INTRODUCTION :
Every company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 must file its annual return with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). For Small Companies and One Person Companies (OPCs), the annual return is filed using Form MGT-7A — a simplified version of Form MGT-7.
Timely filing of MGT-7A is compulsory. It helps maintain corporate transparency, legal compliance, and ensures the company remains in “Active” status on the MCA portal. This blog covers the purpose, filing process, documents, penalties, and everything that companies need to know about MGT-7A filing.
What Is Form MGT-7A?
Form MGT-7A is the simplified version of the Annual Return applicable to:
- Small Companies
- One Person Companies (OPCs)
It contains key details about:
- Directors
- Shareholders
- Shareholding pattern
- Company structure
- Meetings & compliance
- Changes during the financial year
This form ensures that the company’s statutory data is updated with the MCA annually.
Who Should File Form MGT-7A?
MGT-7A is mandatory for:
✔ One Person Companies (OPCs)
✔ Small Companies
As defined under the Companies Act, a Small Company is one that has:
- Paid-up capital: ≤ ₹4 crore, and
- Turnover: ≤ ₹40 crore
All other companies must file Form MGT-7 instead.
Even companies with zero business activity must file annual returns.
MGT-7 vs MGT-7A: Key Difference
| Feature | MGT-7 | MGT-7A |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | All companies except OPC & Small | Only OPC & Small Companies |
| Complexity | Detailed | Simplified |
| Shareholding details | Extensive | Limited |
| Certification | PCS certification required sometimes | PCS certification not required |
| Time to prepare | Higher | Lower |
Due Date for MGT-7A Filing (2025)
The due date depends on your AGM timeline.
➡️ Due Date: 60 days from the conclusion of AGM
If AGM is not required (OPC), then:
➡️ Due Date: 60 days from the date financial statements are adopted
For FY 2024–25:
If AGM was on 30 September 2025,
MGT-7A due date = 29 November 2025
For OPCs:
Financials adopted by 27 September →
Due date = 26 November 2025
Documents Required for Form MGT-7A Filing
You will need the following:
- List of shareholders
- Shareholding summary
- Directors’ details
- Company email & contact information
- Financial statements
- CIN, PAN, and other company details
- Net worth & capital structure details
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Attachments such as:
- List of debenture holders (if applicable)
- List of shareholders
- Approval letters/resolutions (if any)
Information Captured in MGT-7A
The form includes:
1. Company Details
- CIN
- Name & registered office address
- Category and sub-category
- Class of company
- Paid-up capital
2. Principal Business Activity
NIC code classification
3. Share Capital & Structure
- Total authorised and paid-up capital
- Number of shares issued
- Shareholding pattern
- Transfer of shares
4. Details of Directors & KMP
- DIN
- Date of appointment
- Change during the year
5. Member & Debenture Holder Details
6. Meetings
- Board meetings
- Member meetings (if any)
7. Penalties, Compounding, or Appeals
8. Certification by Director
PCS certification not mandatory for MGT-7A.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Filing MGT-7A
Step 1: Collect Company Information
Gather details related to:
- Shareholders
- Directors
- Capital structure
- Transfers & changes
Step 2: Prepare List of Shareholders
This is a mandatory attachment.
Step 3: Finalise Financial Statements
Adopted in Board Meeting or AGM.
Step 4: Download MGT-7A from MCA Portal
Log in with Director credentials.
Step 5: Fill the Form
Enter:
- CIN & basic info
- Shareholding pattern
- Director details
- Capital summary
- Meeting details
Step 6: Attach Required Documents
Step 7: Sign Using DSC
Digital Signature of:
- Director or Company Secretary
Step 8: Upload & Pay Filing Fees
Standard MCA filing fee applies.
Penalties for Late Filing of MGT-7A
MCA imposes strict penalties:
Late Fee: ₹100 per day (NO upper limit)
This continues until the form is successfully filed.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Company status marked as defaulting
- Directors may be disqualified (under severe default)
- Higher scrutiny from ROC
- Difficulty in:
- Bank loans
- Government tenders
- Investor onboarding
Businesses must file within the due date to avoid heavy financial burden.
Why Filing MGT-7A Is Important
✔ Mandatory annual compliance
✔ Ensures transparent corporate data
✔ Protects directors from penalties
✔ Essential for banking, tendering & investor audits
✔ Supports clean MCA track record
✔ Required even for nil-turnover companies
✔ Helps maintain ACTIVE status
Common Mistakes in MGT-7A Filing
❌ Incorrect shareholder list
❌ Mismatch with financial statements
❌ Using expired DSC
❌ Forgetting to report share transfers
❌ Missing director-change details
❌ Late filing → ₹100/day penalty
❌ Uploading improper attachments
Avoiding these ensures smooth approval.
FAQs — MGT-7A Filing
1. Is MGT-7A mandatory for OPC?
Yes. OPCs must file MGT-7A annually.
2. Does an OPC require AGM?
No. But annual return filing is still required.
3. Is professional certification required?
No PCS certification is needed for MGT-7A.
4. What happens if no financial activity occurred during the year?
You must still file a NIL MGT-7A.
5. Can the form be revised?
Only through GNL-1 in limited cases.
Conclusion
Form MGT-7A is a crucial annual compliance requirement for OPCs and Small Companies. It ensures corporate transparency, legal governance, and maintains good standing with MCA. Filing on time helps avoid penalties and strengthens business credibility.
Companies should keep shareholder records updated, maintain proper documentation, and ensure the filing is completed well before the deadline. Many businesses prefer professional support from compliance experts like Saving Mantra to ensure accurate and timely submissions.