Expert AssistancePicking the right company structure for your business is as important as any other business-related activity. The right business structure will allow your enterprise to operate efficiently and meet your required business targets. In India, every business must register themselves as part of the mandatory legal compliance. Before we learn how to register a company, let’s try and understand the types of business structures in India.
The article covers the following:
- What are the types of business structures in India?
- Why is it important to choose the right business structure?
- How to choose a business structure while applying for company registration in India?
- Benefits of Company Registration in India
- How to Register a Company in India?
- Documents required for Company Registration
- FAQ on Company Registration online
Updates as on 20th May 2020
1. MCA has extended the 20-day time limit to submit Part B of SPICe+ for name reservation by newly incorporated companies until 20th June 2020, for names expiring any day between 15th March 2020 to 31st May 2020.
2. MCA has extended the 60-day time limit to submit form INC-24 for company name change reservation until 30th July 2020 for names expiring any day between 15th March 2020 to 31st May 2020.
3. MCA has extended the RSUB validity of those Service Request Number (SRN) whose last date for resubmission expires between 15th March 2020 and 3rd May 2020 until 15th June 2020, except those marked as ‘Not to be taken on Record’ (NTBR) which will be extended only on case-to-case basis.
4. MCA has extended the 90-day time limit to submit FiLLiP/Form 5 for name reservation by newly incorporated LLPs or for LLP name change reservation until 20th June 2020, for names expiring any day between 15th March and 31st May 2020.
5. MCA has extended the RSUB validity of those Service Request Number (SRN) whose last date for resubmission expires between 15th March 2020 and 31st May 2020 until 15th June 2020, except those marked as ‘Not to be taken on Record’ (NTBR) which will be extended only on case-to-case basis.
What are the types of business structures in India?
Let’s try and understand the types of business structures available in India. Here is a list of some of them:
1. One Person Company (OPC)
Recently introduced in the year 2013, an OPC is the best way to start a company if there exists only one promoter or owner. It enables a sole-proprietor to carry on his work and still be part of the corporate framework.
2. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
A separate legal entity, in an LLP the liabilities of partners are only limited only to their agreed contribution.
3. Private Limited Company (PLC)
A company in the eyes of the law is regarded as a separate legal entity from its founders It has shareholders (stakeholders) and directors (company officers). Each individual is regarded as an employee of the company.
4. Public Limited Company (PLC)
A PLC is a voluntary association of members which is incorporated under company law. It has a separate legal existence and the liability of its members are limited to shares they hold.
You can choose what business structure suits your business needs best and accordingly register your business.
Here is a comparative list of the popular business structures in India.
| Company type | Ideal for | Tax advantages | Legal compliances |
| Limited Liability Partnership | Service-oriented businesses or businesses that have low investment needs | Benefit on depreciation | Business tax returns to be filed ROC returns to be filed |
| One Person Company | Sole owners looking to limit their liability | Tax holiday for first 3 years under Startup India Higher benefits on depreciation No tax on dividend distribution | Business returns to be filed Limited ROC compliance |
| Private Limited Company | Businesses that have a high turnover | Tax holiday for first 3 years under Startup India Higher benefits on depreciation | Business tax returns to be filed ROC returns to be filed An audit is mandatory |
| Public Limited Company | Businesses with a high turnover | Tax exemptions under | Business tax returns to be filed. Mandatory Audits |
Other forms of business structures include Sole proprietorship, Hindu Undivided Family, and Partnership firms. Please bear in mind, these structures do not come under the ambit of company law.
Why is it important to choose the right business structure?
It is important to choose your business structure carefully as your Income Tax Returns will depend on it. While registering your enterprise, remember that each business structure has different levels of compliances that need to be met with. For example, a sole proprietor has to file only an income tax return. However, a company has to file an income tax return as well as annual returns with the registrar of companies.
A company’s books of accounts are to be mandatorily audited every year. Abiding by these legal compliances requires spending money on auditors, accountants and tax filing experts. Therefore, it is important to select the right business structure when thinking of company registration. An entrepreneur must have a clear idea of the kind of the legal compliances he/she is willing to deal with.
While some business structures are relatively investor-friendly than others, investors will always prefer a recognised and legal business structure. For example, an investor may hesitate to give money to a sole proprietor. On the other hand, if a good business idea is backed by a recognised legal structure (like LLP, Company, etc) the investors will be more comfortable making an investment.
How to choose a business structure while applying for company registration in India?
Let’s take a look at some important questions every entrepreneur must ask himself before he/she finally decide upon a business structure.
i. How many owners/partners will your business have?
If you are a single person who owns the entire initial investment required for the business, a One Person Company would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if your business has two or more owners and is actively seeking investment from other parties a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or Private Limited Company would suit you best.
ii. Should your initial investment determine your choice of business structure?
The answer to that question is – Yes if you want to spend less initially, it would be wise to go in for a Sole Proprietor, or a HUF or a Partnership. But, if you are sure that you will be able to recover the setup and compliance costs, you can opt for a One Person Company, LLP or a Private Limited Company
iii. Willingness to bear the entire liability of the business
Business structures like sole proprietor, HUF, and partnership firm have unlimited liability. This means, in case of any default in loans, the entire money will be recovered from the members or partners in profit sharing ratio. The risk to personal assets is high in these cases.
Whereas, Companies and LLPs have a limited liability clause. This means that the liability of its members is restricted to the amount of contribution made by them or the value of shares each member holds.
iv. Income Tax Rates Applicable to businesses
The income tax rates applicable to a sole proprietorship and a HUF are the normal slab rates. In case of a sole proprietorship, the business income is clubbed with the individual’s other income.
But in the case of other entities like partnership and company a tax rate of 30% is applicable.
v. Plans of getting money from investors
As mentioned earlier, it is difficult to get investments when your business structure is unregistered. Entities like LLP and Private Limited Company are trusted when it comes to investment. Make sure you choose the right structure, seek the help of an expert so that you register under proper guidance.
Benefits of Company Registration in India
A company registration provides many advantages. A licensed company makes it genuine, and enhances the business’ credibility.
- Protects against personal obligation, and defends against other threats and losses.
- Builds goodwill and also supports more customer attraction
- Gives reliable investors bank credits and good investment with ease.
- Provides cover of the responsibility to protect the company’s assets
- Bigger commitment to wealth and greater stability
- Increases the ability to develop and grow large
How to Register a Company in India?
Registering a company in India is now a simple 4-step process. Here is what you’ll need to acquire:
i. A Digital Signature Certificate(DSC)
ii. A Director Identification Number (DIN)
iii. Registration on the MCA Portal or New user registration
iv. Certificate of Incorporation
With this, we have covered the basics of how to register a company. If you still need help registering your company, don’t stress over it, and let our team of experts guide you.
Documents required for Company Registration
In India, registration of private limited company can not be done without proper proof of identity and proof of address. Proof of identification and address would be required for the incorporation of all the company’s directors and shareholders.
The organisation must have a registered office in India for online business registration in India. A recent copy of an energy bill or the property tax receipt or water bill must be sent to confirm admission to the registered office. In addition to the tenancy agreement, the maintenance bill or the sale deed or a letter from the landlord with his/her permission to use the office as the company’s registered office is accepted.
An identity and address proof of all the directors and the subscribers to the share capital must be submitted.
For more details about documents required for incorporating a private company, read our article on documents required for private limited company registration.
Frequently Asked Questions on Company Registration
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Where can I register my company?If you intend to register a new company in India, you must submit an application to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). You make the application online at MCA portal remotely too. For registration, you’ll need a Digital Signature Certificate(DSC), and Director Identity Number(DIN), among other things.
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What happens if my company name is already taken?The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) that maintains a record of registered company names, you’ll have to access that directory and check if your company name is already registered. If the company name appears in the company Registration directory, you’ll have to choose another name. If you have already made an application, you’ll have to make another application for a different name that is previously not registered.
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Can a foreign national be a director of a company?Yes, as per the Indian company law, a foreign national can be a director of a company registered in India. However, he must fulfil all the criteria laid down in the Act. The most important being allotment of a Director Identification Number (DIN).
Any person, including a foreign national, appointed as a Director cannot act in the capacity of a Director unless he/she gives it formally in writing. This can be done by filing Form DIR-2 within 30 days of being appointed as the director. -
Are there any benefits of forming an OPC?A combination of a sole proprietorship and a company an OPC offers the best of both worlds. Registering an OPC is easier and requires less documentation. OPC has to commit to lesser corporate formalities like conducting frequent AGMs/ EGMs, maintaining quorum, minutes, ROC filing formalities etc. An OPC is ideal for small businesses and yet can avail of all the benefits of a private limited company.
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How many days does it take to register a company?The new changes brought about by the MCA have made it easy to register companies of any nature with the government. Provided that you have all your documents in place, it can take anywhere between 10 – 15 days to register your company formally.
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Is a physical presence of a person needed for company registration?The entire process is completed online, so you don’t have to be present at any particular place for registration. A scanned copy of the documents must be submitted via mail. At the business address they receive the company incorporation certificate from the MCA.
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Can a company’s director receive salary like an employee?Yes, in private limited, LLP or OPC private limited company a salaried person can become the director. If this calls for these conditions, one has to test the employment agreement. The employers are, in many situations, very happy with the fact that their employee is a director in another company.
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Why is a private company called a separate legal entity?A corporation is a legal entity founded under the Act, much like any individual. This is viewed like another person who may own a house, and who has debts or creditors. A company’s representatives (directors/shareholders) have no responsibility to a company’s creditors in a case firm is unable to cover the debts.
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I want to covert my partnership firm into a limited liability partnership. How do I go about it?Any current partnership companies wishing to convert to an LLP must apply to Form 17 (Application and Statement for the Transfer of a Partnership to LLP. Form 17 must be submitted along with Form 2 (Incorporation Request and Statement of Subscriber).
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How to register as an LLP instead of a company?One must first apply for a Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) to register an Indian LLP. You will do so by filing an eForm to obtain the DIN or DPIN. Then one will need to buy their Digital Signature Certificate and register the same on the portal. One will subsequently get the Ministry ‘s approval of the LLP term. When the name of the LLP has been accepted an LLP may be registered by filing the incorporation form.
