Why it matters
The FLA return is RBI's census of foreign investment in India and Indian investment abroad. It's required even when nothing changed during the year, and even when the foreign holding is small. Companies often discover they missed it only when a bank or investor asks for proof of past RBI filings.
If the audit isn't finished by the due date, the return is filed on unaudited figures and revised once the accounts are audited.
Documents required
- Financial statements for the year — audited, or provisional if the audit is pending.
- Shareholding pattern with details of non-resident shareholders.
- Details of foreign investment received and outward investment made.
- Previous year's FLA return, if any.
How we file it
Confirm applicability
Foreign investment received, or investment made abroad, at any point — including in the year.
Prepare the figures
Equity, debt and other positions at market or book value as the return requires.
File on the portal
The return is filed and the acknowledgement kept.
Revise after audit
Where filed on unaudited figures, a revised return is filed once the audit is complete.
What the return reports
| Part | Covers |
|---|---|
| Foreign liabilities | Equity and debt held by non-residents in the Indian entity |
| Foreign assets | The Indian entity's investments in entities abroad |
| Other positions | Trade credits, loans, and other external assets and liabilities |
Practical notes from our engagements
- Missed in the first year. A company that received FDI during the year files an FLA return for that year too.
- Filed once and forgotten. The FLA return is annual as long as the foreign investment remains.
- Revision after audit skipped. A return filed on provisional figures should be revised once the accounts are audited.
How we handle FLA returns
We diarise the FLA return for every client with foreign investment, prepare it from the accounts, and revise it after the audit where needed.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Who must file the FLA return?
Indian companies, LLPs and other specified entities that have received foreign direct investment or made overseas direct investment, including those that did so during the year.
When is the FLA return due?
15 July each year. RBI extended it to 31 July in 2026.
What if our accounts aren't audited by 15 July?
File on unaudited figures and revise the return once the audit is complete.
Is there a penalty for late filing?
Yes, a late submission fee under RBI's framework — a flat amount for returns like the FLA.
Do we file if nothing changed during the year?
Yes. The return is required every year while the foreign investment is outstanding.
Does an LLP with foreign investment file the FLA return?
Yes. LLPs with foreign direct investment or overseas investment file it too.