LLP Form 8 - Statement of Account & Solvency of LLP

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The Statement of Account & Solvency (LLP Form 8) is a mandatory annual filing requirement for all Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) in India. Filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), this form provides a thorough view of an LLP’s financial position, including its assets, liabilities, and solvency status. LLP Form 8 is an essential document that ensures transparency in the financial affairs of the entity, reflecting the entity’s ability to meet its obligations and maintain solvency. This article highlights the importance of LLP Form 8, details the filing process, and explains the important components of the document that need to be submitted.

What is LLP Form 8?

LLP Form 8, also known as the Statement of Account & Solvency, is an annual filing requirement for all Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) registered in India. This document must be filed with the Registrar of LLPs every year, regardless of the LLP's turnover. Form 8 provides a detailed overview of the LLP’s financial status, including its assets, liabilities, and solvency. The filing deadline is typically set as 30 days from the end of the 6-month period following the close of the financial year. In essence, the LLP must submit this form by October 30th of each year.

The contents of Form 8 include the LLP’s balance sheet, a profit and loss statement, and any changes in the financial position over the course of the year. Additionally, it includes a solvency declaration, confirming that the LLP is financially capable of meeting its obligations as they arise. If any insolvency issues exist, they must be disclosed in this filing. Failure to submit Form 8 may result in penalties and non-compliance with the statutory requirements governing LLPs.

Governing Law of LLP Form 8

LLP Form 8 is governed by Section 34(2) and Section 34(3) of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, along with Rule 24 of the Limited Liability Partnership Rules, 2009. These provisions lay down the framework for filing annual returns, including the Statement of Account & Solvency. The law mandates that all LLPs comply with these regulations by submitting their financial statements and solvency declarations to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) within the prescribed deadlines. Non-compliance with these requirements may lead to penalties and legal repercussions for the LLP.

Main Components of LLP Form 8

1. Statement of Account:

(a) This part includes a balance sheet for the LLP, covering all assets, liabilities, income, and expenses for the financial year.

(b) The balance sheet provides an accurate depiction of the financial health of the LLP, ensuring transparency in financial dealings.

2. Solvency Declaration:

(a) An important aspect of Form 8 is the solvency declaration, which certifies that the LLP is capable of meeting its financial obligations as they become due.

(b) It is a confirmation by the designated partners that the business remains solvent, ensuring creditors and stakeholders of the financial stability of the LLP.

3. Profit & Loss Account:

(a) This account summarizes the revenue, costs, and profits or losses of the LLP during the relevant financial year.

(b) The profit and loss account serves as an indicator of the LLP’s operational performance.

4. Statement of Changes in Financial Position:

This statement outlines any changes in the financial position of the LLP over the accounting period, including changes in equity, debt, or financial instruments.

Filing Process for LLP Form 8

The filing of LLP Form 8 is a straightforward online process facilitated through the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal. Below is a detailed guide to the filing process:

1. Log in to the MCA Portal:

Visit the official MCA website and log in to your account using your credentials.

2. Access the Form 8:

(a) Under the "LLP Forms" section, select Form 8 - Statement of Account & Solvency.

(b) This form requires you to fill in the financial details of the LLP as per the financial year, including the balance sheet, profit & loss statement, and solvency declaration.

3. Preparation of Financial Statements:

(a) Ensure that the financial statements are properly prepared, including the balance sheet, profit & loss account, and any changes in financial position.

(b) These documents must be approved by the designated partners before filing.

4. Filing the Form:

(a) After filling in the required details, submit the form electronically through the MCA portal.

(b) The LLP must also attach a copy of the solvency declaration signed by the designated partners.

5. Payment of Filing Fee:

  • After submission, the filing fee must be paid online via the MCA portal. The fees vary depending on the capital of the LLP.
6. Certificate of Filing:
  • Upon successful submission, the MCA will provide an acknowledgment receipt. The form will be processed, and the LLP will receive a certificate of filing once the documents are approved.

Due Dates and Penalties for Filing LLP Form 8

Due Date for Filing:

(a) LLP Form 8 must be filed within 30 days from the end of 6 months from the close of the financial year. This means the filing deadline typically falls on October 30th every year.

(b) For example, for the financial year 2024-2025, the deadline for filing Form 8 will be October 30, 2025.

Late Filing Penalties:

(a) Failure to file LLP Form 8 on time results in penalties. The penalties are calculated based on the number of days of delay, and the LLP may be fined up to INR 100 per day of delay, with a maximum fine of INR 5,00,000.

(b) It is essential for LLPs to comply with the filing deadlines to avoid financial penalties and ensure good standing with the regulatory authorities.

Who Must File LLP Form 8?

(a) Every LLP registered in India is required to file Form 8, irrespective of the entity’s turnover or income.

(b) Even if the LLP is dormant or has no business activity, the form must still be filed to maintain compliance with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Consequences of Non-Filing of LLP Form 8

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

(a) Failing to submit LLP Form 8 by the due date can result in severe penalties, including late fees and legal consequences.

(b) If the filing is not completed, the LLP may face restrictions on future activities such as the inability to file other forms or register changes with the Registrar.

Impact on Reputation:

Non-filing can also adversely affect the reputation of the LLP. Regulatory authorities may flag the LLP as non-compliant, which could damage its credibility with stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and regulatory bodies.

Conclusion

LLP Form 8, the Statement of Account & Solvency, is an important compliance requirement for all Limited Liability Partnerships in India. It provides a detailed view of the LLP's financial position, ensuring transparency, solvency, and regulatory compliance. Filing this form timely is important to avoid penalties and legal repercussions. By adhering to the statutory filing obligations, LLPs can focus on their growth and development while remaining compliant with Indian corporate laws. If

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the deadline for filing LLP Form 8?

Answer: The filing deadline for LLP Form 8 is typically 30 days from the end of the 6-month period following the close of the financial year. In essence, the LLP must submit this form by October 30th of each year.

Q2. What key components are included in LLP Form 8?

Answer: The key components of LLP Form 8 include:

(a) Statement of Account: This includes the LLP's balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and any changes in the financial position over the course of the year.

(b) Solvency Declaration: This confirms that the LLP is financially capable of meeting its obligations as they arise. Any insolvency issues must also be disclosed in this filing.

Q3. What are the consequences of not filing LLP Form 8?

Answer: Failure to submit LLP Form 8 may result in penalties and non-compliance with the statutory requirements governing LLPs.

Q4. Is it mandatory to have Form 8 audited?

Answer: Yes, LLP Form 8 needs to be audited by a qualified Chartered Accountant. The auditor's report must accompany the form when it is filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Q5. Where can I access LLP Form 8?

Answer: LLP Form 8 can be accessed and downloaded from the official website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA): www.mca.gov.in. You can find it under the "LLP Forms" section.

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