Are you operating a registered company in India? Then you must have heard about the Form INC-22A, also called the ACTIVE Form (Active Company Tagging Identities and Verification). It’s not just a compliance form — it’s the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) method of weeding out shell companies and ensuring that all businesses are legally and physically up and running.
But what is Form INC-22A, who needs to submit it, and what if you don’t? In this blog post, we demystify everything you need to know — in simple, easy-to-understand language.
What is INC-22A (ACTIVE Form)?
INC-22A Form is a compliance mandate launched by the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) under the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.
The aim? To confirm the registered office address of firms and ensure that they are actually trading from a real, physical location.
“ACTIVE” is an acronym for Active Company Tagging Identities and Verification — an initiative aimed at rooting out bogus or dormant companies.
Why Was INC-22A Introduced
Earlier in 2019, the MCA observed an increasing number of shell companies — companies that existed on paper but did not actually operate. They were commonly employed for fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.
To prevent this abuse and hold Indian companies more accountable, the MCA enforced that every company incorporated up to December 31, 2017, would be required to submit Form INC-22A verifying their operational status.
Who Needs to File INC-22A?
You must file INC-22A if your company meets the following criteria:
- It is incorporated on or before December 31, 2017
- It is a private limited, public limited, or one-person company (OPC) registered in India
- Your company is not struck off, under liquidation, or amalgamated
Even dormant companies (unless they’ve filed to become inactive) are expected to comply.
Companies Exempted from Filing
Not all companies are required to file INC-22A. You’re exempted if:
- Your company was incorporated subsequent to January 1, 2018
- Your company is struck-off or in the process of liquidation
- Your company is merged with another company
But keep this in mind, if you’re not sure of the filing status of your company, it’s wise to seek professional assistance instead of assuming you’re exempt.
What is Verified in INC-22A?
In filing INC-22A, your company is required to report and verify the following information:
- Registered office address with a valid photo showing the company name and address board
- Latitude and longitude of the office location
- Details of directors with valid DIN (Director Identification Number)
- Company’s email ID, which gets verified via OTP
- Statutory Auditor details
- Company Secretary details (if applicable)
- Cost Auditor and KMP details, if appointed
- Company’s active status on MCA21 portal
Documents Required for INC-22A Filing
Here’s what you’ll need to file INC-22A smoothly:
- Photograph of the building with the company name, address, and director present (outside view)
- Photograph of inside office with at least one director present
- GPS (Latitude and Longitude) coordinates of the registered office
- Signed digital signature (DSC) of one director
- Email ID for OTP verification
- Valid DIN of all directors
How to File INC-22A (Step-by-Step Process)
Form INC-22A filing can sound technical, but it’s simple if done the right way:
Step 1: Gather Your Office Photos
Take clear photographs of:
- The outside office name board with full address
- Within the office premises with a director being present
Step 2: Login to the MCA Portal
Go to mca.gov.in and login into your company’s account.
Step 3: Download and Complete the Form
- Look for Form INC-22A (ACTIVE)
- Enter the company CIN, email, registered office address, director & auditor details
Step 4: OTP Verification
You’ll receive an OTP on the company’s email ID. Enter it to proceed.
Step 5: Attach Required Documents
Upload:
- Office photographs
- GPS coordinates
- DSC of a director
Step 6: Submit the Form
Once verified, submit the form and download the acknowledgement.
Due Date for Filing INC-22A
Although the original deadline for INC-22A was April 25, 2019, many companies still miss this filing, especially if they weren’t operational at the time or due to oversight.
If you have not filed it yet, MCA might permit delayed filing with a penalty. But don’t procrastinate any more — it might affect your company status.
What If You Fail To File INC-22A?
Non-filing of INC-22A has the following consequences:
- Company is tagged as “ACTIVE – non-compliant” on the MCA portal
- Cannot file other forms such as SH-7, PAS-3, DIR-12, INC-22, etc.
- Late filing fee of ₹10,000
- Risk of directors’ DIN getting flagged or deactivated
- MCA will strike off your company if non-compliance persists
Regular Blunders to Steer Clear Of
Most companies commit basic errors that result in rejection of the INC-22A filing:
- Photos missing or not clear
- Director’s DIN not renewed or KYC not done
- Incorrect GPS coordinates
- Email OTP not confirmed
- Expired or invalid DSC
Double-check everything for on-time delivery. In case of doubt, seek professional assistance.
Why Choose Legal Dalal for INC-22A Filing?
At Legal Dalal, we’ve assisted hundreds of businesses in remaining compliant with MCA regulations. Here’s how we simplify the process for you:
- Professional Guidance: Our legal professionals assist you at each step
- Quick Turnaround: We submit your INC-22A in 1–2 working days
- Full-Service: From verifying DINs to uploading office pictures
- Confidentiality of Data: Your compliance papers are processed securely
- Clear Pricing: No concealed cost. Only straightforward, truthful service.
FAQs for INC-22A ACTIVE Filing
Q. Do I have to file INC-22A compulsorily for all companies?
No. It is only compulsory for companies that were registered on or prior to 31 Dec 2017, except those exempted.
Q. May I file INC-22A if I have already missed the initial deadline?
Yes, but you will have to pay a fine of ₹10,000. File it ASAP to avoid further complications.
Q. What if my director’s DIN is dormant?
You need to re-activate the DIN by filing DIR-3 KYC prior to filing INC-22A.
Q. Can I file INC-22A without help from a professional?
Though you can do it yourself, utilizing professionals assures accuracy, approval, and no rejection.
INC-22A filing may look like the next procedural step, but it’s essential to ensure that your company is legally and physically present. Non-filing will ground your business — particularly when raising capital, growing, or even filing simple ROC forms.
So if you haven’t filed yet, then now’s the time. Don’t incur penalties, demonstrate your active status, and remain in good standing with the MCA.
Need assistance? Legal Dalal is at your fingertips. Contact us today and let us assist you in staying compliant, hassle-free.
