SECP Annual Compliance Checklist: Form A, Form 29 & Financial Audit Deadlines
An exhaustive corporate secretarial masterclass for company directors, CFOs, and business owners on SECP annual return filings under the Companies Act 2017, Form A/B submissions, Form 29 director notifications, and Chartered Accountant financial audits.
Annual Return of Company Capital & Shareholders due within 30 days of holding Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Particulars of Directors & Officers due within 14 days of any director appointment, resignation, or profile change.
Hold Annual General Meeting within 120 days of financial year-end (by October 28 for June 30 year-end).
Mandatory for companies with capital of PKR 3M+ audited by an ICAP-registered Chartered Accountant.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why SECP Annual Compliance Is Mandatory for Every Entity
- 2. SECP Statutory Filing Deadlines Calendar
- 3. Form A vs Form B Filing Rules & AGM Mandate
- 4. Form 29: Reporting Changes in Directors & Chief Executive
- 5. Statutory Financial Audit Requirements (PKR 3M Threshold)
- 6. Avoiding Show-Cause Notices & Director Disqualifications
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why SECP Annual Compliance Is Mandatory for Every Entity
Incorporating a Private Limited company or Single Member Company (SMC-Pvt Ltd) with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) grants limited liability, but creates ongoing corporate secretarial duties under the Companies Act 2017.
Failing to submit annual statutory returns places your entity on SECP's Defaulting Company List, blocking eServices transactions, preventing bank account maintenance, and exposing directors to show-cause notices.
2. SECP Statutory Filing Deadlines Calendar
Key statutory forms and filing deadlines under Companies Act 2017:
| SECP Statutory Return Form | Legal Purpose & Description | Statutory Filing Window |
|---|---|---|
| Form A (Annual Return) | Annual return of share capital & member ledger for Multi-Member companies | Within 30 Days of AGM (By Nov 27) |
| Form B (SMC Return) | Annual return for Single Member Companies (SMC-Pvt Ltd) | Within 45 Days of FY End |
| Form 29 (Director Particulars) | Reporting director appointment, resignation, or profile change | Within 14 Days of Event |
| Form 23B (Auditor Appointment) | Filing Chartered Accountant audit report & appointment | Within 14 Days of AGM |
SECP ANNUAL COMPLIANCE SERVICES
File Your SECP Annual Compliance Returns with ADVAQ
ADVAQ prepares Form A/B, Form 29, AGM minutes, manages Chartered Accountant financial audits, and clears SECP default notices.
3. Form A vs Form B Filing Rules & AGM Mandate
Every private limited company must convene an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within 120 days of its financial year-end:
- October 28 Statutory Deadline: For companies ending their financial year on June 30, the AGM must be held by October 28.
- Form A Submission Window: Form A must be electronically submitted on SECP eServices within 30 days of holding the AGM (by November 27).
4. Statutory Financial Audit Requirements (PKR 3M Threshold)
Under Section 223 of the Companies Act 2017:
Financial Audit Thresholds:
• Companies with Paid-Up Capital Below PKR 3 Million: Exempt from compulsory ICAP Chartered Accountant audit, unless required by shareholders or commercial banks.
• Companies with Paid-Up Capital of PKR 3 Million & Above: Must have their annual balance sheet and profit & loss accounts audited by a practicing ICAP Chartered Accountant firm and file audited accounts with SECP under Form 23B.
Frequently Asked Questions
SECP CORPORATE SECRETARIAL SOLUTIONS
Maintain 100% SECP Annual Compliance
Form A/B returns, Form 29 director updates, AGM minutes, Chartered Accountant audit reports, and SECP default clearance handled by ADVAQ.