalism.
Whether your company is new, small, or large, timely ROC compliance ensures that you continue to operate without risk of penalties or government action.
By partnering with a professional ROC filing service, you can focus on running your business while we handle your compliance end-to-end — from document preparation to MCA approval.
It’s simple, quick, and cost-effective — and ensures peace of mind that your company is always 100% compliant.
Chartered accountants work in all fields of business and finance, including audit, taxation, financial and general management. Some are engaged in public practice work, others work in the private sector and some are employed by government bodies.
And we provide services like:
A. Company Secretarial Services
1. Annual Filing of Returns
2. MCA Filing, ROC filing
3. Search Report
5. Compliance Certificate
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7. Drafting of deed and agreements
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9. Share Transfer Audit
10. Operational audit of Credit Rating Agencies
11. Income Tax Consultancy
12. Service Tax Consultancy
13. Sales Tax Consultancy
14. Labour Laws compliance
15. EPF & ESI Registration
16. Tax Return Filing Services
17. Project Report Preparation
18. Registration of Charges
19. Pre-certification of Forms
20. FEMA Act Consultation
21. Listing of Company on Stock Exchanges
22. Management of Issue of Shares and Debentures
23. NGO Registration
24. NGO Project Report Preparation
25. Industrial Consultancy
26. Company Registration
27. LLP Registration
28. Proprietorship Registration
B. Chartered Accountant Services
1. Preparation of Accounts
2. Statutory Audit
3. Tax Audit
4. Vat Audit
5. Issuance of Net worth Certificate
6. Project Report Prepartion
7. Valuations of Assets
8. Taxation Services
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