What ROC filings must a startup do every year?

Short answerEvery year a Private Limited startup must hold its AGM and file its financial statements (AOC-4) and annual return (MGT-7) with the ROC, file DPT-3, complete director DIR-3 KYC, and appoint or ratify its auditor (ADT-1). These are due on a fixed calendar each year, regardless of revenue.

The annual ROC set

After the financial year ends, you hold an AGM and then file AOC-4 (the audited financial statements) within 30 days of the AGM and MGT-7 (the annual return) within 60 days. DPT-3 reports money received that is not a deposit, and ADT-1 records the auditor. Confirm the current forms and due dates, which can change.

Don't forget the directors and the audit

Each director with a DIN must complete DIR-3 KYC every year, and the company needs a statutory audit before AOC-4 can be filed. Board meetings (at least the statutory minimum) and updated statutory registers round out the year.

Why it matters — an example

Even a startup with no revenue must do all of this; the filings are tied to the company existing, not to it trading. A dormant-looking startup that skips a year quietly racks up daily penalties and risks its directors being disqualified. Note these ROC filings are separate from your income-tax return and any event-based forms (such as one for a share allotment), so filing your ITR does not cover them — founders often assume one filing does everything. Putting the AGM and the annual forms on a calendar is the simplest safeguard. Our startup service manages the annual compliance.

Talk to CA Vijay R Singh

Want your startup's annual filings handled on time? You can message him directly, or book a short call to talk through your situation.

This answer is general information for founders and startups, not tax or legal advice. Tax rates, thresholds and forms change with each Finance Act — please confirm the current position for your own facts, or speak to us, before acting.

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