MCA Form Guide
INC-31 — Dormant Company Application
Quick answer: Application to obtain dormant company status under Section 455. A dormant company has no significant accounting transactions and wants a simplified compliance regime. Filed whenever the company seeks dormant status. Annual return for dormant companies (MGT-9A) is required annually after obtaining status. ₹100/day for non-maintenance of minimum requirements while dormant.
Quick answer
This filing is tied to a defined statutory trigger. The safest approach is to confirm the trigger first, then assemble the evidence before you log into the portal. Companies that have no significant accounting transactions or that are formed for a future project and wish to obtain dormant status. For most founders, the fastest way to stay compliant is to map the filing trigger, gather the documents once, and then submit with the correct digital sign-off.
Who must file
Companies that have no significant accounting transactions or that are formed for a future project and wish to obtain dormant status.
When to file
Filed whenever the company seeks dormant status. Annual return for dormant companies (MGT-9A) is required annually after obtaining status.
Penalty note
₹100/day for non-maintenance of minimum requirements while dormant.
Filing portal
MCA portal at the official government filing system.
Evidence checklist
The exact record set depends on the filing event, but the portal submission usually needs clear source documentation.
How to file
- 1
Confirm whether INC-31 is the correct filing for the event you are handling and that it matches the compliance filing trigger.
- 2
Collect the supporting records that match INC-31: The exact record set depends on the filing event, but the portal submission usually needs clear source documentation.
- 3
Prepare the form in the MCA portal, validate the entries against the company records, and make any final corrections before signing.
- 4
Upload the signed form, pay the applicable fee, and save the SRN and acknowledgement for audit tracking.
- 5
Store the filing evidence with your statutory records so the next cycle is faster and easier to review.
What this form is used for
Application to obtain dormant company status under Section 455. A dormant company has no significant accounting transactions and wants a simplified compliance regime. This filing is tied to a defined statutory trigger. The safest approach is to confirm the trigger first, then assemble the evidence before you log into the portal. The purpose is usually either annual disclosure, a one-off event filing, or a statutory update tied to corporate records or regulatory reporting.
FAQ and compliance context
Who usually files INC-31?
Companies that have no significant accounting transactions or that are formed for a future project and wish to obtain dormant status.
What is the deadline for INC-31?
Filed whenever the company seeks dormant status. Annual return for dormant companies (MGT-9A) is required annually after obtaining status.
What happens if INC-31 is filed late?
₹100/day for non-maintenance of minimum requirements while dormant.
Can the filing be tracked after submission?
Yes. Keep the SRN, acknowledgement, and final uploaded PDF in your records for audit and ROC follow-up.
Is INC-31 a one-time or recurring filing?
This is a one-time filing tied to a specific corporate event. Once the event has occurred and the form is filed, it does not need to be refiled each year.
Which law or rule requires INC-31?
Section 455, Companies Act 2013; Companies (Miscellaneous) Rules 2014
Why this one matters
Use this guide as a starting point, then map the filing to the exact company event so you do not file the wrong form.
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