How To File Annual Return - Online Procedure Explained

Private Limited Company

How To File Annual Return - Online Procedure Explained

Registrationwala

In India, all the companies registered under the Companies Act 2013 must mandatorily file an annual return every year. The annual return of a company contains basic details related to the company, its shareholders, directors and so on, as on the last day of the financial year (i.e., 31st March). 

The annual return must be filed using an electronic form known as Form MGT-7. If you want to know how to file annual return online using Form MGT-7, then check out this blog post!

Form MGT-7: Mandatory Form for Annual Return Filing

MGT-7 is an e-form provided by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This form allows companies to fill their annual-return details and file it electronically via the MCA portal. It contains key information about the company such as its registered office, shareholding pattern, directors, shareholders and other relevant details, etc. 

Regardless of whether a company is private or public, filing the MGT-7 form is mandatory for all registered companies in India. However, there is an exception to this rule. One Person Companies (OPCs) and small companies are required to file the e-form MGT-7A instead. All other companies must file MGT-7.

Details to Fill in Annual Return Form MGT 7

Form MGT-7 requires details as they existed at the end of the specific financial year, including the following information:

About Company

About Membership

About Company Personnel

About General Meetings

Remunerations

About Penalties

About Compliance

About FDIs

Company's Undertaking

Eligibility for Filing Annual Return of a Company

The following companies are required/eligible to file a yearly return with the Registrar of Companies every year:

Documents Required to be Filed along with Annual Return

While filing an yearly return, you must attach scanned copies of certain documents at the end of the e-form MGT-7. Here are the documents required:

Step-by-Step Process to File Annual Return Online

To file a yearly return online using MGT-7 form, you need to follow the steps explained below:

Step 1: Collecting Necessary Documents

First and foremost, you need to gather all the required information and verify it via statutory registers and records of the company. The information must be as it existed at the end of the specific financial year for which you are filing the yearly return. 

You must mandatorily attach the list of shareholders/debenture holders. The list must be prepared on the letterhead of the company.

Step 2: Downloading and Filling Out MGT-7 via MCA Portal

Now, you must access the official MCA portal so that you can download MGT 7 and fill in all the required details. When you fill in all the necessary details in the form, you must also attach a scanned copy of the shareholding of the company as of 31th March of the previous year. 

Once all the documents are attached, the financial statements form AOC 4 must be digitally signed by the director using Digital Signature Certificate.

Step 3: Submitting MGT-7 and Paying ROC Fee

Upon completion for MGT-7 and attachment of required documents, you must file it with the Registrar of Companies online via MCA portal. While submitting the form, you must pay the requisite filing fee via MCA portal. 

The exact filing fee depends on the authorized capital of the company. Once you successfully submit your form, an acknowledgement number (SRN: Service Request Number) will be generated. You must save this number for future reference.

Step 4: Approval of MGT-7 by ROC

The submission of annual return MGT-7 to the Registrar of Companies is handled automatically through the Straight-to-Process mode. It is essential to maintain internal documentation, including the submitted MGT-7 form, its confirmation receipt and any associated paperwork.

Due Date for Annual Returns

Annual Return, using Form MGT-7, must be filed within 60 days from the date of the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM is required to be held on or before September 30th following the end of each financial year. 

Accordingly, the due date for filing Form MGT-7 is usually 29th November each year. The due date for filing MGT 7 form for FY 2024-2025 is 29th November 2025.

Penalty for Non-Filing of Annual Returns

Section 92 of the Companies Act 2013 mandates filing of MGT-7. If a company fails to file this form within a period of 60 days subject to its Annual General Meeting, it is liable for a penalty of Rs. 100 for each day the default continues. 

Conclusion

Filing yearly returns is a mandatory requirement for companies in India. To file a yearly return, you must use form MGT 7. The due date for filing this form is 29th November every year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which form does a private limited company need to file for yearly return?

A. A private limited company needs to file form MGT-7 for yearly return.

Q2. Do section 8 companies need to file MGT-7?

A. Yes, Section 8 companies are required to file Form MGT-7 for their yearly returns.

Q3. What is the due date for filing MGT-7?

A. The due date for filing MGT-7 is 29th November.

Q4. What is the penalty for non-filing of yearly return form MGT-7?

A. The penalty for non-filing of yearly return form MGT-7 is Rs. 100 for each day the default continues.

 

Postface: This post was originally published in 2022 and has been updated on June 17, 2025, to provide you with the most current and accurate information.

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