XBRL Filing of Companies
XBRL is an abbreviation for eXtensible Business Reporting Language.
XBRL filing is mandatory for certain types of companies in India, primarily those listed on stock exchanges, those with a paid-up capital of Rs 5 crore or more, and those with a turnover of Rs 100 crore or more including companies required to follow Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) must also file their financial statements in XBRL format.
Choosing the correct taxonomy for Ind AS
Before starting XBRL filing, it's important to verify whether the company reports under Ind AS or AS, as this determines the correct taxonomy to use. Using the wrong standard can lead to filing errors and therefore it is an important exercise to ensure the right framework is identified before tagging begins.
What does XBRL do?
XBRL Compliance standardizes how companies report their financials, enabling efficient data consumption by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). If you are looking for XBRL Service Provider, we offer professional XBRL filing services tailored to your company's unique structure and reporting needs. Whether you are a listed company, a large unlisted entity, or covered under cost audit rules, we ensure your financials are correctly tagged, validated, and submitted using MCA-compliant tools. Our team of Company Secretaries help reduce the risk of penalties while ensuring 100% accuracy and compliance with the latest taxonomy and MCA circulars.
Role of XBRL Filing
XBRL filing is an electronic form of communication with respect to the business data, financials and reporting by the Companies. The process is a technique used to read the data, for presentation and reporting purpose. This does not lead to any modification in the content which is to be reported.
The data is read using taxonomy and instance documents:
Taxonomy – It is concerned with the elements classification and its relationship based on regulatory requirements. Using taxonomy, the Companies map their financial reports prescribed by the Regulators and generate a valid XBRL instance document further used for filing purpose.
Instance document – It is the business report generated in an electronic format per the XBRL Rules. It consists of the facts that are defined by the elements in the taxonomy with values and contexts. It should be linked to at least one taxonomy which should be either contexts, labels, values or references.
As XBRL filings must be in .xml format and adhere to strict validation checks, our approach ensures timely filings, robust documentation, and smooth coordination with statutory auditors. We also support companies with queries related to XBRL full form, XBRL applicability, and provide updates on due dates and regulatory changes. From consultation to filing, we are here as your trusted compliance partner.
What is XBRL Filing?
XBRL is an international standard for exchanging business and financial information. It allows structured reporting that facilitates automated processing of large volumes of data by regulators like MCA and RBI. In India, XBRL was mandated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to improve the accuracy, reliability, and transparency of financial reporting during the ROC Annual Filing of Companies.
The MCA requires certain classes of companies to file their financial statements in XBRL format through Form AOC-4 XBRL. This makes financial information more accessible, machine-readable, and comparable across companies and industries. With digitized records and validation tools, the MCA aims to detect discrepancies and monitor compliance more effectively.
XBRL filing not only helps regulators but also investors, financial analysts, and other stakeholders by providing real-time access to financial information. Filing in XBRL format is no longer optional for specified companies—it is a statutory requirement. We ensure that your filings are consistent with the applicable MCA taxonomy, thereby minimizing compliance risk.
XBRL Applicability
XBRL, or eXtensible Business Reporting Language, is not just a reporting standard—it is a mandate under Indian corporate law. As per Rule 3 of the Companies (Filing of Documents and Forms in Extensible Business Reporting Language) Rules, 2015, the following companies are required to file financial statements in XBRL format:
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All listed companies in India and their Indian subsidiaries
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Companies with a paid-up capital of Rs. 5 crore or more
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Companies with a turnover of Rs. 100 crore or more
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Companies covered under Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014
If you wish to understand whether your company falls under XBRL applicability is important. Many businesses are penalized simply due to unawareness. At Compliance Calendar LLP, we analyze your financials and capital structure to determine if XBRL filing is mandatory for your company. We also guide you through each step of the process, from understanding your eligibility to the final submission on the MCA portal. With ever-changing rules, timely advice on XBRL applicability can save you from late fees and compliance burdens.
Bonus Points: If you have got paid-up capital of Rs. 5 Crores or more, you must appoint a Company Secretary.
AOC-4 XBRL
AOC-4 XBRL is the electronic form required to be filed by companies for submitting their financial statements in XBRL format to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The form is governed under Section 137 of the Companies Act, 2013, and is applicable to all companies mandated to comply with XBRL norms.
The AOC-4 XBRL form captures critical financial information including the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, Notes to Accounts, Cash Flow Statement (if applicable), and Statement of Change in Equity. This information must be tagged as per the MCA Taxonomy using XBRL software before being filed.
Who must file XBRL?
If your company is listed, has a turnover of Rs. 100 crore or more, paid-up capital of Rs. 5 crore or more, or is under cost audit, then AOC-4 XBRL becomes mandatory. Our team of Company Secretaries can help you in preparing, validating, and filing the form correctly. Errors in this form can lead to rejection or penalties, which is why expert filing is important. Our specialists also help you stay updated on any revisions to the form or filing procedure.
Key Documents Required for XBRL Filing
To ensure a seamless XBRL filing process, the following documents are typically required:
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Audited Balance Sheet
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Profit and Loss Account
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Cash Flow Statement (if applicable)
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Notes to Accounts
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Board Report
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Auditor's Report
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Shareholding Details
These documents must be prepared and finalized before the XBRL tagging process begins. Our team converts these financial documents into the required format and applies tags as per the MCA Taxonomy. We use reliable XBRL software to ensure tagging accuracy and validate the output through MCA’s validation tools. Our services reduce the chances of technical rejections by the portal and ensure full readiness before the filing window opens. Providing these documents in Word, Excel, or PDF format helps us expedite the XBRL conversion process.
Step-by-Step XBRL Filing Process
XBRL Filing is a compliance where it is mandatory to have assistance from proessinals firm who have deep knowledge of understanding the financials of a company and follow a structured and methodical process for XBRL filing:
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We gather all the audited financial documents in editable formats.
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Using approved XBRL software, our team tags all financial line items as per MCA Taxonomy.
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The output is validated using the MCA XBRL Validation Tool to ensure accuracy.
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Post validation, we generate the final .xml file ready for submission.
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The XML file is uploaded on the MCA portal using Form AOC-4 XBRL.
How to File AOC-4 XBRL on MCA Portal
To file AOC-4 XBRL on the MCA portal, follow these essential steps:
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Prepare financials as per the applicable accounting standard (AS/Ind-AS).
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Use an MCA-approved XBRL software tool to tag the financial statements.
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Validate the XBRL file using the MCA XBRL Validation Tool.
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Generate the XML file and ensure all mandatory tags are error-free.
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Log into the MCA V3 portal, go to "MCA Services > E-Filing > Company Forms Download."
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Download Form AOC-4 XBRL and fill in required details.
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Attach the validated XML, digital signature of the director, and CA/CS where required.
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Upload and submit the form.
Easy XBRL Filing
Compliance Calendar LLP is committed to assist at every stage—from tagging to validation to final upload—ensuring your AOC-4 XBRL is filed accurately and on time. We provide draft copies for client review before final submission. Our team ensures prompt turnaround times and offers post-filing support in case of resubmission requirements. If you already have your existing CA/CS team and need to outsource your company's XBRL filing, we will be happy to support to reduce your compliance burden.
Due Date for XBRL Filing with MCA
The due date for XBRL filing through Form AOC-4 XBRL is within 30 days from the date of the Annual General Meeting (AGM). For example, if your AGM was held on 30th September, your filing must be completed by 29th October of the same year. Late filings attract a penalty of Rs. 100 per day, which can quickly accumulate into a significant amount. In case of delay, the company and its officers are held liable under Section 137 of the Companies Act, 2013.
It is essential to finalize accounts, conduct the AGM on time, and submit financial statements before the due date. Our team keeps track of your compliance calendar and proactively reminds you of upcoming due dates. Early coordination with auditors and stakeholders ensures a smooth filing process.
XBRL Filing Due Date for FY 2024-25
For Financial Year 2024-25, the AOC-4 XBRL form must be filed within 30 days of holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM). If the AGM is held on September 30, 2025, the XBRL filing due date will be October 29, 2025. Missing this deadline results in a penalty of Rs. 100 per day under Section 137 of the Companies Act, 2013. Moreover, continued non-compliance may attract scrutiny or legal notices. Our team helps finalize financials, initiate tagging, and complete filing on or before the due date to avoid penalties and resubmissions.
Popular XBRL Software and Tools Used in India
In India, several companies offer XBRL software solutions to meet the compliance requirements set by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). These tools facilitate accurate tagging, validation, and filing of financial statements in XBRL format.
Below is a list of notable Indian XBRL software providers:
Webtel's Web-XBRL Solution
Webtel's Web-XBRL is a comprehensive XBRL filing software designed to streamline the process of preparing and filing financial statements. It offers features like in-built validation, global error locator, auto-calculation, and seamless integration with MCA's validation tools. The software is recognized by professional bodies such as ICAI and ICSI for its compliance and efficiency.
Gen XBRL Software by SAG Infotech
Gen XBRL is tailored for Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries, facilitating the e-filing of balance sheets and profit & loss accounts in the latest XBRL format. It supports both accounting standards and Indian accounting standards (IND AS), catering to standalone and consolidated financial statements.
Taxmann XBRL Software
Taxmann's XBRL software integrates seamlessly with the MCA website, allowing users to retrieve company information using DIN or CIN. It validates XML files using MCA's utility and simplifies the import-export process through Excel templates. The software supports various formats, including C&I - AS, C&I - Non-Ind AS, and Cost Audit Reports.
Saral XBRL by Relyon
Saral XBRL simplifies the conversion of annual report information into XBRL format. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy data entry, linking of schedules, and generation of instance documents ready for MCA filing. The software also offers features like validation during data entry and backup functionalities.
Microvista's C2X XBRL Software
Microvista's C2X is a cloud-based XBRL filing platform that enables users to generate XBRL reports with minimal training. It offers features like data import from existing XML/XBRL files, built-in validation, and support for both Ind AS and C&I taxonomy. The software is recognized for its efficiency and user-friendly design.
RBI XBRL Filing
Apart from MCA, the Reserve Bank of India also mandates XBRL filing for NBFCs. This is done through the COSMOS platform where financial statements, prudential norms, and other regulatory reports are submitted in XBRL format. The taxonomy for RBI is different from MCA and requires domain expertise. We offer end-to-end XBRL reporting for RBI, including NBS returns and supervisory returns. Our domain experts understand the data expectations of RBI and help NBFCs submit error-free returns. Companies failing to comply with RBI XBRL requirements face inspection issues and fines. We ensure your filings are in accordance with the RBI's periodic submission schedule and latest guidelines.
XBRL Filing for NBFC with RBI
NBFCs are required to file various returns with RBI through the COSMOS portal in XBRL format. These include NBS-1, NBS-2, NBS-7, and ALM Returns, among others.
RBI has its own set of taxonomies and validation parameters and we ensure:
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Proper classification of financial data
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Usage of RBI-compliant taxonomy
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Timely submission through the COSMOS portal
Failure to file these returns accurately and on time may result in inspections, penalties, or even restrictions. Let our XBRL experts handle your RBI returns to ensure seamless compliance and peace of mind.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with XBRL Filing
Failure to comply with XBRL filing requirements can lead to significant consequences under the Companies Act, 2013. As per Section 137 of the Act, companies that fail to file AOC-4 XBRL within the prescribed time frame are liable to pay a penalty of Rs. 100 per day of default. This late fee applies until the date the default is rectified, with no upper cap, leading to a potentially large financial burden for delays extending over weeks or months.
In addition to financial penalties, both the company and its officers (including directors and key managerial personnel) can be held liable. They may face notices or even disqualification proceedings for persistent non-compliance. In extreme cases, the Registrar of Companies (ROC) can initiate prosecution for willful default.
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