DPT-3 Annual Return of Deposits: Complete Guide (Due 30 June)

What is DPT-3?

DPT-3 is the Annual Return of Deposits filed under Rule 16 of the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014. Every company (except government companies) must file DPT-3 disclosing:

• Receipt of money or loans that are exempt from deposit definition (e.g., loans from directors, shareholders up to limits, banks, financial institutions)
• Outstanding loans and balances as on 31 March
• Deposits accepted, if any (most Pvt Ltds cannot accept public deposits)

Due date and applicability

Due date: 30 June every year (for the FY ending 31 March)

Applies to:

• All Pvt Ltd, Public Ltd, OPC, Section 8 companies
• Even if there are NIL deposits/loans — nil return is mandatory

Exemption: Government companies, banking companies and NBFCs are exempt.

Penalty for non-filing

Late filing attracts:

• Initial fixed fee: ₹500
• Subsequent: ₹500 per day delay (no cap)
• Continued default: Strike off proceedings, director disqualification

A 6-month delay = ₹90,500. File on time to avoid escalating penalties.

What needs to be reported

DPT-3 has 4 main sections:

1. Section 1 — Particulars of company (CIN, registered office, capital details)
2. Section 2 — Money/loans not classified as deposits (loans from directors, related parties, banks)
3. Section 3 — Public deposits (if accepted)
4. Section 4 — Auditor's certificate confirming the data

Attach: Auditor's certificate, list of depositors with PAN (if applicable), board resolution approving the return.

Common reporting items for startups

Most startups don't accept public deposits but still report:

• Director loans — Loans from directors are exempt from deposit definition (Section 73(1) exempt). Report outstanding balance.
• Shareholder loans — Loans up to ₹25 lakh per shareholder (or ₹50 lakh in aggregate, whichever is less) — exempt for Pvt Ltd. Report outstanding.
• Bank loans — Loans from scheduled banks are exempt from deposit definition. Report outstanding balance.
• Inter-corporate loans — Loans from holding/subsidiary/associate companies — Report outstanding.
• Advance from customers — If beyond limits, may be classified as deposit. Report accordingly.