AOC-4 vs MGT-7: Complete Comparison for ROC Filings

Introduction: AOC-4 vs MGT-7 – Which ROC Form Do You Need?

Every company registered in India must file annual returns with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Two key forms are AOC-4 (financial statements) and MGT-7 (annual return). Though both are mandatory, they serve different purposes. Filing the wrong form or missing due dates can lead to heavy penalties. This guide compares AOC-4 and MGT-7, their due dates, and how Liquetax helps you stay compliant.

What is AOC-4 and MGT-7? (ROC Filings)

AOC-4 is the form used to file financial statements with ROC, including balance sheet, profit & loss account, cash flow, and director's report. MGT-7 is the annual return form that contains details about shareholders, management, and company structure.

• AOC-4: Financial statements – balance sheet, P&L, notes.
• MGT-7: Annual return – shareholding, directors, management.
• Due Date AOC-4: 30 November (for FY ended 31 March).
• Due Date MGT-7: 31 December (for FY ended 31 March).
• Penalty for delay: ₹100/day (AOC-4), ₹50/day (MGT-7) plus adjudication.

Why AOC-4 and MGT-7 Compliance Matters for Your Business

• Legal requirement: Every company must file both forms annually.
• Avoid heavy penalties: Delayed filing can cost ₹100-₹200 per day.
• Build investor trust: Compliance reflects good governance.
• Director disqualification: Non-filing may lead to disqualification.
• ROC scrutiny: Errors or mismatch can trigger ROC notices.

Eligibility & Requirements for AOC-4 and MGT-7

• All companies: Private, public, OPC must file AOC-4 and MGT-7.
• Financial year: Must file within 6 months (AOC-4) and 9 months (MGT-7) from FY end.
• Board approval: Financial statements must be approved by board before filing.
• Auditor report: AOC-4 must include auditor's report and notes.
• Digital signature: Filing must be done with DSC of director/CS.

Step-by-Step Process to File AOC-4 and MGT-7

1. Prepare financial statements: Balance sheet, P&L, cash flow, notes.
2. Get board approval: Board must approve financials and annual return.
3. Audit: Get financials audited by a qualified auditor.
4. File AOC-4: Upload financial statements on MCA portal with DSC.
5. File MGT-7: Upload annual return with shareholder details.
6. Pay fees: Pay ROC filing fees based on share capital.
7. Verify: Ensure form is marked as "Filed" on MCA site.

Documents Required for AOC-4 and MGT-7 Filing

• Audited financial statements: Balance sheet, P&L, cash flow.
• Director's report: Board report with management discussion.
• Auditor's report: Signed by statutory auditor.
• Shareholding pattern: List of shareholders and shareholding.
• Director details: DIN, name, and address of directors.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): For authorised signatory.
• Board resolution: For approval of financials and annual return.

Penalties & Late Fees for AOC-4 and MGT-7

Late filing of ROC forms attracts heavy penalties:

• AOC-4 late fee: ₹100 per day (additional ₹100 per day for small companies).
• MGT-7 late fee: ₹50 per day (additional ₹50 per day for small companies).
• Adjudication penalty: Up to ₹1,00,000 for AOC-4 and ₹50,000 for MGT-7.
• Director disqualification: Repeated non-filing may lead to disqualification.
• Interest on unpaid fees: 1% per month on outstanding ROC fees.

How Liquetax Can Help You File AOC-4 and MGT-7

• Document preparation: We help prepare and review financial statements.
• Board approval: Guidance on board resolution and approval process.
• Filing on MCA portal: We handle the entire filing process with DSC.
• Error-free data: Avoid mismatch and ROC notices.
• Timely filing: We ensure you meet the due dates.
• Notice handling: If you receive a ROC notice, we help you respond.

Choose Liquetax for hassle-free ROC compliance.

Client Success Story: OPC Avoids ₹1 Lakh Penalty with Liquetax

With Liquetax, you can file AOC-4 and MGT-7 accurately and on time.

FAQs on AOC-4 vs MGT-7