Private Limited Company Registration in India: A Practical Checklist for Founders

Starting a company in India is mostly a sequence of filings. Here is a practical checklist for incorporating a private limited company, in the order most founders meet each step.

1. Before you file

• Directors and shareholders: A private limited company needs at least two directors and two shareholders (the same people can hold both roles), and at least one director must be a resident in India.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Proposed directors and subscribers need a Class 3 DSC to sign the e-forms.
• Director Identification Number (DIN): This is allotted through the incorporation form for new directors.

2. Name approval and incorporation

• Check name availability on the MCA portal and make sure it does not clash with existing companies or trademarks.
• File SPICe+ (INC-32), which combines name reservation, incorporation, DIN allotment, PAN, TAN and other registrations in one integrated form.
• Prepare the MOA and AOA (Memorandum and Articles of Association), which define the company's objects and internal rules. Attach the proof of registered office address.
• On approval you receive the Certificate of Incorporation with the CIN.

3. Registrations after incorporation

• PAN and TAN are issued along with incorporation through SPICe+.
• GST registration is needed if your turnover crosses the applicable threshold, if you supply goods or services across states, or if you sell through e-commerce platforms. Some businesses register voluntarily.
• Bank account: Open a current account in the company's name using the certificate, PAN and board resolution.

4. Early compliance

• Auditor appointment: The first auditor must be appointed within 30 days of incorporation (via the board), and then at the AGM.
• INC-20A: Declaration of commencement of business, to be filed before starting business and generally within 180 days of incorporation, after shareholders have paid in their subscription money.
• Statutory registers and minutes: Keep them from day one.

5. Ongoing annual compliance

• Hold the AGM and file AOC-4 (financial statements) and MGT-7/7A (annual return) with the ROC.
• File DIR-3 KYC for directors every year.
• Keep GST returns, TDS returns and income tax returns on schedule.

Deadlines and thresholds change, so verify them on the official portals or with a qualified professional before filing. If you want help with registration, accounting, tax and compliance in India, Greenwolf Advisors is a New Delhi firm that has worked with founders and businesses since 2016.