Starting a One Person Company (OPC) is a great way for solo entrepreneurs to enjoy the benefits of a private limited structure with minimal compliance requirements. However, being a registered company under the Companies Act, 2013, OPCs are still required to follow certain statutory obligations every year, one of the most important being the OPC annual return filing.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key aspects of OPC annual return filing — including its significance, due dates, forms involved, penalties for non-compliance, and how Ebizfiling can assist in keeping your OPC compliant effortlessly.
What is OPC Annual Return Filing?
An
OPC annual return is a summary of a company’s financial activities, shareholder details, and compliance status submitted annually to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Despite having just one shareholder and director, an OPC must file annual returns just like any other private limited company.
This includes:
Form MGT-7A: Annual return of the company
Form AOC-4: Financial statements including balance sheet, profit & loss, and auditor's report
Filing these forms on time is not only a legal requirement but also helps maintain transparency and good standing with regulatory authorities.
Key Requirements for OPC Annual Filing
MGT-7A (Annual Return):
This form includes details of the registered office, shareholding structure, changes in directorship, and other corporate information for the financial year.
AOC-4 (Financial Statements):
This includes the financial performance of the company, including balance sheet, profit & loss account, and auditor's report.
Auditor Appointment:
Even OPCs are required to appoint an auditor and get their books audited before submitting AOC-4.
Due Dates for OPC Annual Return
AOC-4: Within 180 days from the end of the financial year (generally by 27th September).
MGT-7A: Within 60 days from the date of AGM. Though OPCs are exempted from holding AGMs, the return must be filed within the prescribed time from the close of the financial year.
Penalties for Late Filing
Failing to file your OPC annual return on time can lead to significant penalties:
₹100 per day per form for delayed filing
Additional penalties may be levied on the company and director
Risk of disqualification of the director and legal action by the ROC
Hence, timely filing is not only about compliance—it also protects your company from unwanted legal hassles.
Benefits of Staying Compliant
Legal Recognition: Regular filing helps maintain legal status and credibility.
Financial Transparency: Investors and lenders prefer companies with clean compliance records.
Avoid Penalties: Timely filings help avoid hefty late fees and disqualifications.
Easy Conversion: Compliance history is necessary if you plan to convert your OPC to a private or public limited company.
How Ebizfiling Can Help
Ebizfiling offers end-to-end assistance with OPC annual return filing, making compliance stress-free for entrepreneurs. Our expert team ensures:
Timely preparation and submission of MGT-7A and AOC-4
Auditor appointment support
Financial statement drafting
Regular compliance reminders
Whether you're new to business or simply want to offload the burden of legal filings, Ebizfiling ensures that your OPC remains compliant without the usual stress and confusion.
Conclusion
Filing your OPC annual return is a legal obligation that cannot be ignored, no matter how small your company is. With simplified forms and online procedures, compliance has become easier — especially when you have expert support like Ebizfiling. Don’t wait until the last minute — get your filings done on time and focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
