Your business is destined for greatness, but paperwork can feel like a roadblock. Annual filings are your ticket to staying compliant and building a strong foundation for growth. This guide breaks it down and shows how corporate secretarial services can keep you moving forward.
1. Financial Statements
What Are They? Reports like your balance sheet and income statement that show your business’s financial pulse.
Why They Matter: They’re a legal must, plus they impress banks, investors, and partners.
When Are They Due? Typically 6 months after your financial year-end (check local rules).
Who Handles It? Your accountant creates them; your company secretary files them.
2. Annual Return
What Is It? A form updating your business’s details—directors, address, and shareholders.
Why It Matters: It keeps the government’s records straight. Miss it, and you risk looking inactive.
When Is It Due? Within 30 days of your incorporation anniversary.
Who Handles It? Your company secretary, part of corporate secretarial services.
3. Tax Returns
What Are They? A filing showing your profits and taxes owed, even if you’re not making money yet.
Why They Matter: Late filings bring penalties that can slow your growth.
When Are They Due? Varies by country, usually a few months after year-end.
Who Handles It? Your accountant does the math; the company secretary ensures it’s filed.
4. Board Resolutions and Minutes
What Are They? Notes on big decisions, like approving financials or expanding your team.
Why They Matter: They show you’re running a tight ship, which investors love.
When Are They Due? Right after decisions or meetings.
Who Handles It? Your company secretary, a key corporate secretarial job.
5. Statutory Registers
What Are They? Records of your shareholders, directors, and shares.
Why They Matter: You need them for audits or if you’re scaling up with investors.
When Are They Due? Update them when things change, like adding a new shareholder.
Who Handles It? Your company secretary keeps them in check.
6. Employee Filings
What Are They? Paperwork for payroll taxes or social security if you have staff.
Why They Matter: Mistakes can lead to fines, stalling your momentum.
When Are They Due? Monthly, quarterly, or yearly, depending on your country.
Who Handles It? HR or payroll, with company secretary oversight.
7. Licenses and Renewals
What Are They? Renewals for permits your business needs to operate.
Why They Matter: No valid license? Your growth could hit a wall.
When Are They Due? Depends on the license—track them carefully.
Who Handles It? Often your company secretary.
Keep Growing
Filings don’t have to hold you back. Corporate secretarial services take the hassle away, letting you focus on crushing it. Use this checklist to stay on track:
Filing | Deadline | Who Handles It | Done? |
---|---|---|---|
Financial Statements | 6 months after year-end | Accountant / Secretary | ☐ |
Annual Return | 30 days after anniversary | Company Secretary | ☐ |
Tax Return | Check local tax rules | Accountant | ☐ |
Resolutions | After meetings | Company Secretary | ☐ |
Statutory Registers | When changes happen | Company Secretary | ☐ |
Payroll Filings | Monthly/Quarterly | HR / Payroll | ☐ |
License Renewals | Varies | Secretary / Admin | ☐ |
Dream Big
Compliance is your launchpad, not a chore. Hire corporate secretarial services or set up a system to nail your filings. Keep your business soaring toward success!