Detailed preparation guide for MCA annual returns under Section 92 of Companies Act, 2013, shareholding pattern disclosure, and small company threshold benefits.
In This Article
3 SectionsForm MGT-7 vs Form MGT-7A: Annual Return Filing Checklist for Private & Small Companies
Under Section 92 of the Companies Act, 2013, every company incorporated in India must prepare and file its annual return with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) within 60 days from the date of holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM).
To reduce the compliance burden on small enterprises, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) introduced Form MGT-7A (Abridged Annual Return for Small Companies and OPCs) alongside the standard Form MGT-7.
1. Difference Between Form MGT-7 and Form MGT-7A
| Criteria | Form MGT-7A (Abridged Return) | Form MGT-7 (Standard Return) |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | Small Companies and One Person Companies (OPCs) | All other Private Limited and Public Limited Companies |
| Small Company Limits | Paid-up Capital $\le$ ₹4 Crore AND Turnover $\le$ ₹40 Crore | Paid-up Capital > ₹4 Crore OR Turnover > ₹40 Crore |
| Signing Mandate | Signed by Company Secretary OR Single Director | Signed by a Director AND a practicing Company Secretary (PCS) |
| PCS Certification (MGT-8) | Not applicable | Mandatory for listed and large public/private companies |
2. Key Disclosures Required in the Annual Return
The annual return captures the corporate status of the company as of the close of the financial year:
- Principal business activities (National Industrial Classification - NIC codes);
- Particulars of holding, subsidiary, and associate companies;
- Shareholding pattern (Promoters vs Non-Promoters, NRI/FII holdings, body corporates);
- Indebtedness of the company (Secured & unsecured loans, debentures);
- Details of Board Meetings, Committee Meetings, and AGM attendance;
- Remuneration paid to directors and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP);
- Penalties, compounding of offences, or show-cause notices issued during the year.
3. Mandatory Attachments & Filing Timeline
- List of Shareholders & Debenture Holders: Mandatory Excel/PDF attachment showing names, folio numbers, and shares transferred during the year.
- Due Date: Within 60 days of the AGM (typically 29th November if AGM is held on 30th September).
- Late Filing Fees: ₹100 per day of continuous default under Section 403.
For annual MCA compliance, AGM documentation, and ROC secretarial filings in Raipur, contact our Corporate Law Desk.
Authored by CA Rabi Agrawal & Practice Team
Rabi Agrawal & Associates, Chartered Accountants — Head Office Raipur (CG), Branch Office Jayapatna (Odisha).