INTRO
Form INC-22A (ACTIVE) — also called the ACTIVE form — is the MCA’s company KYC / registered-office verification form that companies must complete so their status on the MCA portal remains “ACTIVE-Compliant.” cleartax+1
Who must file (summary)
- Companies incorporated on or before 31 Dec 2017 were originally required to file INC-22A. Some categories are exempt (struck-off companies, companies ordered to be struck off, etc.). Check current MCA rules for exact applicability. ICSI+1
Note: MCA has updated INC-22A into a web-based version (effective July 14, 2025) — so the filing experience and data validation have changed from the old PDF/e-form flow. Always use the live MCA web form. https://www.taxmann.com+1
Key consequences if you don’t file
- Non-filing can mark the company as “ACTIVE — non-compliant” on MCA. This can block filing of other MCA forms and invite actions including penalties and potential strike-off if not corrected. A late compliance fee / penalty (commonly shown as ₹10,000 in past MCA notices) may be applicable to regain “ACTIVE-Compliant” status. Ebizfiling+1
What you need before you start
- Company CIN and registered office address.
- DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) for the director / authorised signatory (INC-22A requires DSC). Legal Dalal
- Official company email and mobile (OTP verification may be used). Legal Dalal
- Clear photographs of the registered office (outside board with address and inside office with an officer present). Legal Dalal
- Utility bills / rent agreement / property papers or other proof of office address (as required).
- GPS coordinates (latitude/longitude) for the registered office location (web form may request). Legal Dalal
Step-by-step filing process (simple language)
Step 1 — Gather documents & photos
Collect: company PAN/CIN, current address proof (electricity/telephone/municipal tax bill or rent agreement), recent utility bill, clear outside photo (showing name board with full address), inside photo (showing a director / authorised person present). Have DSC ready. Legal Dalal+1
Step 2 — Login to MCA portal
Visit mca.gov.in, sign in with your company account. Since 2025 the INC-22A is a web form — open the INC-22A / ACTIVE link under company filings. Use the company’s registered email and DSC when prompted. https://www.taxmann.com+1
Step 3 — Fill basic company details
The form will auto-populate some fields (CIN, company name). Enter/update registered office details, principal place of business, and confirm director / KMP details as requested. Keep earlier filings (INC-22, RUN, DIR-12 etc.) handy to cross-check data. SAG Infotech Official Blog+1
Step 4 — Upload evidence & photos
Upload the required office photos, address proof scan(s), and any other supporting documents requested. The web form may ask for GPS coordinates — paste those when required. Follow file size/format instructions shown on the form. Legal Dalal
Step 5 — OTP / Email verification
The web form commonly uses OTP verification sent to the company email or mobile; enter the OTP to proceed when prompted. Legal Dalal
Step 6 — Sign with DSC & submit
Sign the completed form electronically using the authorised director’s DSC and submit. The web form will validate the inputs in real time; correct any validation errors and re-submit. https://www.taxmann.com+1
Step 7 — Download acknowledgement and keep records
After successful submission you will get an acknowledgement / SRN. Download and store the acknowledgement and all uploaded documents for your records. If MCA asks for further clarifications, respond promptly. Legal Dalal
Common rejection reasons — avoid these
- Poor quality photos (board not visible / address not legible).
- Address proof not matching the registered office address or name.
- DSC mismatch or expired DSC.
- Incorrect or inconsistent data vs earlier filings (INC-22, DIR-12, AOC-4, MGT-7).
- Missing OTP verification or wrong email/phone records. Legal Dalal+1
Practical Saving Mantra tips
- Take clear, dated photos where the company name and full address are visible; include a director in the interior shot. Legal Dalal
- Cross-check director names and addresses with MCA records before filing to avoid mismatch rejections. SAG Infotech Official Blog
- Renew DSC well before filing to avoid last-minute failure.
- If your company has moved office, first ensure the registered office change (INC-22 / other required forms) is done correctly before filing INC-22A. ICSI+1
Fees, timelines & late filing (what to expect)
- Historically MCA allowed filing within specific windows and applied a late compliance fee (public guidance commonly mentions ₹10,000 as the late fee applied to get “ACTIVE-Compliant” status in past rounds). Check the current MCA notice for up-to-date fee / penalty rules before filing. Ebizfiling+1
Short checklist (copy and use)
- CIN & company PAN available
- DSC of director / authorised signatory valid
- Company registered email & phone active
- Outside office photo with name board & full address
- Inside office photo with authorised person present
- Address proof (utility bill / rent agreement / ownership docs)
- GPS coordinates of office location
- Previous MCA filings (INC-22, DIR-12, AOC-4, MGT-7) for cross-check
Sources / further reading (official & expert notes)
Key references used while preparing this guide: MCA guidance and reputable compliance write-ups explaining INC-22A (ACTIVE) and the 2025 web-form update. Please consult the MCA portal for the live form and exact instructions. Ebizfiling+4cleartax+4https://www.taxmann.com+4
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only. Rules, applicability, filing method and fees for Form INC-22A (ACTIVE) are set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and may change. MCA replaced/updated the form to a web-based flow in 2025 — always use the live MCA portal (mca.gov.in) for filing and check the latest notifications before you act. For complex cases, consult a Company Secretary / CA. Saving Mantra is not responsible for actions taken based on this guide.