Form AOC-4 is a pivotal compliance document in the context of companies registered in India. This form is used for the filing of a company’s financial statements, capturing the financial health and operations of the company for a particular financial year.
What is Form AOC-4?
Form AOC-4 is designed to facilitate the electronic filing of a company’s financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (RoC). The financial statements typically include the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account, and any other necessary documents that provide insights into the company’s financial activities during the year.
Who should file Form AOC-4?
Every company registered in India, including Private Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, and One Person Companies (OPCs), must file their financial statements using Form AOC-4.
When to file Form AOC-4?
The form should be filed within 30 days from the date of a company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). For companies that are not required to hold an AGM, the form needs to be filed within 30 days from the date by which the AGM should have been conducted.
Details required in Form AOC-4:
- Company Details: Including the Corporate Identification Number (CIN), company name, and address of the registered office.
- Financial Details: Summarized data from the Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Account, and other financial statements, providing an overview of the company’s financial position and performance.
- Auditor’s Report: Details about the company’s auditors and their report on the financial statements.
- Director’s Report: A report by the company’s directors on the financial and operational status of the company.
- Subsidiaries/Associates/Joint Ventures: If applicable, details of financial statements related to subsidiaries, associates, or joint ventures.
- Attachments: The actual financial statements, director’s report, auditor’s report, and other relevant documents.
Consequences of Non-filing of Form AOC-4:
If a company fails to file its financial statements using Form AOC-4 within the stipulated time frame, it can attract penalties for both the company and its officers.
How to file Form AOC-4?
Form AOC-4 is filed electronically through the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal. After filling in the required details, the form is to be digitally signed by one of the directors and certified by a Chartered Accountant or a Company Secretary in practice or a Cost Accountant. Upon submission, the RoC reviews the form and the attached documents.
Conclusion:
Filing Form AOC-4 is an indispensable requirement for companies registered in India. It ensures that a company’s financial dealings are transparent and available for scrutiny by stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and the general public. Proper and timely submission of Form AOC-4 reinforces the company’s credibility and upholds the principles of financial transparency and corporate governance.
