Form AOC-4 for OPC: Filing Deadline and Key Compliance Requirements

One Person Companies (OPCs) have a specific timeline for filing their annual financial statements with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Unlike other companies, an OPC gets 180 days from the closure of the financial year to file its financial statements.

AOC-4 Filing Deadline for an OPC

Under the proviso to Section 137(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, an OPC is required to file a copy of its financial statements, duly adopted by its member, along with the documents required to be attached, within 180 days from the closure of the financial year.

For a financial year ending on 31 March, the 180-day period generally falls in late September. For example, for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, the 180-day period falls on 27 September 2026.

The requirement is specifically provided for OPCs and differs from the general filing timeline applicable to companies after their Annual General Meeting.

Which Form Is Used?

Financial statements are filed with the ROC through Form AOC-4, as prescribed under Section 137 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 12 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014. The MCA-prescribed AOC-4 form specifically refers to Section 137 and Rule 12.

Depending on the company's applicability, the financial statements and prescribed attachments may include documents such as:

• Balance Sheet
• Statement of Profit and Loss
• Notes forming part of the financial statements
• Auditor's Report
• Other documents required under the Companies Act

The exact attachments depend on the company's circumstances and applicable reporting requirements.

Why the 180-Day Deadline Matters

Missing the statutory filing timeline can result in additional filing costs and penalties for continuing non-compliance.

Section 137(3), as amended by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020, provides for a penalty of ₹10,000 on the company for failure to file the financial statements, with an additional ₹100 for each day the failure continues, subject to a maximum of ₹2 lakh. The provision also prescribes penalties for officers in default.

Therefore, an OPC should not treat AOC-4 filing as a routine formality. Financial statements should be finalised, adopted and filed within the prescribed period.

Practical Compliance Checklist for an OPC

Before filing AOC-4, the OPC should ensure that:

• Financial statements for the relevant financial year are finalised.
• The financial statements are duly adopted by the member.
• The applicable audit and reporting requirements have been completed.
• Required documents and attachments are prepared.
• Form AOC-4 is filed with the appropriate ROC within 180 days from the financial year-end.
• Filing details and acknowledgements are properly retained for future compliance records.

Conclusion

For an OPC following the financial year from 1 April to 31 March, the 180-day AOC-4 timeline makes September an important compliance period. Timely preparation of financial statements and ROC filings can help avoid unnecessary additional costs and penalties.

For expert guidance on this topic, contact your tax professional today.