A public limited company, incorporated under the Companies Act,
2013, must have at least 3 directors and 7 members. It is eligible
to offer shares to the public, but due to the involvement of
public funds, annual compliances are critical for transparency and
accountability to stakeholders. Timely filing of these annual
compliances with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) is mandatory.
Failure to do so can result in significant penalties, making it
essential for public limited companies to adhere to compliance
deadlines to avoid legal and financial repercussions.
A public limited company established under the Companies Act, 2013
is required to have a minimum of three directors and a minimum of
seven members. Such companies are authorized to issue shares to
the general public. Given the involvement of public funds,
ensuring timely annual compliances is crucial to uphold
transparency and accountability to shareholders.
Annual compliances entail various statutory filings as prescribed
by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Non-compliance within
specified timelines can result in substantial penalties. These
filings serve as a mechanism to maintain the integrity and
openness of the company's operations.
Key annual compliances for a public limited company include:
Submission of Annual Return in Form MGT-7, detailing updated
information on directors and shareholders.
Filing of Financial Statements in Form AOC-4, which includes
the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, Directors’ Report,
Cash Flow Statement, Auditor’s Report, and Consolidated
Financial Statement.
Submission of Income Tax Returns.
Completion of Secretarial Audit Report in Form MR-3.
Compliance with all SEBI regulations governing public
companies.
Filing of Form MGT-14 for the adoption of Financials and
Director’s Report.
Submission of Form MGT-15, providing a detailed report on the
Annual General Meeting (AGM) proceedings.
These annual compliance activities are designed to ensure
adherence to regulatory frameworks and to keep shareholders
informed about the company's governance and financial health.
Procedure for Registration
Annual E-Filing Preparation
A compliance expert from Lexprosoft Providers will compile
the necessary documentation in the prescribed forms for your
company based on the financial performance of the previous fiscal
year and the information provided by you.
Verification of Annual Forms
Following preparation, the Finance Team at
Lexprosoft Providers will review and validate the compiled
annual e-filing forms, and digitally sign them.
Submission of Annual E-Filing Forms
After verification, the completed annual e-filing forms will be
submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs along with
requisite attachments in the prescribed formats. Upon successful
filing of your company's annual return, we will notify you
accordingly.
Documents Required for Public Limited Company Annual Filing
The annual filing includes the following documents:
Balance Sheet
Consolidated Financial Statements
Directors' Report
Profit and Loss Account
Details of Members
Details of Directors and Secretarial Certificate (if
applicable), along with other necessary documents.
Choose Lexprosoft for your Public Limited Company Annual Filing
Choose Lexprosoft for your Public Limited Company Annual Filing
and ensure timely compliance with all regulatory requirements. Our
expert team provides end-to-end support, ensuring that your
filings are accurate, on time, and in full compliance with the
Companies Act, 2013. Avoid penalties and streamline your
compliance process with our dedicated services. Let Lexprosoft be
your trusted partner in managing annual filings efficiently and
securely.
Contact our Experts today and take the first step towards your
startup success!
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Public Limited Company Annual Filing FAQ's
Why is annual filing important for a public limited company?
Annual filing is crucial for ensuring transparency, maintaining regulatory compliance, and providing stakeholders with up-to-date information about the company’s financial health, governance, and operations. It helps the government monitor adherence to corporate laws.
Who is responsible for ensuring annual filing in a public limited company?
The company’s board of directors is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate filing of annual returns and financial statements. Non-compliance can result in penalties for the company and its directors.
Does a public limited company need to hold an AGM before filing annual returns?
Yes, a public limited company must hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to approve financial statements and discuss critical matters before filing annual returns. The financial statements must be adopted at the AGM before submission to the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
Is there a difference in the filing requirements for private and public limited companies?
Yes, public limited companies have more stringent compliance requirements compared to private companies. This includes broader disclosures, stricter corporate governance norms, and additional filings for listed entities to protect the interests of investors and the public.
What are the penalties for not filing annual returns on time?
Late filing of annual returns attracts additional fees, which can accumulate daily. Persistent non-compliance may lead to stricter penalties, legal proceedings, and even the disqualification of directors under the Companies Act, 2013.
How does annual filing affect a public limited company’s credibility?
Filing annual returns on time demonstrates the company’s commitment to compliance and transparency, which boosts investor confidence, improves creditworthiness, and enhances the company’s reputation in the market.
What financial information must be disclosed during annual filing?
Public limited companies must disclose their audited financial statements, including the balance sheet, profit and loss account, cash flow statements, and notes to accounts, ensuring stakeholders have complete information about the company’s performance.
Are there additional compliance requirements for listed public limited companies?
Yes, listed public limited companies must comply with additional regulations under SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, which include quarterly financial disclosures, board meeting details, and corporate governance practices, alongside regular ROC filings.
Can a public limited company file annual returns online?
Yes, annual returns for public limited companies are filed electronically through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. E-filing ensures accuracy, efficiency, and easy access to company records for stakeholders.
What happens if a public limited company is dormant but does not file annual returns?
Even dormant companies are required to file annual returns. Non-filing may lead to penalties, and the ROC could strike off the company’s name from the register, making it legally inactive.
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