Relaxations for Small Companies in Budget 2021

Delivering the Union Budget 2021-22, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Monday, proposed changes in the definition of small companies under the Companies Act. Definitions...

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Last updated: September 2026Verified against: Government sources

Delivering the Union Budget 2021-22, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Monday, proposed changes in the definition of small companies under the Companies Act.

Definitions:

Old Definition: As per the Old definition

‘‘Small Company’’ means a company, other than a public company, —

(i) paid-up share capital of which does not exceed fifty lakh rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed which shall not be more than five crore rupees; and

(ii) turnover of which as per its last profit and loss account does not exceed two crore rupees or such higher amount as may be prescribed which shall not be more than twenty crore rupees:

New Definition: As per the new definition

Small companies mean a company, other than a public company which have: -

  • Paid-up share capital of not more than 2 crore rupees and
  • Turnover of which as per its last profit and loss account does not exceed 20 crore rupees.

IMPACT ON DEFINITION:

‘‘Small Company’’ means a company, other than a public company, —

Que: Whether a small company needs to file any form to convert into a non-small Company?

There is no need to file any form or company any process to convert a small company into a non-small Company. Once a company falls in limits given under the definition of a small Company it shall be considered a Small Company, if a company crosses the limits given in the definition shall be considered a non-small company itself.

Important Note:

  1. Only a Private Company can be classified as a Small Company.
  2. If a Company doesn’t cross the above-mentioned limits, however, such a Company is a holding Company or a Subsidiary Company of any other Company then such a Company cannot be considered as a Small Company.
  • A Public Company cannot be a Small Company.
  1. A Section 8 Company cannot be a Small Company
  2. For a Small Company, both the conditions are needed to be fulfilled i.e the paid-up capital should not exceed Rs. 2 Crore or the turnover as per the last statement of profit & loss should not exceed Rs. 20 Crore. If any of the given limits crossed at any point of time then such a Company shall be out of the preview of a Small Company.

The status of a company as a “Small Company” may change from year to year. Thus, the benefits which are available during a particular year may stand withdrawn in the next year and become available again in the subsequent year.

The benefit to becoming a Small Company:

Lessor No. of Mandatory Board Meetings: 

Every Small Company shall hold a minimum number of Two meetings of its Board of Directors every year in such a manner that the Minimum gap between the two meetings should not be Less than 90 (Ninety) days. {Section 173}.

In the Case of a Non-Small Company, it is required to hold four Board Meeting in a year.

Also read: MCA 21 Version 3.0: Key Features

No Requirement of Cash Flow Statement

As per provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, Small Companies are not required to prepare a Cash Flow Statement.

Certification of e-forms: 

As per provisions of the Act, any e-form of a Small Company is not required to get certified by a Professional (CA/CS/ADV).

e-forms of non-small Company can be a file with ROC only with the Digital Signature of Directors.

Abridge Director's report: 

There is a lot of differences b/w of Directors Report of Small Company or Non-Small Company. By amendment in the Companies Act, 2013, MCA has introduced the abridged format of the Directors’ Report for a Small Company.

Abridge report means, director report of a Small Company shall require to give fewer disclosures than a non-small Company.

No IFC Reporting: 

A Small Company does not require to report in its Audit Report regarding Internal Financial controls and the operating effectiveness of the company.

Lessor Penalties {446B): 

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, if the penalty is payable for non-compliance of any of the provisions of this Act by a small company or by any of its officer in default, or any other person in respect of such company, then such company, its officer in default or any other person, as the case may be, shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be more than one-half of the penalty specified in such provisions subject to a maximum of two lakh rupees in case of a company and one lakh rupees in case of an officer who is in default or any other person, as the case may be.

Rotation of Auditor {139(2)):

Provisions of Section 139(2) relating to rotation of auditor are not applicable to Small Company.

This means, in a small company, it is not required to mandatory change the auditor by rotation.  An auditor firm or individual auditor can get an appointment as an auditor in a small Company ever after 10 years or 5 years of appointment also.

ANNUAL COMPLIANCE CALENDAR FOR SMALL COMPANY:

Month April May June
Compliance
  • Obtaining MBP-1
  • Obtaining of DIR-8
  • Filing of MSME-1 (30.04)
  • The holding of the First Meeting of the Board of Directors for the quarter
  • Filing of DPT-3 with the ROC (30.06)
Month July August September
Compliance Filing of FLA with RBI. If having foreign liability or assets
  • Holding of the Second Meeting of the Board of Directors.
  • Preparation/ Adoption of the Financial statement
  • Adoption Auditors’ Report
  • Preparation/ Adoption of the Directors’ Report
  • Obtaining MBP-1, in case of any change.
  • Circulation of the Financial Statement and notice of AGM to the Shareholders, Directors, Auditor, etc.
  • The holding of the Annual General Meeting
  • Filing of DIR-3 KYC (30.09)
Month October November December
Compliance
  • Filing of AOC-4 (29.10)
  • Filing of MSME-1 (30.10)
  • Filing of MGT-7 with ROC   (29.11)
  • Holding of Third Meeting of Board of Directors.
  • Obtaining MBP-1, in case of any change.
Month January February March
Compliance    
  • Holding of the Fourth Meeting of the Board of Directors.
  • Obtaining MBP-1, in case of any change.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this document have been prepared based on the relevant provisions and as per the information existing at the time of the preparation. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the information provided, I assume no responsibility, therefore. Users of this information are expected to refer to the relevant existing provisions of applicable Laws. The user of the information agrees that the information is not professional advice and is subject to change without notice. I assume no responsibility for the consequences of the use of such information.

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Quick recapKey facts & short answers

Key Facts About Relaxations for Small Companies

  • Applies in: All states across India, under the relevant central law.
  • Mode: Mostly online via the official government portal.
  • Typical timeline: Ranges from a few days to a few weeks depending on the case.
  • Non-compliance: May attract penalties, interest or late fees.
  • Expert help: TaxClue completes Relaxations for Small Companies end to end for you.

What is Relaxations for Small Companies?

Relaxations for Small Companies is an important compliance and legal topic for businesses and individuals in India. This guide explains its meaning, applicability and key requirements in simple language so you can understand and stay fully compliant.

Who needs to know about Relaxations for Small Companies?

Business owners, startups, professionals, and taxpayers dealing with Relaxations for Small Companies should understand the applicable rules. Requirements can vary by turnover, entity type and activity, so it is best to confirm your specific case before proceeding.

Relaxations for Small Companies: a key compliance topic in Indian tax and corporate law that businesses and individuals must understand to remain compliant.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax, legal or financial advice. Laws, rates and due dates change and can vary by individual case — always verify with the relevant government source (e.g. mca.gov.in, incometax.gov.in) or consult a qualified professional before acting. TaxClue accepts no liability for decisions taken based on this content.

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Short, direct answers to the 7 questions readers ask most on this topic.

Relaxations for Small Companies is an important compliance and legal topic for businesses and individuals in India. This guide explains its meaning, applicability and key requirements in simple language so you can understand and stay fully compliant.

Business owners, startups, professionals, and taxpayers dealing with Relaxations for Small Companies should understand the applicable rules. Requirements can vary by turnover, entity type and activity, so it is best to confirm your specific case before proceeding.

Typical documents include PAN, identity and address proof, business registration proof, and any category-specific forms. The exact checklist depends on your situation — TaxClue experts can prepare the correct set for Relaxations for Small Companies and help you avoid rejections.

The process generally involves preparing documents, filing the correct form on the relevant government portal, paying applicable fees, and tracking status until approval. Following the right sequence for Relaxations for Small Companies helps avoid delays and penalties.

Yes. Late or non-compliance related to Relaxations for Small Companies can attract penalties, interest or late fees, and some filings have strict due dates. Staying on schedule protects you from avoidable costs — TaxClue sends timely reminders.

In most cases yes, Relaxations for Small Companies can be handled online through the official government portal. TaxClue can complete the end-to-end process for you digitally, so you don't have to visit any office.

TaxClue's CA, CS and legal experts handle Relaxations for Small Companies end to end — eligibility check, documentation, filing, and follow-up. Refer to Income Tax Department for official rules, and contact TaxClue for hands-on, affordable assistance.