Overview
Overview
Registering a company is a fundamental step for any business. It involves creating a legal entity that is recognized by the government, which can be a private limited company, public limited company, partnership, limited liability partnership (LLP), or sole proprietorship. This process includes selecting a unique company name, preparing the necessary documents, and complying with statutory requirements.
Types
Types
- Private Limited Company: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, offering limited liability to its shareholders.
- Public Limited Company: Suitable for large businesses that intend to raise capital from the public.
- Partnership Firm: Formed by two or more individuals who share profits and liabilities.
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Combines the benefits of a partnership and a company with limited liability.
- Sole Proprietorship: A business owned and managed by a single individual.
- One Person Company (OPC): Allows a single entrepreneur to operate a corporate entity with limited liability.
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Private Limited Company: Minimum of 2 directors and 2 shareholders, maximum of 200 members.
- Public Limited Company: Minimum of 3 directors and 7 shareholders, no maximum limit on members.
- Partnership Firm: Minimum of 2 partners, maximum as per partnership deed.
- LLP: Minimum of 2 partners, no maximum limit.
- Sole Proprietorship: Single individual.
- OPC: One individual as the sole shareholder and director.
Process
Process
- Choose Business Structure: Select the appropriate type of company.
- Name Reservation: Reserve a unique company name through the MCA portal.
- Prepare Documents: Draft the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA), along with other required documents.
- Filing: Submit the incorporation form along with the necessary documents to the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
- Payment: Pay the registration fees.
- Approval: Receive the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) from the ROC.
Required Document
Required Documents
- Identity Proof: PAN card, passport, or voter ID for all directors and shareholders.
- Address Proof: Aadhaar card, driving license, or utility bill for all directors and shareholders.
- Registered Office Proof: Rent agreement or property ownership document along with a utility bill.
- MoA and AoA: Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Photographs: Passport-sized photographs of directors and shareholders.
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): For online document submission.
- Director Identification Number (DIN): For all directors.
Benifit
Benefits
- Legal Recognition: Provides a legal identity separate from its owners.
- Limited Liability: Protects personal assets of the owners from business liabilities.
- Access to Funding: Makes it easier to raise capital from investors and financial institutions.
- Credibility and Trust: Enhances business credibility and trust among customers and stakeholders.
- Perpetual Existence: The company continues to exist even if the owners change.
- Tax Benefits: Eligible for various tax deductions and benefits.
Compliances
Compliances
- Annual Filing: Submission of annual returns and financial statements to the ROC.
- Statutory Audits: Regular auditing of financial statements by a certified auditor.
- Tax Filings: Filing of income tax returns, GST returns, and other relevant tax documents.
- Board Meetings: Regular board meetings and maintaining minutes of the meetings.
- ROC Filings: Timely filing of various forms and documents with the ROC as required.
Penalties
Penalties
- Late Filing Fees: Penalties for late submission of annual returns and other statutory documents.
- Legal Action: Risk of legal action against the company and its directors for non-compliance.
- Fines: Monetary fines for non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Disqualification: Directors may be disqualified from holding office in case of continued non-compliance.
- Company Strike-Off: The company may be struck off the register of companies for prolonged non-compliance.
Common Mistake
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Documentation: Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Choosing Wrong Structure: Selecting an inappropriate business structure for your needs.
- Ignoring Compliance: Failing to adhere to ongoing compliance requirements.
- Name Issues: Choosing a company name that is too similar to an existing one.
- Lack of Professional Help: Not seeking professional advice during the registration process.
- Mismanagement of Records: Poor record-keeping and document management.
FAQ
FAQ
Q: What is the minimum capital required to register a company?
A: There is no minimum capital requirement for registering a private limited company, LLP, or OPC. However, it varies for public limited companies based on regulatory norms.
Q: How long does it take to register a company?
A: The registration process typically takes 7-10 working days, provided all documents are in order and there are no discrepancies.
Q: Can a foreign national be a director of an Indian company?
A: Yes, a foreign national can be a director of an Indian company, but at least one director must be a resident of India.
Q: What is the validity of the Certificate of Incorporation?
A: The Certificate of Incorporation is valid indefinitely, provided the company complies with all regulatory requirements.
Q: Can I register my home as the company's registered office?
A: Yes, a residential address can be used as the registered office for the company.
Q: What are the ongoing compliance requirements after registration?
A: Ongoing compliance includes annual filings, tax returns, statutory audits, conducting board meetings, and maintaining records.