How to File LLP Form 4: Everything You Need to Know

Form 4 is filed to report when you add or remove partners in LLP, such as: 

• Appointment of a new partner or designated partner
• Cessation or resignation of an existing partner
• Change in designation
• Updates to personal details

Partner-related changes can also affect the LLP Agreement, which is where LLP Form 3 comes in. Form 3 is used to:

• Submit the LLP Agreement at the time of incorporation
• Report any amendments to the agreement, such as:
  • Changes in business activities,
  • Capital contributions,
  • Profit-sharing ratios,
  • Or the rights and duties of partners.

If you want to know when to change the LLP agreement, here’s the detailed blog: When to change LLP Agreement: Know reasons & procedure

In practice, filing depends on the type of change:

• Form 4 alone: When only a partner’s status or personal details change
• Form 3 and Form 4 together: When changes in partners also require modifications to the LLP Agreement (e.g., revised capital contribution, updated ownership structure, or altered rights/duties)
• Form 3 alone: When the LLP Agreement is amended without any partner appointments or cessations

To be compliant with the annual compliances for LLP, any changes must be registered with the MCA using Forms 3 and 4.

Now that we know how Forms 3 and 4 are related, let’s talk about LLP Form 4, what it’s for, how to file it, how much it costs, and what to avoid.

1. Purpose of LLP Form 4

Form 4 acts as a formal notice to the MCA when there are updates about partners in a Limited Liability Partnership. Its key purposes include:

1. Updating Partner or Designated Partner Changes

• The LLP needs to notify the ROC about any partner update within 30 days
  
  Find out what a designated partner means. Also, see how this role differs from others in an LLP setup: Difference between Partner and Designated Partner in LLP

2. Maintaining Accurate Records

• The form keeps the MCA database updated with all LLP partners’ information

3. Simplifying Compliance

• The form streamlines the application process for LLPs:
  • Admission of a new partner or designated partner
  • Cessation or resignation of an existing partner or designated partner
  • Any change in the personal or professional particulars of a partner

Filing LLP Form 4 on time is essential to maintain legal compliance, transparency, and smooth functioning of the LLP.

Along with these occasional compliance, here’s the list of all the annual filings LLP needs to do: Mandatory Annual Compliances for a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

2. Who Needs to File LLP Form 4

LLP Form 4 must be filed in the following cases:

• Change in partners or designated partners: Appointment or cessation
• Change in partner particulars: Name, address, or designation (e.g., from partner to designated partner or vice versa).

Key Requirements:

• Due Date of Form 4: File within 30 days of the change
• The appointed or outgoing partner must provide consent
• A designated partner must affix their digital signature, and the form must be certified by a professional (CA/CS/CMA)
• Late submission attracts penalties

3. Documents Required in LLP Form 4

• Authorization: Needed for appointing a new partner/designated partner
• Resignation Proof: When a partner/designated partner leaves
• Name Change Proof: Affidavit or supporting document for name updates
• Company as Partner: Board resolution with nominee/designated partner details
• Additional Info: Attach any extra details separately, if required

4. How to Fill LLP Form 4

Filing LLP Form 4 can be done through the MCA portal using two main approaches. Both methods ultimately lead to submission, digital signature affixation, and fee payment.

Option 1: Through MCA Services > E-Filing

1. Go to the MCA homepage
2. Login with your valid credentials
3. Navigate to MCA Services > E-Filing
4. Select LLP Forms Download
5. Choose Notice of appointment, cessation, change in name/address/designation of a Designated Partner or Partner, and consent to become a Partner/Designated Partner.
6. Enter your LLP information
7. Optionally, search for your LLPIN
8. Select the LLPIN from the dropdown (if applicable)
9. Fill in the application details
10. Optionally, save the webform as a draft
11. Submit the webform
12. A Service Request Number (SRN) will be generated for future correspondence
13. Affix your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
14. Upload the DSC-affixed PDF on the MCA portal
15. Pay the required fees.
    
    Note: If the DSC-affixed PDF is not uploaded within 15 days of SRN generation, or payment is not completed within 7 days of successful upload (or within the due date + 2 days, whichever is earlier), the SRN will be cancelled.
    
16. An acknowledgement is generated upon successful filing.

Option 2: Through MCA Homepage Search

1. Go to the MCA homepage and use the search bar to locate LLP Form No. 4
2. Login with your valid credentials
3. Enter your LLP information
4. Optionally, search for your LLPIN
5. Select the LLPIN from the dropdown (if applicable)
6. Fill in the application details
7. Optionally, save the web form as a draft
8. Submit the webform
9. A Service Request Number (SRN) is generated
10. Affix your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
11. Upload the DSC-affixed PDF on the MCA portal
12. Pay the required fees (same rules for SRN cancellation apply)
13. An acknowledgement is generated

5. LLP Form 4 Format & Related Entity Details

LLP Form 4 requires clear entry of partner/designated partner details and related entity information.

Partner/Designated Partner Table:

• Full name of partner/designated partner
• DIN/DPIN: Director/Designated Partner Identification Number (DIN/DPIN)
• Address: Residential or registered address
• Date of Appointment/Cessation
• Designation: Partner or Designated Partner

Related Entity Details:

• Definition: Entities related to the LLP, e.g., another LLP, company, or firm having a financial or managerial connection.
• Reporting: Include name, relationship type, and details of the nominee/authorized representative if applicable.

6. Fees for LLP Form 4

Normal Filing Fees for LLP Form 4

S. No.	Type of LLP	Fee Applicable (INR)
1	Small LLP	50
2	Other than Small LLP	150

A Small LLP meets all of the following criteria:

1. Total contribution is less than ₹25 lakh (or up to ₹5 crore, if prescribed)
2. Turnover in the previous financial year does not exceed ₹40 lakh (or up to ₹50 crore, if prescribed)
3. Meets any other conditions specified by the authorities

Additional Fees for Delay in Filing Form-4

Period of Delay	Small LLPs	Other than Small LLPs
Up to 15 days	One-time normal fee	One-time normal fee
16–30 days	2× normal fee	4× normal fee
31–60 days	4× normal fee	8× normal fee
61–90 days	6× normal fee	12× normal fee
91–180 days	10× normal fee	20× normal fee
181–360 days	15× normal fee	30× normal fee

Note: Filing beyond 360 days may be rejected or subject to further penalties as per MCA rules.

Conclusion

Filing LLP Form 4 on time ensures your LLP stays compliant with MCA rules while updating partner details correctly. Seeking advice from a qualified expert – like a CA, CS, or CMA – can support hassle-free filing, particularly during complex updates or situations involving multiple partners.  Quickly and easily avoid errors, delays, and penalties with LegalWiz’s assistance when changing partners in an LLP.