No time for paperwork? Annual filings are a must, and missing them means fines or legal trouble. Here’s a fast guide to what you need to file and how corporate secretarial services can save you time.

1. Financial Statements

What: Balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement.
Why: Required by law; banks and investors need them.
When: Due 6 months after year-end (check local rules).
Who: Accountant prepares; company secretary files.

2. Annual Return

What: Updates on directors, address, shareholders.
Why: Keeps government records current; avoids deregistration.
When: Within 30 days of incorporation anniversary.
Who: Company secretary, via corporate secretarial services.

3. Tax Returns

What: Reports profits and taxes owed, even if zero.
Why: Late filings trigger penalties.
When: Varies by country, often post-year-end.
Who: Accountant handles; company secretary coordinates.

4. Board Resolutions and Minutes

What: Records of key decisions, like approving financials.
Why: Proves you’re following rules.
When: After decisions or meetings.
Who: Company secretary, a corporate secretarial task.

5. Statutory Registers

What: Logs of shareholders, directors, shares.
Why: Needed for audits or sales.
When: Updated with changes.
Who: Company secretary manages.

6. Employee Filings

What: Payroll taxes, social security for staff.
Why: Avoids fines and labor issues.
When: Monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
Who: HR/payroll, with company secretary oversight.

7. Licenses and Renewals

What: Renewals for business permits.
Why: Invalid licenses can halt operations.
When: Varies by license.
Who: Often company secretary.

Stay on Top

Don’t let filings slow you down. Corporate secretarial services handle the details. Use this checklist:

Final Word

Compliance matters. Outsource to corporate secretarial services or set reminders to stay compliant. Keep your business moving forward, not stuck in red tape.