ROC E FILING

ROC E FILING

The Registrar of Companies (ROC) e-filing system is a digital platform managed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for all company and LLP-related regulatory filings. It automates the submission of documents like annual returns, financial statements, and other mandatory forms, replacing the old paper-based process. 

The MCA V3 portal

The MCA launched its V3 portal to enhance the e-filing experience. It offers web-based forms, an improved "My Application" dashboard for tracking submissions, and login via email ID with OTP for added security. 

Key aspects of ROC e-filing

User registration

To file, you must first register on the MCA portal. 

• Registered User: Has limited access to basic services and uses a password-based login.
• Business User: Has access to all e-filing services and uses a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)-based login. Directors, designated partners, and practicing professionals typically register as business users. 

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

A valid DSC is required to digitally sign all e-forms submitted to the MCA. 

• Directors, designated partners, company secretaries, and practicing professionals must register their DSC on the MCA portal before filing.
• The system verifies that the DSC on the form matches the signatory's registered details. 

E-form types and filing process

The MCA portal hosts numerous e-forms for various compliance requirements. 

Common annual filings: 

• Form AOC-4: Filing of financial statements, due within 30 days of the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Form MGT-7/7A: Filing of the company's annual return, due within 60 days of the AGM.
• Form ADT-1: Intimation to the ROC regarding the appointment of an auditor.
• Form DIR-3 KYC: Mandatory annual e-KYC for all directors. 

General e-filing process: 

1. Log in to the MCA portal using your credentials.
2. Access the form you need to file. V3 forms are filled online, with an option to download Excel sheets for annual forms.
3. Fill out the form with the required information. The system offers pre-fill functionality based on existing MCA data.
4. Attach supporting documents in PDF format, such as financial statements, board resolutions, etc..
5. Affix the DSC of the authorized signatory.
6. Pre-scrutinize the form on the portal to ensure accuracy and completeness.
7. Upload the form.
8. Generate a Service Request Number (SRN).
9. Make the payment of the required filing fee. 

Consequences of non-filing

Failure to file forms and returns on time can lead to significant penalties and repercussions: 

• Additional fees and penalties for late filing.
• Disqualification of directors in cases of prolonged non-compliance.
• Company strike-off by the ROC.
• Reduced credibility with lenders, investors, and stakeholders.