AOC-4 Standard vs. XBRL: Which One Does Your Company Need in 2026?

Filing financial statements with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is a critical compliance step for companies in India. As 2026 approaches, understanding the differences between the AOC-4 Standard and AOC-4 XBRL forms becomes essential. This post explains the various versions of Form AOC-4, clarifies the criteria for mandatory XBRL filing, and highlights specific requirements for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) using Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS).

Comparison of AOC-4 Standard and XBRL filing forms

What Is Form AOC-4 and Why Does It Matter?

Form AOC-4 is the prescribed format for filing financial statements and other documents with the MCA. It ensures transparency and compliance with the Companies Act, 2013. Companies must submit this form annually along with their Board’s report.

There are two main versions of Form AOC-4:

• AOC-4 Standard: The traditional form used for filing financial statements in PDF or other prescribed formats.

• AOC-4 XBRL: A newer format that requires financial data to be filed in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), a structured digital format.

  
  

Choosing the correct form depends on your company’s size, turnover, and accounting standards.

Differences Between AOC-4 Standard and AOC-4 XBRL

Feature	AOC-4 Standard	AOC-4 XBRL
Format	PDF or other prescribed formats	XBRL digital format
Data Processing	Manual review by MCA	Automated data extraction and analysis
Filing Complexity	Simpler for smaller companies	Requires software and technical expertise
Mandatory for	Companies below XBRL thresholds	Companies meeting XBRL criteria
Benefits	Easier for small companies	Faster processing, better data accuracy

The XBRL format allows regulators and stakeholders to analyze financial data more efficiently. However, it requires companies to tag financial data according to a taxonomy, which can be complex for smaller firms.

Criteria for Mandatory XBRL Filing in 2026

The MCA mandates XBRL filing for companies meeting certain financial thresholds. For the financial year 2025-26 onwards, the criteria are:

• Paid-up Capital of ₹5 crore or more

• Turnover of ₹100 crore or more

  
  

Companies meeting either of these thresholds must file their financial statements in XBRL format using Form AOC-4 XBRL.

What Counts Toward These Criteria?

• Paid-up capital includes equity shares and preference shares issued by the company.

• Turnover refers to the gross revenue from operations during the financial year.

  
  

If a company falls below both thresholds, it can continue filing using the AOC-4 Standard form.

Special Filing Requirements for NBFCs Using Ind AS

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have additional compliance requirements, especially those adopting Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS). Ind AS is mandatory for NBFCs with net worth of ₹500 crore or more or those listed on stock exchanges.

Key Points for NBFCs Filing Form AOC-4

• NBFCs using Ind AS must file financial statements in XBRL format regardless of turnover or paid-up capital.

• The XBRL taxonomy for NBFCs includes specific disclosures related to financial instruments, asset classification, provisioning norms, and capital adequacy.

• NBFCs must ensure their financial software supports Ind AS-compliant XBRL tagging.

• Filing deadlines remain the same as other companies but late filing attracts penalties.

  
  

Example

An NBFC with ₹300 crore paid-up capital and ₹80 crore turnover but using Ind AS must file Form AOC-4 XBRL. Conversely, a non-Ind AS NBFC with the same financials can file the standard form.

How to Prepare for Filing in 2026

For Companies Below XBRL Thresholds

• Continue using AOC-4 Standard form.

• Ensure financial statements comply with Companies Act and accounting standards.

• Use MCA’s portal for uploading PDF or other accepted formats.

  
  

For Companies Meeting XBRL Criteria

• Invest in XBRL-compliant accounting software or engage professionals.

• Train finance teams on XBRL tagging and validation.

• Validate XBRL files using MCA’s validation tools before submission.

• Keep track of deadlines to avoid penalties.

  
  

For NBFCs Using Ind AS

• Confirm Ind AS adoption status.

• Use specialized XBRL tools designed for NBFC taxonomy.

• Coordinate with auditors to ensure accuracy of disclosures.

• Review MCA circulars for any updates on filing requirements.

  
  

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Technical Complexity: XBRL filing requires understanding of taxonomy and software. Solution: Use expert consultants or software with user-friendly interfaces.

• Data Accuracy: Incorrect tagging can lead to rejection. Solution: Double-check data and use validation tools.

• Deadline Management: Missing deadlines results in fines. Solution: Plan filing well in advance and maintain a checklist.

• Ind AS Compliance for NBFCs: Complex disclosures may confuse teams. Solution: Regular training and audit reviews.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Choosing Between AOC-4 Standard and XBRL

Companies must evaluate their financial size and accounting standards to determine the correct filing form. The shift toward XBRL reflects a broader move to digital, transparent financial reporting. Early preparation will ease compliance and reduce risks.

For NBFCs, Ind AS adoption means mandatory XBRL filing regardless of size, underscoring the need for specialized knowledge and tools.

Next step: Review your company’s financials against the 2026 thresholds and consult with your finance or compliance team to start preparing for the appropriate form. Staying ahead ensures smooth filing and avoids penalties.