In a move aimed at further easing the compliance burden for companies during the current filing season, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has announced that updates to the additional fee waiver framework for filing Financial Statements and Annual Returns for FY 2024–25 are currently under development. These changes, to be implemented vide General Circular No. 06/2025, are expected to be completed by the middle of next week.
The Ministry has advised companies whose filing due dates have either already passed or fall during this interim period to take note of the forthcoming changes and plan their filings accordingly. This communication comes as part of the Government’s continued commitment to ensure ease of compliance and clarity for corporate stakeholders, especially in light of the recent deployment of revised e-Forms on the MCA-21 Version 3 portal.
Background: Circular No. 06/2025
On 17th October 2025, the MCA issued General Circular No. 06/2025, granting companies relaxation in additional fees and an extension of time for filing Annual Returns (Forms MGT-7 and MGT-7A) and Financial Statements (Forms AOC-4, AOC-4 CFS, AOC-4 NBFC (Ind AS), AOC-4 CFS NBFC (Ind AS), and AOC-4 XBRL) for the financial year 2024–25.
The circular allowed companies to complete their annual filings till 31st December 2025 without the payment of any additional filing fees. This relaxation was introduced considering the rollout of newly revised e-Forms on the MCA-21 portal and the need for stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the updated filing process.
However, as part of the Ministry’s ongoing monitoring of the transition to the new system, certain technical adjustments and procedural refinements in the fee waiver mechanism are being finalized to ensure seamless filing experiences for all companies.
What Companies Should Know
- Ongoing System Updates:
The MCA is currently updating the back-end systems of the MCA-21 V3 portal to align with the revised provisions of Circular No. 06/2025. These changes are expected to be fully deployed by mid-next week. - Interim Period Guidance:
Companies whose due dates for filing AOC-4 or MGT-7/MGT-7A fall during this transition period or have already lapsed should await the formal implementation of the new fee waiver rules before proceeding with filings. - No Immediate Penalty Implications:
Once the updated waiver framework is active, companies will be able to file their annual returns and financial statements without additional fees for FY 2024–25, up to the revised deadline of 31st December 2025. - AGM Timelines Unaffected:
The Ministry has clarified that the relaxation does not extend the statutory timelines for holding Annual General Meetings (AGMs) under the Companies Act, 2013. Companies must ensure compliance with AGM requirements to avoid any potential legal consequences.
Looking Ahead
The additional fee waiver changes represent another step in the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and reduce the compliance burden for corporates, particularly during the transition to the MCA-21 V3 ecosystem. By ensuring that companies are not penalized for delays caused by system or procedural transitions, the Ministry continues to uphold its principles of transparency, responsiveness, and stakeholder support.
Companies and professionals are advised to regularly check the MCA website for official updates and notifications regarding the completion and deployment of these changes.