Form DPT-3 Filing under Companies Act, 2013 – Due Date, Applicability, Penalties & Procedure
What is Form DPT-3?
Form DPT-3 is introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to file a company’s return on deposits it has accepted during a financial year. Its primary purpose is to intimate the Registrar of Companies of all the deposits and outstanding receipts for improved transparency, depositor protection, and financial oversight. Companies accepting deposits from members, directors, or third parties must disclose these in DPT-3 to help regulators assess financial health.
Legal Provisions for DPT-3 Filings
- Section 73(2) of the Companies Act, 2013
- Rule 16 and 16A of the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014: Every company other than a government company shall file a return in Form DPT-3 on or before 30th June of every year, furnishing the information as on 31st March duly audited by the company’s auditor.
Purpose of Filing DPT-3
- Enhance transparency
- Protect the interests of creditors and depositors
- Hold companies accountable for deposit-related activities
- Foster trust and confidence in financial operations
- Enable public access to company deposit disclosures
Eligible Companies for DPT-3 Filing
- Private Limited Companies
- One Person Companies (OPCs)
- Public Limited Companies
- Section 8 Companies (Non-profit organizations)
Companies Exempted from Filing DPT-3
- Government Companies
- Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
- Housing Finance Companies registered with the National Housing Bank
- Any other company notified under the proviso to Section 73(1) of the Companies Act, 2013
Transactions Not Considered as Deposits
The following are not considered deposits under Rule 2(1)(c) of the Companies Rules, 2014:
- Funds received from Central/State Government or guaranteed by them
- Borrowings from public financial institutions, insurance companies, or banks
- Loans received from another company
- Subscription to securities, including share application money or call-in-advance
- Loans from directors (or their relatives in case of a private company) holding position at lending time
- Security deposits from employees, not exceeding annual salary
- Advance received in ordinary course of business (goods, services, contract obligations)
- Convertible notes up to ₹25 lakhs or more from startups
- Secured bonds or debentures (first charge) or non-convertible debentures without asset charge
- Unsecured loans from promoters
- Money from Nidhi Company or chit fund subscriptions
- Amounts raised through SEBI-registered schemes like mutual funds, AIFs, etc.
- Any other receipt specifically excluded under Rule 2(1)(c)
Note: Even if not treated as deposits, such outstanding amounts as on 31st March must be disclosed in Form DPT-3.
Types of DPT-3 Filings
- One-time return
- Annual return
Due Date for Filing DPT-3
The annual return must be filed by 30th June each year. For instance, for FY 2019-20, the due date was 30th June 2020.
Penalties for Non-Filing of Form DPT-3
Non-compliance with DPT-3 can attract heavy penalties under the Companies Act, 2013:
- Company: Penalty of ₹1 crore or twice the deposit amount (whichever is lower), up to ₹10 crore
- Officers in default: Imprisonment up to 7 years, and fine from ₹25 lakhs to ₹2 crore
- Delay in penalty payment: ₹5,000 initially + ₹500/day until payment
How to File Form DPT-3?
1.Log in to the MCA Portal at www.mca.gov.in using Business User credentials.
2. Navigate to MCA Services > e-Filing > Deposit Related Filings > DPT-3 Webform.
3. Fill in details such as CIN, email ID, main objects, net worth, and outstanding amounts as of 31st March.
4. Attach supporting documents – auditor’s certificate, board resolution, financial data.
5. Authenticate using a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
6. Pay the prescribed filing fees as per the company’s authorized share capital.
7. Receive SRN and email confirmation upon successful submission.
Final Thoughts
DPT-3 is not just a compliance form but a reflection of a company’s financial integrity. Even if no formal deposits are accepted, reporting loans or advances from exempt sources is mandatory if outstanding as of 31st March. Ensure timely filing to maintain regulatory health and avoid penalties.
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DISCLAIMER:-The contents of this article are intended solely for general informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice or a professional opinion in any manner. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, the author/firm does not accept any liability for errors, omissions, or any consequences arising from the use of such information. Readers are strongly advised to seek appropriate professional advice before acting upon any of the contents herein.
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