e-Filing of annual returns for corporates in India from September 16

It is mandatory for corporates to file annual returns and balance sheets electronically as the Registrars of Companies (India) will stop accepting these documents in physical form from September 16.

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The filing in electronic mode is part of e-Governance project 'MCA21' initiated by the Ministry of Company Affairs, India. All the company representatives authorised to sign the documents are required to obtain digital signatures by that time to ensure the security and authenticity of filings in the electronic mode, Company Affairs Minister P C Gupta said. The project includes introduction of anywhere, anytime secure electronic filing for MCA transactions, adaptation of all statutory forms to e-Forms for electronic filing, use of digital signatures to ensure the security of electronic forms and documents. Multi-modal methods of payment encompassing existing payment mechanism and electronic payment options using credit cards and Internet banking are also part of the project. Mr. Gupta said 53 physical front offices are located across the nation to provide facilitation services for electronic filing.