Foreign Liabilites And Assets Information Reporting(FLAIR) System
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the due date for filing the Annual Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) Return for the financial year ending 31 March, 2026. Eligible entities can now submit the FLA Return through the Foreign Liabilities and Assets Information Reporting (FLAIR) System on or before 31 July, 2026.
The FLA Return is a mandatory annual reporting requirement for Indian entities that have received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) or have made Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) and have outstanding foreign assets or liabilities as on 31 March, 2026. Even if there are no fresh foreign investment transactions during the year, entities with existing outstanding foreign investments are generally required to file the return.
Along with extending the due date, RBI has also notified a change in its official communication email. The earlier email ID surveyfla@rbi.org.in has been replaced with flareturn@rbi.org.in, and all future queries and correspondence relating to FLA reporting should be addressed to the new email ID.
Key Highlights
• Return: Annual Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) Return
• Reporting Date: Position as on 31 March, 2026
• Extended Due Date: 31 July, 2026
• Mode of Filing: Online through the RBI's FLAIR Portal
• New Official Email: flareturn@rbi.org.in
Who Should File?
The FLA Return is applicable to Indian companies, LLPs, partnership firms, and other eligible entities that:
• Have received Foreign Direct Investment (FDI);
• Have made Overseas Direct Investment (ODI); or
• Have outstanding foreign liabilities or foreign assets as on 31 March, 2026.
Why Timely Filing is Important
The FLA Return is filed under the reporting framework prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA). Failure to submit the return within the prescribed timeline may result in non-compliance with FEMA reporting requirements and could attract regulatory consequences.
Entities should review their foreign investment records, verify outstanding foreign assets and liabilities, and ensure that the required financial information is readily available before filing the return.
The extension provides additional time for eligible entities to complete the reporting process accurately. Businesses with foreign investments should utilize this opportunity to ensure timely compliance and avoid any last-minute filing issues.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or professional advice. Taxpayers should consult their tax advisor based on the facts of their specific case before taking any action.
