A Detailed Guide on ROC Compliance Checklist for Companies

Introduction

Every company in India must comply with the regulations set by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the Companies Act, 2013. Proper ROC compliance ensures that businesses remain legally operational, avoid penalties, and maintain transparency in their financial and legal affairs.

This guide provides a complete checklist for annual compliance for companies, explains ROC filing deadlines, outlines the penalty for non-compliance, and details the ROC e-filing process. Whether you’re running a private limited company, a public limited company, or an LLP, understanding company law compliance is essential.

Also Read: Company Compliance Checklist

What is ROC (Registrar of Companies) Compliance?

ROC compliance refers to the mandatory regulatory filings that companies must submit to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) as per the Companies Act, 2013. These filings include annual returns, financial statements, and event-based disclosures.

Key aspects of ROC compliance include:

• Filing annual compliance for companies with financial statements.
• Meeting ROC filing deadlines to avoid penalties.
• Ensuring company law compliance in all business operations.
• Submitting documents through ROC e-filing.

Failure to follow these requirements can result in severe penalties for non-compliance, including fines and legal action against directors.

Who Needs to File ROC Returns?

Every registered entity in India must comply with ROC compliance rules. This includes:

1. Private Limited Companies (Pvt Ltd)
   • Must file annual compliance for companies, including financial reports and audit statements.
2. Public Limited Companies
   • Must adhere to company law compliance regulations, ensuring transparency in financial reporting.
3. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)
   • Required to file specific LLP forms under ROC compliance regulations.
4. One-Person Companies (OPC)
   • Have simplified ROC e-filing requirements but must still meet ROC filing deadlines.

All these entities must complete annual compliance for companies and ensure timely filings with the ROC.

Key ROC Compliance Requirements for Companies

1. Annual Compliance for Companies

Every company must comply with annual compliance for companies by filing the following forms:

• AOC-4: Filing of financial statements within 30 days from the annual general meeting (AGM).
• MGT-7: Filing of annual returns within 60 days of the AGM.

2. Event-Based ROC Compliance

Apart from annual compliance for companies, event-based filings must be submitted for:

• Change in directors (Form DIR-12)
• Change in registered office address (Form INC-22)
• Increase in authorized capital (Form SH-7)

3. ROC Filing Deadlines

Timely ROC compliance is essential to avoid penalties. Key ROC filing deadlines include:

• AOC-4: 30 days from the AGM
• MGT-7: 60 days from the AGM
• DIR-3 KYC: 30th September of every year
• Form ADT-1 (Auditor Appointment): Within 15 days of the AGM

Missing these ROC filing deadlines leads to a penalty for non-compliance.

Step-by-Step Process for Filing ROC Annual Returns

Here are the steps one can follow to fill ROC annual returns:

Step 1: Prepare Financial Statements

Before filing ROC compliance documents, companies must prepare their balance sheet, profit & loss statement, and audit report.

Step 2: Conduct the Annual General Meeting (AGM)

As per company law compliance, companies must hold an AGM to approve financial reports before filing them.

Step 3: Submit ROC E-Filing Forms

• AOC-4: Financial statements filing
• MGT-7: Annual return submission

All submissions must be made through the ROC e-filing portal.

Step 4: Verify and Submit the ROC Compliance Filings

Check all details for accuracy before final submission to avoid errors and penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance with ROC Regulations?

Failure to comply with ROC compliance regulations results in severe penalties for non-compliance.

1. Late Filing Penalties

Missing ROC filing deadlines leads to fines, calculated daily:

• AOC-4 Late Fee: ₹100 per day
• MGT-7 Late Fee: ₹100 per day

2. Penalty for Incorrect or Missing ROC Compliance Filings

• Failure to file annual compliance for companies can result in fines of up to ₹5 lakh.
• Non-compliance with company law compliance rules can lead to the disqualification of directors.

3. Consequences of ROC Non-Compliance

• Government action under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Hefty fines and legal action against directors.
• Possible removal of company status from the Registrar of Companies (ROC) records.

Maintaining ROC compliance is crucial to avoid these penalties.

Conclusion

Ensuring proper ROC compliance is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental aspect of running a company smoothly in India. Staying up to date with annual compliance for companies is essential to avoid unnecessary legal hassles and financial penalties. Companies must adhere to ROC filing deadlines to ensure that all required documents and financial statements are submitted on time, maintaining transparency and credibility. Additionally, understanding company law compliance regulations allows businesses to meet statutory obligations efficiently while avoiding disruptions in operations.

The adoption of ROC e-filing has simplified the compliance process, enabling businesses to submit their filings digitally without delays. However, neglecting ROC compliance can result in a penalty for non-compliance, which may include hefty fines and even legal action against directors. To ensure smooth operations, every company must proactively manage its filings and stay informed about the latest regulatory updates.

Ready to get started? Let RegisterKaro simplify your ROC compliance journey with expert guidance and hassle-free services. From handling annual compliance for companies to meeting ROC filing deadlines and managing ROC e-filing, our team ensures that your business remains compliant at all times. Reach out to us and make your compliance process seamless. Contact our support team at support@registerkaro.in today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is ROC compliance?

ROC compliance refers to mandatory filings under the Companies Act, 2013, including annual compliance for companies and event-based filings.

2. What are the key ROC filing deadlines?

• AOC-4: 30 days from the AGM
• MGT-7: 60 days from the AGM
• DIR-3 KYC: By 30th September

3. What happens if ROC compliance is not followed?

Failure to meet ROC compliance deadlines results in penalties, disqualification of directors, and possible company deregistration.

4. How to complete ROC e-filing?

ROC filings must be submitted online through the MCA portal, ensuring compliance with company law compliance requirements.

5. What is the penalty for non-compliance with ROC regulations?

Late ROC compliance filings incur penalties of ₹100 per day, while severe non-compliance can lead to fines of up to ₹5 lakh.