An Indian subsidiary of a Spanish group works to two calendars. The Indian financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March, so its annual meeting is due by 30 September, its company filings follow within 30 and 60 days, its tax return is due on 31 October (30 November if transfer pricing applies), and its Foreign Liabilities and Assets return is due by 15 July. Monthly deadlines fall on the 7th for tax deducted at source, the 11th and 20th for goods and services tax, and the 15th for provident fund and state insurance. The Spanish parent, with a calendar year, has its own tax return and foreign investment reports: the D-8 report is due within seven months of the Indian year end, which is 31 October. Put both calendars in one file with an owner against every line.
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Key facts
| Indian financial year | 1 April to 31 March |
|---|---|
| Monthly | TDS by the 7th; GSTR-1 by the 11th; GSTR-3B by the 20th; provident fund and state insurance by the 15th |
| Quarterly | Advance tax on 15 June, 15 September, 15 December and 15 March; TDS returns after each quarter |
| Annual | AGM by 30 September; AOC-4 within 30 days and MGT-7 within 60 days of the AGM; tax return by 31 October |
| Reserve Bank | FC-GPR within 30 days of allotment; FLA return by 15 July |
| Spanish parent | D-8 report within seven months of the Indian year end; corporate tax return in Spain; related-party files |
| Directors | Annual director KYC by 30 September |
| Note | Dates can be extended by notification; confirm before the date |
Monthly and quarterly Indian dates
| When | What | Who acts |
|---|---|---|
| By the 7th of each month | Deposit tax deducted at source from salary, contractors, rent and cross-border payments | Company |
| By the 11th | GSTR-1: outward supplies | Company |
| By the 15th | Provident fund and state insurance contributions | Company |
| By the 20th | GSTR-3B: summary return and tax payment | Company |
| 15 June, 15 September, 15 December, 15 March | Advance tax instalments once there is taxable profit | Company |
| After each quarter (31 July, 31 October, 31 January, 31 May) | Quarterly TDS returns; confirm the dates each year | Company |
The Indian annual cycle
| When | What | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 31 March | Financial year ends | Books closed for audit |
| 15 July | Foreign Liabilities and Assets return to the Reserve Bank | Covers the year to 31 March |
| By 30 September | Annual general meeting; director KYC | Six months from year end |
| Within 30 days of the AGM | AOC-4 financial statements | Includes the auditor report |
| Within 60 days of the AGM | MGT-7 annual return | Shareholders and directors list |
| 31 October | Income tax return and audit report; accountant report | Extended for transfer pricing cases to 30 November |
| 30 November | Form 3CEB where transfer pricing applies | Follows the return date |
| 31 October | Spanish D-8 report on the Indian company | Seven months from 31 March |
The Spanish parent's dates
| Item | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Declaration of the investment (D-5A) | Within one month of acquiring 10% or more | Once, then on changes |
| Annual report on the foreign company (D-8) | Within seven months of the investee's year end | For holdings of 10% or more where capital or net equity is above EUR 1.5 million, or holding companies |
| Corporate income tax return | Typically July for a calendar-year company; confirm | Include Indian dividends and credits |
| Transfer pricing documentation | With the tax return or on request | Align with the Indian file |
| Country-by-country reporting | Within twelve months of the group year end for large groups | Confirm thresholds |
| Tax residency certificate for India | Each year before the first payment | From the Agencia Tributaria |
Where the two calendars collide
- The Indian year end of 31 March does not match the Spanish year end of 31 December, so the group needs a bridge for consolidation, usually a management account to December.
- Indian dividend approvals follow the Indian audit and AGM, so cash arrives after September, not in the Spanish year of the profit.
- The Spanish D-8 date of 31 October is the same day as the Indian tax return, so one person should not own both.
- Withholding certificates from India arrive after the quarterly return, which affects the Spanish credit claim.
- Transfer pricing files must agree in both countries and take time, so start in the autumn.
Assigning owners
A calendar helps only if each line has a named owner, a backup, a lead time and a place where the evidence is kept. For a small subsidiary the owner is usually the finance manager or the external accountant, with the Resident Director responsible for company law filings and the Spanish group controller responsible for the Spanish items. Review the calendar every quarter, and add the dates of any new registrations. See the resident director guide.
What happens if a date is missed
Indian companies pay additional fees for each day of delay on the annual company filings, interest and penalties on late tax, and late fees on goods and services tax returns. A late foreign investment filing needs a late submission fee and, for larger delays, compounding with the Reserve Bank. A continuing default can lead to disqualification of directors under the Companies Act. Penalties are far larger than the cost of filing on time, so a monthly review is worthwhile.
Official sources
Check the rules at the primary sources: Income Tax Department (India), Reserve Bank of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Agencia Tributaria (Spain), Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business and the Ministry of External Affairs (India).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Indian financial year?
1 April to 31 March.
When is the annual general meeting due?
Within six months of the year end, so by 30 September for a March year end.
When must AOC-4 and MGT-7 be filed?
AOC-4 within 30 days and MGT-7 within 60 days of the annual general meeting.
When is tax deducted at source due?
By the 7th of the following month, with a quarterly return.
When is the income tax return due?
31 October for a company that needs an audit, extended to 30 November where transfer pricing applies. Confirm the date each year.
What is the FLA return?
The annual Foreign Liabilities and Assets return to the Reserve Bank, due by 15 July.
What does the Spanish parent file each year?
The D-8 report within seven months of the Indian year end where it applies, its corporate tax return and related-party documentation.
Can due dates change?
Yes, by notification. Confirm each date before it falls.
How do I deal with the different year ends?
Prepare a management account to the Spanish year end for consolidation and agree an audit timetable that allows it.
Related guides
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Read the guide →Transfer Pricing for an Indian Subsidiary of a Spanish Group: Arm's Length Rules, Form 3CEB, Local File, Services, Royalties and Loans, and Spain's Own Documentation
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Read the guide →Sources
Last updated 2 November 2026. General information only, not legal or tax advice. Indian and Spanish rules change often; confirm current requirements before acting.