an overview of the company annual statutory return filing process in Pakistan:
Types of Returns
Companies in Pakistan are required to file the following annual returns:
- Form A: Annual Return of Company (Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2017)
- Form 29: Certificate of Compliance (Section 452 of the Companies Act, 2017)
- Financial Statements: Audited financial statements (Section 236 of the Companies Act, 2017)
Filing Requirements
Companies must file their annual returns with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) within:
- 30 days of the annual general meeting (AGM) for private companies
- 30 days of the AGM for public unlisted companies
- 120 days of the financial year-end for public listed companies
Documents Required
Companies must submit the following documents:
- Form A: Duly filled and signed
- Form 29: Duly filled and signed
- Financial Statements: Audited and signed by the auditor
- Annual General Meeting (AGM) Minutes: Certified true copy
- Directors’ Report: Signed by all directors
- Auditor’s Report: Signed by the auditor
Filing Procedure
Companies can file their annual returns through:
- SECP’s eServices Portal: Online filing and payment
- SECP’s Company Registration Offices (CROs): Manual filing and payment
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Companies that fail to file their annual returns on time may face:
- Late filing fee: PKR 10,000 to PKR 50,000
- Additional fee: PKR 1,000 to PKR 5,000 per day
- Prosecution: Under Section 472 of the Companies Act, 2017
Conclusion
Filing annual statutory returns is a critical compliance requirement for companies in Pakistan. Companies must ensure timely filing to avoid penalties and prosecution. It is recommended to consult with a professional accountant or lawyer to ensure accurate and timely filing.