The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has announced the Companies Compliance Facilitation Scheme, 2026 — a limited-time opportunity for companies to regularize their pending compliance filings. The scheme will be operational from April 15, 2026 to July 15, 2026 (3 months only).
What is the Companies Compliance Facilitation Scheme 2026?
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has introduced a one-time amnesty scheme that allows companies to file their pending annual returns and financial statements by paying only 10% of the prescribed late filing fees. This represents a massive 90% penalty waiver for companies that have delayed their compliance obligations.
According to the official circular issued by the MCA, companies can complete their pending submissions of:
- Annual Returns (Form MGT-7)
- Financial Statements (Form AOC-4)
- Other statutory filings that have become overdue
Key Features of the Scheme
1. Massive Penalty Reduction
Under normal circumstances, companies face escalating penalties for late filing:
| Company Type | Normal Late Fee | Under Scheme (10%) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Companies | Up to ₹1,00,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹90,000 |
| Other Companies | Up to ₹5,00,000+ | ₹50,000 | ₹4,50,000+ |
2. Limited Time Window
The scheme is available for exactly 3 months:
- Start Date: April 15, 2026
- End Date: July 15, 2026
- No extensions expected: The MCA has clearly indicated this is a one-time opportunity
3. Covers Multiple Years of Default
Companies can file pending returns for multiple financial years under this scheme, provided they pay the reduced penalty for each year of default.
Who Should Take Advantage of This Scheme?
1. Companies with Active Status but Pending Filings
If your company is still active on the MCA portal but has one or more years of unfiled annual returns, this scheme is designed specifically for you. Common scenarios include:
- Startups that missed filings during the initial business setup phase
- Companies that became dormant but didn't formally file for dormancy
- Businesses facing cash flow constraints that deferred compliance costs
2. Companies Facing Director Disqualification
Directors of companies with 3+ years of non-filing face disqualification under Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013. This scheme offers a last chance to:
- Prevent director disqualification
- Restore compliant status before regulatory action
- Avoid personal liability for directors
3. Companies Planning Fundraising or Exit
Non-compliant companies cannot:
- Raise funding from investors
- Secure bank loans easily
- Complete mergers or acquisitions
- Voluntarily wind up or strike off
Step-by-Step Process to Avail the Scheme
Step 1: Identify Pending Filings
Log in to the MCA Portal and check your company's compliance status. Identify:
- Financial years for which Form AOC-4 is pending
- Annual returns (Form MGT-7) not filed
- Any other statutory forms (CHG-1, DIR-12, etc.)
Step 2: Prepare Financial Statements
For each pending year, you must:
- Prepare audited financial statements (if applicable)
- Hold delayed AGMs and file relevant forms
- Ensure books of accounts are properly maintained
Step 3: Calculate Reduced Fees
Under the scheme, you pay:
Reduced Fee = Normal Late Fee × 10%
Example: If normal late fee is ₹50,000, you pay only ₹5,000 under the scheme.
Step 4: File Through MCA Portal
The MCA is expected to enable a special workflow on the portal during the scheme period:
- Login to MCA portal
- Select the Compliance Facilitation Scheme option
- Upload required documents
- Pay reduced fees online
Important Considerations
This is a true one-time scheme. The MCA has not indicated any plans for extensions or repeat offers. Companies that miss this window will face:
- Full penalties as per Companies Act
- Potential prosecution of directors
- Risk of company being struck off
- Director disqualification under Section 164(2)
Audit Requirements Remain
The scheme waives penalties but does not waive audit requirements. Companies must still:
- Get financial statements audited by a practicing Chartered Accountant
- File revised/updated documents where applicable
- Rectify any discrepancies in previously filed documents
No Protection from Past Prosecution
If the ROC has already initiated prosecution or adjudication proceedings, the scheme may not provide immunity. Consult a Company Secretary or legal expert if your company faces active proceedings.
Tax Implications for Business Owners
Deduction of Penalty Expenses
Important: Late filing fees and penalties are NOT tax-deductible under the Income Tax Act. Even under this scheme, the 10% penalty you pay is a personal/business expense that cannot be claimed as a deduction.
Impact on Business Valuation
Regularizing compliance status can significantly improve your company's valuation:
| Compliance Status | Impact on Valuation |
|---|---|
| Non-compliant | 20-40% discount on valuation |
| Compliant | Full valuation potential |
Action Checklist for Company Directors
Immediate Actions (Before April 15)
- ☐ Review your company's compliance status on MCA portal
- ☐ Identify all pending filings by financial year
- ☐ Engage a Company Secretary or Chartered Accountant
- ☐ Gather financial records for pending years
- ☐ Prepare board resolutions for delayed AGM
During Scheme Period (April 15 - July 15)
- ☐ Complete pending audits
- ☐ Hold AGMs for delayed years
- ☐ File all pending forms through the scheme window
- ☐ Pay reduced penalties online
- ☐ Download and preserve all filing acknowledgments
Post-Compliance (After July 15)
- ☐ Set up reminders for future filing deadlines
- ☐ Implement compliance management system
- ☐ Review and update statutory registers
- ☐ Plan for current year AGM within timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LLPs avail this scheme?
The scheme is specifically for companies incorporated under the Companies Act. LLPs have separate compliance requirements under the LLP Act and are not covered under this notification.
What if my company is already marked as "Strike Off"?
Companies that have been struck off the register need to first apply for revival through the NCLT. This scheme applies only to active companies with pending filings.
Can I file for just one financial year?
Yes, you can choose to file for any or all pending years. The 10% penalty applies to each form filed under the scheme.
Will this scheme clean my company's criminal liability?
No. The scheme provides penalty relief only. It does not provide immunity from prosecution for offenses under the Companies Act. Consult a legal expert if prosecution has been initiated.
The Bottom Line
The MCA's Companies Compliance Facilitation Scheme 2026 is a golden opportunity for companies to regularize their compliance status at a fraction of the normal cost. With penalties reduced by 90%, there's no better time to clear your company's pending filings.
Need help with your company's compliance? Consult a qualified Company Secretary (CS) or Chartered Accountant (CA) who can guide you through the process and ensure you maximize the benefits of this scheme.