Navigating Private Limited Company Compliances: A Comprehensive Overview
Ensuring compliance, the act of adhering to specified rules, orders, or requests, is imperative for the seamless operation of a private limited company incorporated in India. In the realm of corporate governance, the Companies Act, 2013, plays a pivotal role in dictating the appointment, qualification, remuneration, retirement of directors, and various other facets of company management.
Crucial Aspects of Private Limited Company Compliance:
- ROC Compliance:
- Necessity: Irrespective of turnover or capital, private limited companies must meet the annual compliance requirements.
- Types: This includes annual returns and income tax return filings.
- Professional Assistance: Given the intricacies, seeking professional help is advisable to prevent penalties or fines.
Common Compliances for Private Limited Companies:
- Commencement of Business (within 180 days):
- Companies registered after November 2019 with share capital must obtain a commencement of business certificate within 180 days.
- Penalty for non-compliance: Rs. 50,000 for the company and Rs. 1,000 per day for directors.
- Auditor Appointment (Within 30 days):
- Appointment within 30 days of incorporation is mandatory.
- Penalty for non-compliance: Rs. 300 per month.
- Income Tax Return (Due by October 31, 2023): Mandatory filing for Financial Year 2022-23.
- MCA Form AOC-4 (Due by 30 days from the date of AGM): Filing for FY 2022-23. Penalty for non-compliance: Rs. 100 per day.
- MCA Form MGT-7 (Due by 60 days from the date of AGM): Filing for FY2022-23. Penalty for non-compliance: Rs. 100 per day.
- DIN eKYC: Requirement: Directors must file for DIN eKYC or DIR-3 eKYC. Penalty for non-compliance: Rs. 5,000.
- Annual General Meeting (AGM):
- Frequency: Private limited companies must hold AGMs once a year within six months from the financial year's closing.
- Agenda: Approval of financial statements, dividends declaration, auditor appointment, and more.
- Board Meeting:
- First Meeting: Mandatory within 30 days of incorporation.
- Frequency: Four board meetings every three months.
- Directors Report:
- Details: Directors must disclose annual directorship in writing.
- Annual Compliance: Necessary for legal adherence.
- Income Tax Compliance:
- Quarterly Payment: Advance tax payments.
- Annual Filing: Filing of income tax returns.
- Tax Audit: Mandatory if turnover exceeds Rs. One crore.
- Event-Based Compliances:
- Instances: Changes in capital, share allotment, loans, director appointments, etc.
- Filing Requirement: Different forms for each event.
- Non-Compliance Consequences:
- Penalties: Fines for the duration of default.
- Additional Fees: Incurred for delayed filings.
Streamlining Compliance with Professional Assistance:
- Dedicated Advisor:
- Role: Assigned Compliance Manager as a single point of contact.
- Assistance: Available for all company compliance matters.
- Accounting Services:
- Maintenance: Support for maintaining accounts and preparing financial statements.
- Secretarial Services:
- Meeting Minutes: Assistance in preparing board meeting minutes and secretarial reports.
- MCA Annual Return Filing:
- Timing: Preparation and filing of MCA annual return.
- Income Tax Return Filing:
- Preparation: Document preparation and filing of income tax returns.
In Conclusion:
Understanding and navigating the multifaceted landscape of private limited company compliances is a complex task for entrepreneurs. Seeking professional assistance ensures timely fulfillment of obligations, preventing legal consequences. With a dedicated Compliance Manager, businesses can focus on operations while maintaining regulatory adherence. Fulfilling compliances not only upholds legal standing but also unlocks benefits for the company's growth and sustainability.