Annual compliance is a bundle, not one filing
A company normally needs books closure, financial statements, statutory audit, board/shareholder records, income tax return and ROC forms such as financial statement and annual return filings where applicable.
Situations this page is built for
- Your company financial year has ended.
- Books are not closed for audit.
- AOC-4/MGT-7 or annual return filing is pending.
- You need auditor/CA/CS coordination.
- You want to regularise old pending compliance.
Documents and details usually required
- Incorporation documents, PAN, TAN and GST details.
- Books of accounts and bank statements.
- Invoices, expense proofs and payroll details.
- Shareholding and director details.
- Board minutes, agreements and statutory registers.
- Previous year financial statements and ROC filings.
Practical process before hiring
Close books
Complete accounting, bank reconciliation and schedules.
Prepare financial statements
Finalise P&L, balance sheet, notes and supporting schedules.
Complete audit and tax filing
Coordinate statutory audit and income tax return.
File ROC forms
Prepare and file applicable annual forms after approvals and signatures.
What to expect in India
| Work type | Typical price range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Small company annual package | Rs. 20,000 - Rs. 60,000 | 15-30 days |
| Company with cleanup/audit complexity | Rs. 60,000 - Rs. 1,50,000 | 30-45 days |
| Multiple years pending | Case-specific | Depends on backlog |
Prices vary by documents, urgency, city, professional experience and whether previous periods need cleanup.
Common red flags and mistakes
- Assuming zero business means zero compliance.
- Not maintaining board minutes and statutory registers.
- Waiting until ROC additional fees start.
- Separating accountant, auditor and CS without coordination.
- Not reconciling GST/TDS before final accounts.
What to mention when you post
- Entity type, financial year, turnover and compliance deadline.
- Whether books are final, partly ready or need cleanup before filing/audit.
- Which forms/reports are needed: audit report, ROC forms, ITR, financial statements or board records.
- Number of pending years, if any.
- Whether DSC, MCA login, previous filings and financial statements are available.
How to choose the right professional
- Confirm professional qualification and whether certification/signature is included.
- Ask for a document checklist before work starts.
- Clarify whether accounting cleanup is included or billed separately.
- Check who coordinates CA, CS, DSC, MCA and tax filing steps.
- Insist on deadline tracking and proof of filing/challans.
Questions people ask before hiring
Does every private company need annual compliance?
Yes, annual statutory and filing obligations generally continue even if business activity is low.
Is ROC filing same as income tax return?
No. ROC/MCA filings and income tax return are separate compliance requirements.
Can one professional handle everything?
Some firms coordinate accounting, audit, tax and ROC. Others may involve CA and CS separately.
Can WorkIndex help compare packages?
Yes. Post company status, turnover and pending years to compare quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What legal procedures, ROC compliance, or NCLT litigation apply to Private Limited Company?
Corporate disputes, mergers, or insolvency proceedings related to Private Limited Company fall under the jurisdiction of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Statutory compliance must align with Companies Act rules.
2. How are corporate agreements and contracts structured for Private Limited Company?
Legal contracts for Private Limited Company (such as Shareholder Agreements, NDAs, or Partnership deeds) must have clear dispute resolution clauses, correct stamp duties, and be executed legally under the Indian Contract Act.
3. What is the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)?
The IBC is a consolidated legal framework in India that governs the time-bound insolvency resolution process for corporate entities, partnership firms, and individuals to maximize asset value.
4. What is the minimum default limit to file for insolvency under the IBC?
To initiate the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against a corporate debtor, the minimum amount of default required is ₹1 crore (increased from ₹1 lakh to protect MSMEs).
5. What is the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) timeline?
The CIRP must be completed within a period of 180 days from the date of admission of the application. The NCLT can grant a one-time extension of up to 90 days, but the process must be completed within 330 days, including litigation.
6. Who is an Insolvency Professional (IP)?
An Insolvency Professional is a licensed professional registered with the IBBI who is appointed by the NCLT to manage the corporate debtor's business operations and lead the resolution process during CIRP.
7. What is the difference between a Financial Creditor and an Operational Creditor?
Financial Creditors are entities whose relationship with the debtor arises from a financial debt (like banks, home buyers). Operational Creditors are entities whose claim arises from the provision of goods, services, employment, or government dues.
8. What is a Section 8 demand notice under the IBC?
An Operational Creditor must first deliver a 10-day demand notice u/s 8 of the IBC to the corporate debtor, demanding payment of the defaulted amount. If the debtor does not pay or raise a dispute within 10 days, the creditor can file for insolvency.
9. How can a company close its business voluntarily?
A company with no assets and liabilities can apply for a voluntary closure (strike-off) by filing Form STK-2 with the ROC, along with a certified statement of accounts, indemnity bond, and affidavit from directors.
10. What is the difference between a Partnership Firm and an LLP?
A Partnership Firm is registered under the Partnership Act 1932, and partners have unlimited personal liability. An LLP is incorporated under the LLP Act 2008, offers limited liability, and is a separate legal entity.
11. What is the time limit for filing an appeal to the NCLAT?
An appeal against an NCLT order must be filed with the NCLAT within 30 days. The NCLAT can condone a delay of up to an additional 15 days only if sufficient cause is shown; no delay can be condoned beyond 45 days.
12. What is Arbitration and how does it work?
Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism where disputes are resolved outside courts by an independent arbitrator or tribunal, based on an arbitration agreement between the parties.
13. Can an arbitration award be challenged in court?
Yes, under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, an award can be challenged in court, but only on limited grounds such as invalid agreement, procedural irregularity, bias, or conflict with public policy.
14. What is a Shareholder Agreement (SHA)?
An SHA is a contract among a company's shareholders that defines their rights, duties, share transfer restrictions, board representation, voting rules, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
15. What is the role of NCLT in oppression and mismanagement cases?
Under Sections 241-244 of the Companies Act, minority shareholders (holding >= 10% shares/members) can petition the NCLT for relief if the company's affairs are conducted in a manner oppressive to members or prejudicial to interest.