FCRA Annual Return

FCRA Annual Returns Overview

Based on the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) of 2010, registered NGOs must submit FCRA Annual Returns (FC-4) to the Ministry of Home Affairs. These filings detail the receipt and utilization of foreign funds throughout the financial year. Additionally, FCRA Quarterly Returns provide regular updates on foreign funds received and used. Adhering to the FCRA Annual Return Due Date is crucial for NGOs to avoid penalties. By fulfilling these regulatory requirements, NGOs promote transparency and accountability, upholding the integrity of the FCRA framework.

Who Must File Annual Returns?

Every Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010, must file annual returns using Form FC-4 with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), even if they haven't received any foreign contributions during the financial year.

Importance of FCRA Annual Returns:

• Fulfilling legal compliance requirements
• Maintaining transparency and accountability for foreign funds received
• To ensure receiving future funding
• Maintaining a good track record for future registrations or renewals.

Documents Required for FCRA Annual Returns

• Audited financial statements
• Declaration certificate of Chief Functionary
• Signature of Chief Functionary
• Seal of the NGO
• Details of foreign contributions received, including source, amount, and purpose
• Details of foreign contribution utilization, aligned with the organization's objectives

Steps for FCRA Annual Return Filing

Vakilsearch offers an easy 3 step process for filing your annual returns on time. Here is the process outline:

Get in touch with our experts and avail insights on FCRA compliance. Resolve all your doubts and get expert help to file your FCRA annual compliance.

Every NGO must have a Login ID and Password for filing their Annual Returns. Our team will create your credential and share it with you for future filings.

Our team will cross verify all the documents submitted and prepare Form FC-4 Filing for FCRA Annual returns.

Our team of experts will make sure your FCRA annual returns are filed on time. Our team will keep you updated.

Declaration and Authentication

• The authorised signatory of the NGO must digitally sign the return
• A Chartered Accountant must certify the financial statements.

Recent Changes

• The name of the form changed from FC-6 to FC-4 in 2015
• Online filing has been mandatory since 2011.

Due Date and Penalties:

• The deadline for filing annual returns is 31 December for the preceding financial year
• Delaying the filing attracts a penalty of ₹1 lakh or 5% of the foreign contribution received, whichever is higher.

Why Vakilsearch?

When it comes to FCRA return filing, it requires clear accounting expertise and legal knowledge to handle complex foreign funds and donations. Vakilsearch offers access to a team of legal experts who have decades of experience when it comes to FCRA registration, Section 8, and NGO compliance handling. Our in-house team of expert CA’s and CS’s will make sure that all your compliance filings are done on time and help you stay on top of your compliance. With expert assistance, you can make sure that all the legal compliances are met for your NGO. Choose Vakilsearch for accurate FCRA annual return filing.

FAQs on FCRA Annual Return