Are you planning to kick-start your own business? Is your entrepreneurial dream nearing realisation? Nothing gives more adrenaline rush than being your own boss. So while we wish you all the good luck in your new venture, this post will help you get started by listing down important pointers on the company registration process in India.
In India, company registration is also referred to as incorporation of company or formation of a business. Registering your company makes your business a distinguished entity and gives it a legal existence. The company registration process in India is done under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
According to the statistics, nearly 7 lakh companies are registered in India and new applications are being filed every day. It is crucial to be well informed by the registration process and this post lays out a step-by-step guide to the company registration process in India.
1) Apply For Director Identification Number (DIN)
The first step towards the company registration process in India begins by obtaining the unique identification number. According to the Companies Amendment Act 2006, all directors in a company (existing as well as intending directors) need to acquire their Director Identification Number (DIN).
DIN is a unique 8-digit number that is issued under the Companies Act section 153. The requirements for DIN include full name, father’s name, DOB, identity proof, address and it’s proof, PAN card copy and two photographs of all the directors proposed.
The application form is available online on the official website of the ministry of corporate affairs (MCA Website) as the DIN-1 Form. All business owners need to register themselves at MCA Website and acquire a login ID.
The DIN-1 Form must be dully filled and uploaded after paying the applicable fees. The DIN application form is charged a nominal INR 100 and takes about one day for execution.
2) Apply For Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
The authenticity of the documents and information provided in the DIN-1 Form can only be assured by getting a valid digital signature on all the documents submitted in the e-filing process.
The company registration process in India requires every business to acquire a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to ensure a secure way to get the documents submitted electronically. The requisites for application of digital signature includes proposed directors’ full name, father’s name, DOB, address with proof, PAN card copy, identity proof and a photograph.
However, companies should acquire DSC only from agencies that are anointed by the Controller of Certification Agencies (CCA). Some of the government listed CCA are agencies such as MTNL, IDBRT, nCODE Solutions, TCS and SAFESCRYPT to name a few.
A DSC is distinguished for every business entity and should not be shared by businesses. Normally this digital certification is valid for a period of one or two years, and after expiry, it should be renewed by the CCA again.
The application fees for acquiring a DSC range from INR 800 – 5999 depending on the structure of the organization and the validity period. It usually takes 2-3 business days time to process a DSC form.
3) Filing For New User Registration
It is important to get registered on the MCA portal. You need to create a user account for filing an eForm, carrying out different transactions and paying the prescribed fees. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs does not charge any fee for creating an account.
4) Filing for Charter Documents
In a company registration process, the applicants are required to create charter documents like Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).
Memorandum of Association (MOA) – The MOA contains all the details of the registering company required during the incorporation process. It also provides details regarding the objectives and powers of the company and also the relationship between the outsider and the company. The MOA once created cannot be amended.
Articles of Association (AOA) – This document specifies the rules and regulations laid by the company. It provides details about the management, conduct and bye-laws governing the internal affairs of the company. The AOA acts as an auxiliary to the MOA, yet it can, however, be amended, if required.
5) Application For Company Name
The proposed company name should be unique and descriptive of the products and services offered by the business. It provides them with a distinguished entity from their competitors in the same field.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has recently initiated a RUN (Reserve Unique Name) web service for incorporating a company. However, this service can be used only once. Due to a similarity in names or failure to abide by the Companies Incorporation Rules, once rejected, RUN cannot be re-used.
Hence, you must make sure that the proposed name is unique and fulfils all the guidelines prescribed. In case of rejection, the applicant must re-file another RUN form after paying the prescribed fees.
6) Register Other Details
The next step in the company registration process in India includes registering the company name & address and notice for appointment of directors, secretary and manager.
Form-1 must be carefully filled and submitted for incorporating the company name on the MCA website. It is mandatory to provide at least 4 alternative names for your company. The proposed company name should also abide by all the provisions listed under the Companies Act, 1950. Following this, you must choose one of them and process with filing Form -18 and Form-32 for company’s address and appointment of directors, secretary and manager respectively.
Once the forms are submitted they are scrutinized by the concerned agencies. The whole process is completed in about 8-10 days. On being approved by the MCA, the status of your company registration form changes to Approved.
7) Acquiring PAN and TAN
The last step in the company registration process in India is acquiring PAN (Permanent Account Number) for your company. PAN should only be obtained from authorized agents who are appointed by the Union Trust of India (UTI) Investors Services Ltd or the National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL). The process usually takes about seven days and costs up to INR 70.
After PAN, you also need to get TAN (Tax Account Number) for your company. It can be obtained from any Assessing Officer present at the Income Tax Department of your state. This takes a week’s time and costs around INR 60.
0 Comments