Annual FLA Return Deadline Extended: RBI Issues Key Relief for 2025
If your business has received FDI or made ODI, the Annual Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) Return is mandatory. And now, there’s a relief: RBI has extended the deadline for filing the FLA return for FY 2024–25 to 31 July 2025.
This extension, announced by the Reserve Bank of India via its official website, comes as a compliance breather for Indian companies and LLPs involved in cross-border investments.
Who Needs to File the FLA Return?
You must file the FLA Return if your Indian entity (company or LLP):
- Has received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the past
- Has made Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) in any foreign entity
- Had any outstanding foreign liabilities or assets as of 31 March 2025
This applies whether the FDI/ODI transaction happened in the current year or any previous year — if there’s a balance on the books, you are liable to file.
Key Details About FLA Filing
| Particulars | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Applicable Entities | Indian companies and LLPs with FDI/ODI |
| Reporting Period | FY 2024–25 (as on 31.03.2025) |
| Revised Due Date | 31 July 2025 |
| Mode of Filing | Online via FLAIR portal |
| Authority | RBI – Foreign Exchange Department |
| Penalty for Delay | May attract compounding under FEMA |
Official Link to RBI’s FLA Portal:
👉 https://flair.rbi.org.in
How to File the Annual FLA Return (Step-by-Step)
- Check Eligibility – Confirm any FDI received or ODI made in the past
- Gather Data – Balance Sheet details, foreign investor info, investment amount
- Register on FLAIR Portal – Only if not already registered
- Fill Online Return – Use latest Excel utility available on RBI site
- Validate and Upload – Ensure no error in foreign currency reporting
- Track Acknowledgement – Retain proof for compliance records
Legal Backing and RBI Notification
- The FLA Return is mandated under FEMA 1999
- As per Regulation 5 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Mode of Payment and Reporting of Non-Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2019, read with Master Direction – Reporting under FEMA, FLA filing is compulsory
- The latest deadline extension has been issued via RBI’s official update on 12 July 2025
Practical Tip from Compliance Experts
“Even if you received FDI only once in the past and haven’t done anything since — if there’s an outstanding amount or equity held by a foreigner, you must file the FLA. Many SMEs miss this and risk FEMA non-compliance.” — Efiletax Team
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
- Late filing or non-filing may attract penalties under FEMA, which can range from a monetary fine to compounding proceedings by RBI
- You may also face restrictions on future foreign investment approvals or difficulties in remittance approvals
Subheading with Keyphrase:
Why the Annual FLA Return Deadline Matters
The Annual FLA Return deadline isn’t just a formality — it helps RBI track India’s international investment position. Missing it signals poor compliance. With the new 31 July deadline, companies now have extra time to comply without penalty.
Summary
The RBI has extended the due date for filing the Annual FLA Return for FY 2024–25 to 31 July 2025. Indian companies and LLPs with foreign assets or liabilities must report via the FLAIR portal. Non-filing may attract FEMA penalties.
FAQs on FLA Return Compliance
Q1. What is the due date for Annual FLA Return for FY 2024–25?
A: The deadline is 31 July 2025, as per RBI’s latest update.
Q2. Do LLPs need to file the FLA Return?
A: Yes, if they’ve received FDI or made ODI.
Q3. Is filing needed if the foreign investment is nil this year?
A: Yes, if foreign investment was present in earlier years and is still reflected in the books.
Q4. What’s the penalty for missing the deadline?
A: Non-filing may attract compounding proceedings under FEMA and RBI scrutiny.
Final Note
The FLA Return may seem like a niche filing, but for businesses with any cross-border exposure, it’s a key compliance checkpoint. Use this extended timeline to file accurately and avoid future regulatory hassles.