Legal Requirement for Filing

• An OPC is required to file its annual return every financial year under the Companies Act, 2013.
  
• The return provides a summary of the company’s shareholding, structure, and governance.
  
• It is a mandatory compliance, even if the company has no active business or income.
  
• The purpose is to ensure that the Registrar of Companies (RoC) is updated with the company’s status.
  
• Filing the return timely helps maintain legal standing and active company status.
  

Applicable Forms and Timeline

• The OPC files its annual return using Form MGT-7A, which is a simplified version for small companies and OPCs.
  
• This form includes details of the member, director, share capital, and changes during the financial year.
  
• The return must be filed within 60 days from the date of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or the end of the financial year (since OPCs are exempt from AGMs).
  
• Late filing attracts additional fees and penalties as per the rules.
  
• The return must be digitally signed by the director using a valid DSC.
  

Supporting Compliance Documents

• The annual return is filed along with the financial statements, submitted in Form AOC-4.
  
• The financial statements must be audited by a Chartered Accountant, even for small companies.
  
• These include the balance sheet, profit and loss account, and notes to accounts.
  
• Both forms together constitute the company’s annual compliance package.
  
• The auditor’s report is also attached to the financial documents.
  

Director’s Responsibility

• The sole director or appointed director of the OPC is legally responsible for ensuring compliance.
  
• All details provided in the forms must be accurate, verified, and updated.
  
• The director must ensure that the returns are filed within the prescribed time limits.
  
• Any change in company details or shareholding must be reflected correctly in the return.
  
• False declarations or omissions may attract penalties or prosecution under the Act.
  

RoC Review and Acknowledgment

• Once the annual return is submitted, the RoC records and acknowledges the filing.
  
• If there are discrepancies or missing documents, the RoC may issue notices for clarification or rectification.
  
• Filed returns become part of the public record, accessible through the MCA portal.
  
• Proper filing ensures regulatory transparency and good corporate standing.
  
• Failure to file may lead to fines, strike-off proceedings, or disqualification of the director.