The health of a nation’s economy highly depends on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSME registration is available through the Indian government to help subscribers sign up for various schemes, secure finance and gain benefits of recognition. In order to claim these benefits, companies must register with the government.
This article explains everything you should know about MSME filing forms, including the necessary details, who can apply, what is required for documentation and what papers you should gather.
An MSME is a business known as either 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.
MSME-1 Form (or MSME Form I) is a mandate from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), required by all companies in India. While tracking companies who are late in paying Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs).
Businesses should go through MSME registration because it helps them reap a variety of benefits.
Access to Government Schemes: MSMEs may take advantage of support from the government by applying for subsidies, rebates and loans.
Bank Loans with Lower Interest Rates: Registered MSMEs are qualified to get low-interest loans.
Protection Against Delayed Payments: If buyers do not pay on time, MSMEs are entitled to find relief under the MSME Development Act.
Tax Benefits: Being registered as an MSME allows businesses to enjoy some tax exemptions that help save money.
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 |
To sign and submit MSME forms and returns online, you need a Digital Signature Certificate. It is true particularly if you use online services or ask an expert for help when filing.
Types of DSC:
This was originally standardized as Class 2 and has since been renewed under another heading.
For most online filing cases today, Class 3 must be selected.
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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