Every company registered with SECP owes an annual return under section 130 of the Companies Act, 2017. Most private limited companies file it on Form A within 30 days of their annual general meeting (AGM). If nothing has changed since the last return, a single member company (SMC) or a private company with paid-up capital of up to Rs 3 million does not need to file it at all. Other companies with no changes file a short no-change return instead.
Google suggests searches such as "secp annual return last date", "secp form a filing fee" and "private limited company annual compliance" to people in Pakistan, and on r/pakistan founders have asked where to get Form A after a bank requested it.
What does the annual return show?
It is a snapshot of the company on the date of the AGM, or on 31 December if no AGM is held or concluded. It lists the chief executive, directors, company secretary, chief financial officer, legal adviser and auditors, the registered office address, the members and the share capital. Banks often ask for the latest copy because it proves who owns and runs the company.
When is it due?
For a private company the clock starts at the AGM. The first AGM must be held within 16 months of incorporation, and later AGMs within 120 days of the financial year end. For a 30 June year end, that made 28 October 2026 the last ordinary AGM date this year, so a company that met on that day has until 27 November 2026 to file. Hold the meeting earlier and the return falls due earlier.
If no AGM is held, the return is made up to the last day of the calendar year and filed within 30 days, which means by 30 January.
Does a single member company have to file?
An SMC does not hold an AGM in the usual way, but it still has an annual return duty. The exemption only applies when nothing has changed since the last return. If the SMC changed its address, director, shares or any other particular during the year, it should file. Report changes of directors and officers separately within 15 days of the change, rather than waiting for the annual return.
How do you file and what does it cost?
File online through SECP's eServices portal using the company's registered user account. The portal shows the filing fee when you submit, and filing online is cheaper than filing on paper. Late returns attract an additional fee that grows the longer the delay, and the Act allows penalties on top. Companies that keep missing filings risk being treated as inactive or struck off.
Is this the same as the FBR tax return?
No. The SECP annual return is a corporate register filing. The company's income tax return goes to FBR separately on IRIS, and for a 30 June year end it is normally due by 31 December.
Where can you get help?
TheWing.pk's virtual office gives your company a DHA Phase 2 business address for SECP correspondence, with mail handling and SECP and FBR support from our Chartered Accountant co-founder. Virtual office pricing is on request. If you also need a desk, a hot desk is PKR 31,800 a month and a dedicated desk is PKR 36,400 a month, which includes a complimentary 30-minute tax consultation. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Form A needed if the company did no business?
Usually yes. Trading activity does not decide it. Only the no-change exemption for SMCs and small private companies removes the filing.
What if we filed late last year?
File as soon as you can. The additional fee rises with the delay, so waiting only makes it larger.
Can I talk this through in person?
Yes. Book a free tour at Central Mall, GT Road, DHA Phase 2, and bring your SECP documents.
