The economic growth of a nation significantly depends on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Indian government allows MSME registration to provide its subscribers with scheme access and financial backing and identification benefits. Companies need to submit an MSME registration form to the government in order to qualify for these benefits.
This article will provide complete information about MSME filing forms which includes the essential requirements, filing eligibility criteria, documentation steps as well as the relevant documents needed.
An MSME refers to a Micro, Small, or Medium-sized Enterprise. These businesses are classified based on their investment in plant and machinery or equipment. In India, the MSME sector plays a significant role in fostering innovation, generating employment, and contributing to economic growth.
The classification of MSMEs in India is based on the following criteria:
Micro Enterprise: Investment in plant and machinery/equipment is up to ₹1 crore and turnover is up to ₹5 crore.
Small Enterprise: Investment in plant and machinery/equipment is up to ₹10 crore and turnover is up to ₹50 crore.
Medium Enterprise: Investment in plant and machinery/equipment is up to ₹50 crore and turnover is up to ₹250 crore.
The MSME-1 Form (also known as MSME Form I) is a compliance requirement introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India. It is designed to track delayed payments to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) by companies.
MSME registration is crucial for businesses as it provides them with various advantages, including:
Access to Government Schemes: MSMEs are eligible for various government schemes such as subsidies, tax rebates, and loans.
Bank Loans with Lower Interest Rates: Registered MSMEs can avail of financial assistance at competitive interest rates.
Protection Against Delayed Payments: MSMEs have the right to seek protection under the MSME Development Act for delayed payments from buyers.
Tax Benefits: Registered MSMEs can enjoy tax exemptions, which help to lower operational costs.
Who must file MSME-1?
A company whether it is public or private and has outstanding payments to Micro and Small enterprises for more than 45 days from the date of acceptance or deemed acceptance of goods & services must file form MSME-1
When should MSME-1 be filed?
A Registrant submits MSME-1 data file statements to the Registrar of Companies twice per year during their two half-year periods for regular MSME payment obligation updates.
To file for MSME registration, businesses must submit the appropriate form with the government. There are two types of MSME registration forms:
Udyam Registration (New MSME Registration Process):
EM-II (Entrepreneur Memorandum Part-II):
A business must fulfill particular conditions to obtain MSME registration.
A business participation in manufacturing and production activities or delivering services allows them to qualify for MSME registration.
A business needs to fall into one of the MSME categories defined by investment limits set earlier.
Note: Sole proprietors together with partnerships private limited companies qualify to obtain MSME registration.
The following documentation is necessary to register for MSME:
Company Details
To begin the MSME registration process, you need to provide basic and essential information about your business. These details help verify the legitimacy and operational status of your company.
Name of the enterprise
Type of organization (Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, Pvt. Ltd., etc.)
Business address and contact details
Date of commencement of business
Bank account details of the enterprise (including a cancelled cheque)
PAN card number and Aadhar Card number of the proprietor/partners/directors
Period of Filing
When you are filing your MSME return or complete your registration, you must outline the period being checked. This is crucial for companies that have not submitted their delayed payment returns as required by MSME Samadhan or MSME Development Act.
Examples:
April–September (H1)
October–March (H2)
List of Outstanding Dues to MSMEs
If your company has outstanding payments due to MSME vendors, you must provide a complete list along with relevant details.
Details to be Provided:
Name of MSME supplier
Amount due
Date from which the amount is due
Reason for the delay (if applicable)
MSME Status Confirmation
Investment in plant and machinery or equipment
Annual turnover
Category |
Investment (INR) |
Turnover (INR) |
Micro |
≤ ₹1 crore |
≤ ₹5 crore |
Small |
≤ ₹10 crore |
≤ ₹50 crore |
Medium |
≤ ₹50 crore |
≤ ₹250 crore |
A valid Digital Signature Certificate is necessary for signing and submitting MSME forms and returns online. This applies especially if the filing is done through a government portal or with professional help.
Types of DSC:
Class 2 (used previously, now replaced)
Class 3 (required for most online filings today)
The MSME-1 registration process is straightforward and can be done online via the Udyam Registration Portal. Follow the steps below:
Click "For New Registration" from the webpage. After initialization you must enter specific information including:
Aadhaar number (linked to the applicant’s name).
Business details like name, address, and activity.
Investment in plants and machinery or equipment.
Annual turnover.
Due Date for Filing Form MSME-1
The specified companies must file MSME-1 half-yearly return through MCA. Filing date for Form MSME-1 is listed below according to the timelines established for submission.
Due Date | Period for which MSME-1 is filed |
30 April | For October-March period |
31 October | For April-September period |
Self-Declaration: Only Aadhaar verification is required to complete the Udyam Registration form. All the information is declared by users themselves.
No Fee for Registration: It is free to register your MSME on the Udyam portal.
Validity: The MSME registration is valid for the lifetime of the business, and there’s no need for annual renewal.
Financial Benefits:
Ease of Business:
Tax Benefits:
Protection of Intellectual Property:
Every business that neglects to submit the MSME-1 can lead to significant penalty under Companies Act 2013. Under section 405(4), if a company fails to file MSME-1, the company and every officer by default will be liable to a penalty of ₹20,000, and additional ₹1000 of each day if failure continues which exceed maximum till ₹3,00,000
The acquisition of benefits coupled with formal recognition for government programs depends on successful completion of the MSME registration process. The correct completion of MSME registration form leads businesses to access various growth and financing opportunities together with protection benefits. Enrolling with the government is simple and uncomplicated for businesses, large and small, due to Udyam Registration.
Entrepreneurs should file their MSME registration right away to access available benefits which support organizations that have officially registered.
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