Corporate Compliance Checklist for Companies in West Bengal — Complete 2026 Guide

Every company must file its financial statements (AOC-4) with the ROC within 30 days of the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The financial statements include the balance sheet, profit and loss account, cash flow statement, and auditor's report.

The annual return (MGT-7) must be filed within 60 days of the AGM. The annual return contains details of the company's registered office, principal business activities, shareholding pattern, directors and KMPs, and meetings held during the year.

For small companies and one-person companies, simplified forms (MGT-7A) are available. Late filing attracts additional fees of Rs. 100 per day, and continuing defaults can lead to serious penalties.

Every company must hold its first Board meeting within 30 days of incorporation. Subsequently, at least four Board meetings must be held every year, with a maximum gap of 120 days between two consecutive meetings. Small companies, OPCs, and startups need at least two Board meetings per year.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) must be held within six months of the financial year end (by September 30), with a gap of not more than 15 months between two AGMs. The first AGM must be held within nine months of the financial year end.

Proper notices, agendas, and minutes must be prepared for all meetings. Board resolutions must be passed for major decisions including appointment or removal of directors, borrowing, investment, and related party transactions.

Every company must maintain several statutory registers including the Register of Members (MGT-1), Register of Directors and KMPs (DIR-6), Register of Loans, Guarantees, and Investments (MBP-2), Register of Charges (CHG-7), and Register of Related Party Transactions (MBP-4).

These registers must be kept at the registered office and updated within prescribed timelines. They must be maintained in physical or electronic form and preserved permanently. Shareholders have the right to inspect these registers.

Non-maintenance of statutory registers can result in penalties of up to Rs. 5,000 per day for the company and every officer in default.

Every director must file DIR-3 KYC every year by September 30. This is mandatory for all directors who have been allotted DIN. Non-filing results in deactivation of the DIN, making the director ineligible to hold office in any company.

Directors must file DIR-8 (disclosure of non-disqualification) annually along with the financial statements. Directors must also disclose their interest in other entities through DIR-7 within 30 days of appointment.

Changes in directors — appointment, resignation, or removal — must be filed with the ROC within 30 days using Form DIR-12. Director resignation becomes effective only after filing with the ROC.

Every company must file its income tax return annually, irrespective of profitability. The due date for tax audit is September 30, and for return filing is October 31 if tax audit applicable, or July 31 for others. Companies must also pay advance tax in quarterly installments.

Companies registered under GST must file monthly or quarterly returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) and annual return (GSTR-9). Late filing attracts interest at 18% per annum and late fees. GST registration must be obtained if turnover exceeds the threshold.

Companies must deduct TDS on specified payments and file TDS returns quarterly. TDS certificates must be issued to deductees. Non-compliance can result in disallowance of expenses and prosecution.

Companies with employees must comply with various labour laws. Under the EPF Act, establishments with 20+ employees must register with EPFO. Under the ESI Act, establishments with 10+ employees earning up to Rs. 21,000 per month must register with ESIC.

The Payment of Gratuity Act applies to establishments with 10+ employees. The Bonus Act applies to establishments with 20+ employees. State-specific laws like the West Bengal Shops and Establishments Act also apply.

Professional tax registration is mandatory in West Bengal for employers. Annual returns must be filed under various labour laws. Non-compliance can result in prosecution, penalties, and imprisonment.