Section 137 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates every company to file a copy of its financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) within prescribed timelines. The objective is to ensure financial transparency, accountability, and availability of financial information in the public domain.
- Applicable to:
- All Public Companies
- All Private Companies
- One Person Companies (OPC)
- Small Companies (with simplified provisions)
Forms to be Filed
Depending on the type of company, the following e-forms are used:
| Form | Purpose | Applicability |
| AOC-4 | Filing of financial statements (standalone) | Most companies |
| AOC-4 (CFS) | Filing of Consolidated Financial Statements | Companies with subsidiaries/associate/joint venture |
| AOC-4 (XBRL) | Filing in XBRL mode | Certain classes of companies (e.g., listed co., co. with paid-up capital ≥ ₹5 crore, turnover ≥ ₹100 crore, certain NBFCs, etc.) |
| AOC-4 NBFC (Ind AS) | For NBFCs complying with Ind AS | Applicable NBFCs |
| AOC-4 CFS NBFC (Ind AS) | For Consolidated financials of NBFCs under Ind AS | Applicable NBFCs |
| MGT-7 | Annual Return (filed separately, but linked with AOC-4 filing cycle) | All companies |
Due Dates for Filing
The due dates differ based on the company type:
(a) General Companies (other than OPC/Small Company)
- File AOC-4 / AOC-4 XBRL within 30 days of AGM.
- If no AGM held → within 30 days from the last date by which AGM should have been held (normally 30th September).
👉 Example:
- AGM held on 30th September → AOC-4 due by 30th October.
(b) One Person Company (OPC) & Small Company
- Required to file within 180 days from the end of the financial year.
👉 Example: For FY ending 31st March 2025 → Due date is 27th September 2025.
(c) Consolidated Financial Statements
- AOC-4 CFS also to be filed within 30 days of AGM along with standalone.
Attachments with AOC-4
- Balance Sheet
- Statement of Profit & Loss Account
- Directors’ Report
- Auditors’ Report
- Statement of Subsidiaries/Associates/Joint Ventures (Form AOC-1) if applicable
- CSR Report (if applicable)
- Notes to Accounts & other relevant documents
Process of Filing
- Hold a Board Meeting → Approve financial statements and Board’s Report.
- Hold AGM (except OPC & Small Companies) → Financial statements approved by members.
- Digital Signing → By Director & CA/CS/CMA in practice.
- Prepare Form AOC-4 → Select the correct type (normal / CFS / XBRL / NBFC).
- Attach Documents → As mentioned above.
- Upload on MCA Portal → Pay filing fees.
- Acknowledgement → SRN generated as proof of filing.
Filing Fees
As per Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014:
- Based on nominal share capital of company (ranges from ₹200 to ₹600 per form).
- Additional fees for delay (per day) apply.
Penalty for Non-Compliance (Section 137(3))
- Company: ₹10,000 + ₹100 per day of continuing default (maximum ₹2,00,000).
- Officers in Default (MD, CFO, Directors, etc.): ₹10,000 to ₹50,000.
NBFC/Listed Companies face stricter scrutiny.