Question 1

What filings are included in an annual compliance package for a private limited company?

Accepted Answer

At minimum: AOC-4 (financial statements) and MGT-7A (annual return) under Sections 137 and 92 of the Companies Act 2013, filed with the Registrar of Companies within 30 and 60 days of the AGM respectively. The package also covers the income tax return under Section 263 of ITA 2025 (formerly Section 139 of ITA 1961), tax audit report in Form 3CA/3CB + 3CD if turnover exceeds ₹1 crore (Section 63 of ITA 2025, formerly Section 44AB), and TDS returns in Form 24Q/26Q for all quarters under Section 393 of ITA 2025.

Question 2

What are the late filing penalties if we miss the ROC deadlines?

Accepted Answer

Under Section 403 of the Companies Act 2013, additional fees accrue at ₹100 per day per form after the due date — there is no cap, so a six-month delay on MGT-7A alone can cost ₹18,000 per form. Directors also risk disqualification under Section 164(2) if annual returns are not filed for three consecutive financial years, which bars them from directorship in any company for five years.

Question 3

Do we need a statutory audit even if turnover is very low?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every company incorporated under the Companies Act 2013 must have its accounts audited by a Chartered Accountant under Section 139, regardless of turnover or profitability. This is separate from the tax audit threshold under Section 63 of ITA 2025 (₹1 crore for business, ₹50 lakh for professionals). The statutory auditor must also report on internal financial controls under Section 143(3)(i) for companies above prescribed thresholds.

Question 4

Are GST returns part of the annual compliance package?

Accepted Answer

GST filings — GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and the annual GSTR-9 under Section 44 of the CGST Act 2017 — can be bundled into the package. GSTR-9 is mandatory for registered persons with aggregate turnover above ₹2 crore in the financial year; GSTR-9C (reconciliation statement) applies above ₹5 crore. We flag ITC mismatches between GSTR-2B and your books before filing to avoid demand notices under Section 73 of the CGST Act.

Question 5

What is the advance tax obligation for a company and when does it apply?

Accepted Answer

Companies must pay advance tax in four instalments — 15% by June 15, 45% by September 15, 75% by December 15, and 100% by March 15 — under Section 211 of ITA 1961 (for FY 2025-26 liability) or the equivalent provisions under ITA 2025 for TY 2026-27 onwards. Interest under Sections 234B and 234C of ITA 1961 applies if the instalments are short-paid. Our package includes an advance tax computation at each due date so you are not caught with a large shortfall at year-end.

Annual Compliance Package

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