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ROC Compliance

MGT-7 / MGT-7A Annual Return: Filing Guide, Due Date, Penalty (2026)

MGT-7 is the annual return for Pvt Ltd and Public companies. MGT-7A is the simplified version for small companies and OPCs. Due 60 days from AGM.

📅 22 May 2026 6 min read 👤 MCAFiling Editorial & CA Team

What is MGT-7?

MGT-7 is the Annual Return filed with the RoC under Section 92 of the Companies Act, 2013. It captures the company's structural snapshot as on 31 March of every financial year:

  • Registered office, principal business activities, branches
  • Holding, subsidiary and associate companies
  • Share capital, debentures, indebtedness
  • Shareholders with their shareholding details
  • Directors and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP)
  • Board and committee meetings held
  • Remuneration of directors and KMP
  • Penalties/punishments imposed (if any)
  • Compliance certificate by CS for prescribed companies

MGT-7 vs MGT-7A — Which one applies?

MGT-7A (simplified) applies to:

  • One Person Companies (OPCs)
  • Small Companies — defined as: paid-up capital ≤ ₹4 crore AND turnover ≤ ₹40 crore (both conditions must be met)

MGT-7 (standard) applies to:

  • All other Pvt Ltd companies (capital > ₹4 cr or turnover > ₹40 cr)
  • All public limited companies (listed and unlisted)
  • Section 8 companies (Not-for-profit)

MGT-7A requires fewer disclosures and no CS certification.

Due date and penalty

Due date: 60 days from AGM

Since AGM is by 30 September, MGT-7/7A is typically due by 28 November.

Penalty: ₹100 per day per company with no upper cap. Combined with AOC-4 delay, costs add up quickly.

CS Certification — When required

MGT-7 must be certified by a practicing Company Secretary for:

  • Listed companies (always)
  • Companies with paid-up capital ≥ ₹10 crore OR turnover ≥ ₹50 crore

The CS provides Form MGT-8 certifying that the annual return discloses facts correctly and the company has complied with the Companies Act.

For other companies, MGT-7 can be signed by the director and a CA/CS/CMA (no separate MGT-8 needed).

Documents and details required

  • List of shareholders with shares held (as on 31 March)
  • List of debenture holders (if any)
  • Board and committee meetings register
  • Director details with DIN, address, occupation
  • KMP details (if applicable)
  • Indebtedness statement
  • Compliance status of various provisions
  • Last year's MGT-7 (for reference)
  • Statutory registers (members, directors, contracts)

Frequently Asked Questions

What if there is no change from last year?
Filing is still mandatory. Even nil changes require fresh annual return showing current snapshot as on 31 March. There is no exemption based on "no change".
Can I file MGT-7 without first filing AOC-4?
Technically yes — they are separate forms. But it is unusual since AOC-4 (due in 30 days from AGM) typically precedes MGT-7 (due in 60 days from AGM).
Is CS Certificate (MGT-8) required for small Pvt Ltd?
No. CS certification (MGT-8) is required only for listed companies and large companies (capital ≥ ₹10 cr or turnover ≥ ₹50 cr). Small companies file MGT-7A which has no CS certification requirement.
How is shareholding shown if changes during the year?
Show snapshot as on 31 March. Significant changes during the year are tracked through separate forms (PAS-3 for allotments, SH-4 for transfers). MGT-7 shows the end-of-year position only.
CA
MCAFiling Editorial & CA Team Qualified Chartered Accountants & Company Secretaries · Published 22 May 2026 · Last updated Jun 2026
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