Archives: Services

1. What is a Nidhi Company?

A Nidhi Company is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) incorporated under Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013, and regulated by Nidhi Rules, 2014.

It is formed with the object of:

• Encouraging thrift and savings among members
• Accepting deposits from and lending to its members only

✅ Operates as a mutual benefit society, similar to a credit co-operative but with company structure.

📘 Legal Reference: Section 406 of Companies Act, 2013 + Nidhi Rules, 2014

2. Nature and Scope of Activities

• Accepts fixed deposits, recurring deposits, and savings only from its members
• Provides secured loans to members (against gold, property, FD, etc.)
• Cannot deal with non-members
• Cannot perform chit fund, hire-purchase, leasing, insurance, or asset financing business
• Cannot issue preference shares, debentures, or raise funds from public

3. Members and Shareholders

• Minimum members at incorporation: 7 (with 3 directors)
• Must have minimum 200 members within 1 year of incorporation
• Only individuals (natural persons) can become members — no companies or firms allowed
• Each member must hold minimum 10 equity shares or shares worth ₹100

4. Capital Requirements

• Minimum paid-up equity share capital: ₹10 lakh
• Only equity shares can be issued (no preference shares)
• Net owned funds (NOF) should be ≥ ₹10 lakh
• NOF to deposit ratio should not exceed 1:20

📌 Net Owned Funds (NOF) = Paid-up equity capital + free reserves – accumulated losses & intangible assets

5. Registration & Licensing

🕒 Processing time: 20–30 days
💰 Cost: ₹35,000–₹50,000 approx.

6. Statutory Compliance Requirements

📑 A. Post-Incorporation Filings

📚 B. Operational Rules

• Minimum 200 members within 1 year
• Net Owned Funds ≥ ₹10 lakh at all times
• NOF to deposit ratio ≤ 1:20
• 10% of total deposits must be invested in unencumbered term deposits with a scheduled bank
• Loans can be given only to members against:
  • Gold & Jewellery
  • Immovable property
  • Fixed Deposits
  • Government securities

📒 C. Meetings & Records

• Board meetings: Minimum 4 per year
• Annual General Meeting (AGM): Once a year
• Maintain:
  • Member register
  • Deposit register
  • Loan ledger
  • Minutes of Board/AGM
  • Financial accounts and audit reports

7. Restrictions on Nidhi Companies

• Cannot carry business with non-members
• Cannot advertise for deposits
• Cannot issue:
  • Preference shares
  • Debentures
  • Public deposits
• Cannot open branches without 3-year track record and profits
• Cannot engage in:
  • Chit funds
  • Leasing or hire purchase
  • Insurance business
  • Sale/purchase of assets

8. Taxation

• Corporate Tax Rate: 22% (if opted under 115BAA) + surcharge + cess
• Otherwise, 30% (plus surcharge & cess)
• Audit mandatory irrespective of turnover
• Interest income taxable as business income
• TDS applicable on interest paid to members, if above limits
• Must maintain books of accounts, file GST returns (if applicable)

9. Benefits of Nidhi Company

• Encourages savings habits among low/middle-income individuals
• Regulated structure, greater trust compared to informal chit funds
• Easier to form than cooperative societies or NBFCs
• No RBI license required (less compliance burden)
• Suitable for community-based lending
• Members get access to secured loans at lower interest rates

10. Limitations

• Activities restricted to members only
• Limited to certain types of secured lending
• Cannot raise public deposits
• Subject to strict compliance under Nidhi Rules, 2014
• Cannot scale nationwide easily — branch expansion is limited

11. Ideal For

• Small community-based credit societies
• Rural or semi-urban cooperative lending networks
• Groups of traders, service providers, or employees forming mutual benefit societies
• Entrepreneurs focusing on financial inclusion

⚠️ Disclaimer

The above information is provided for general awareness and informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information provided herein. The content should not be construed as legal, tax, or professional advice. We recommend consulting with our customer service team for the most recent and applicable guidance. We shall not be held responsible for any loss or liability arising from the use of this information.

1. What is a Section 8 Company?

A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organization (NPO) registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. It is formed to promote charitable objectives such as:

• Education
• Art, Culture, and Literature
• Social welfare
• Science and research
• Environmental protection
• Sports and religion
• Any other object of public welfare

It prohibits distribution of profit to members, and reinvests profits back into its charitable objectives.

📘 Legal Reference: Section 8, Companies Act, 2013

2. Members / Shareholders

• Minimum:
  • 2 for Private Limited form
  • 7 for Public Limited form
• Maximum:
  • 200 in Private form
  • Unlimited in Public form
• No individual can receive dividends or profits

3. Capital Requirements

• No minimum capital requirement
• Authorized and paid-up capital as per company’s needs
• Can receive:
  • Grants & donations (domestic & foreign with FCRA)
  • CSR funds
  • Membership fees
  • Project funding from government or international bodies

💡 Note: Section 8 Companies are not governed by capital but by license and objects.

4. Directors and Governance

• Minimum Directors:
  • 2 for Private Form
  • 3 for Public Form
• Maximum: 15 (can increase via special resolution)
• At least 1 Indian resident director
• Must obtain:
  • DIN (Director Identification Number)
  • DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

📘 Legal Reference: Section 149, Companies Act, 2013

5. Registration Process & Cost

6. Post-Incorporation Compliance

• Open company bank account
• File INC-20A (Commencement of Business) within 180 days
• Conduct first Board Meeting within 30 days
• Issue share certificates (if applicable)
• Maintain statutory registers and books
• Appoint auditor within 30 days (Form ADT-1)
• Hold annual AGM
• Maintain minutes of board/AGM meetings
• File annual ROC forms (MGT-7, AOC-4)

7. Benefits of Section 8 Company

✅ Legal & Structural

• Separate legal entity with limited liability
• Recognition and credibility among donors, funders, and govt.
• Can sue and be sued
• Perpetual succession

💸 Financial & Tax

• Eligible for Section 12A & 80G exemptions under Income Tax Act
• Can receive CSR contributions
• Eligible for FCRA registration for foreign donations
• Can raise capital via donations, grants, crowdfunding
• Income tax @ 22% (if applicable); otherwise exemptions via 12AA/80G

🌐 Operational

• Easier to open bank accounts, bid for government projects
• Can partner with other NGOs, trusts, companies
• Increased public trust and transparency

8. Documents Required for Registration

• PAN & Aadhaar of directors/members
• Address proof of office (electricity bill/rent agreement/NOC)
• Passport-size photos
• Proposed MOA & AOA
• Project Report (describing charitable activity plan)
• Declaration of non-profit objective (INC-14 & INC-15)
• Digital Signatures (DSC)
• Consent to act as director (DIR-2)

9. Annual Compliance Requirements

10. Taxation & Exemptions

• Tax at normal corporate rate (22%) unless 12A exemption obtained
• Section 12AA/12AB: Exemption from tax on surplus income
• Section 80G: Donors get deduction
• FCRA Registration: Mandatory to receive foreign funds (after 3 years or by prior permission)
• Audit is mandatory — irrespective of turnover

11. Restrictions on Section 8 Companies

• Cannot declare dividends or distribute profits
• Cannot use funds for personal or unrelated business activity
• Change in objectives requires approval of Regional Director (RD)
• On dissolution, assets must be transferred to another Section 8 company or charitable body

12. Ideal For

• NGOs and charitable institutions
• Education or healthcare promoting bodies
• Environmental & cultural organizations
• Social entrepreneurs
• Foundations receiving CSR or foreign funds
• Impact-driven projects with structured operations

⚠️ Disclaimer

The above information is provided for general awareness and informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information provided herein. The content should not be construed as legal, tax, or professional advice. We recommend consulting with our customer service team for the most recent and applicable guidance. We shall not be held responsible for any loss or liability arising from the use of this information.

1. What is a Public Limited Company (PLC)?

A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, where ownership is offered to the public through shares, and its securities can be listed on stock exchanges.

• Separate Legal Entity: Distinct from shareholders and directors.
• Limited Liability: Shareholders are liable only to the extent of unpaid share capital.
• Public Fundraising: Can raise funds via IPO, FPO, rights issue, etc.
• Transferability of Shares: Shares are freely transferable.

📘 Legal Reference: Section 2(71) of the Companies Act, 2013.

2. Capital Requirements

• Minimum Paid-Up Capital: ₹5 lakh (as per Companies Act)
• Authorized Capital: As per requirement (declared in MOA)
• Can issue equity, preference, debentures, and convertible instruments
• Public issue requires compliance with SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018

3. Directors

• Minimum: 3 directors
• Maximum: 15 directors (more allowed via special resolution)
• At least 1 director must be Indian resident
• At least 1/3rd must be Independent Directors (if listed)
• Must obtain:
  • DIN (Director Identification Number)
  • DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

📘 Legal Reference: Sections 149–152, Companies Act, 2013

4. Shareholders

• Minimum: 7 shareholders
• Maximum: No limit
• Can be individuals, companies, NRIs, or foreign investors
• Shareholders may or may not be directors

5. Registration Process & Cost (Approximate)

💰 Total Cost: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000+ depending on capital and legal advisor

6. Annual Compliance Cost

7. Post-Incorporation Requirements

• Open company bank account
• File Certificate of Commencement of Business (INC-20A) within 180 days
• Appoint first auditor (ADT-1 within 30 days)
• Allot share certificates within 60 days
• Conduct board meetings (min 4/year) and AGM (annually)
• Maintain statutory registers:
  • Register of Members, Directors, Charges, Loans, Contracts, etc.
• Maintain proper books of accounts and audits
• File all ROC returns on time
• Obtain necessary licenses (GST, PF, ESI, IEC, etc.)

8. Taxation and Audit

• Corporate Tax:
  • 22% + 10% surcharge + 4% cess (effective ~25.17%) under Sec 115BAA
  • 30% for companies not opting 115BAA
• MAT (Minimum Alternate Tax): 15% (if 115BAA not opted)
• Tax Audit u/s 44AB if turnover > ₹1 crore (₹10 crore if 95%+ digital receipts/payments)
• TDS Compliance: Monthly and quarterly TDS returns
• GST Audit: If turnover exceeds ₹5 crore (state-specific thresholds may apply)

9. Other Important Points

🔓 Legal & Ownership Structure

• Independent legal identity
• Can own property, sue/be sued
• Shareholders and management are separate

📈 Funding Capabilities

• Can raise capital via IPO, rights issue, debentures, ESOPs
• Eligible for foreign investment (FDI up to 100%)
• Regulated by SEBI, Companies Act, RBI, FEMA

📜 Governance & Transparency

• Must follow detailed disclosures, board composition, and audit standards
• High compliance burden — quarterly and annual reporting, statutory disclosures
• Appoint Company Secretary, Internal Auditor, and Independent Directors (if listed)

🌐 Listing Eligibility

• Can list shares on BSE, NSE, SME Exchanges
• Must meet SEBI norms (paid-up capital, net worth, profitability)
• Subject to SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015

10. Restrictions/Challenges

• High compliance cost and complexity
• Public scrutiny and transparency requirements
• Cannot operate informally or with minimal disclosure
• Strict timelines for reporting and auditing
• Management accountability to public shareholders

11. Best Suited For

• Medium to large-scale businesses planning external fundraising
• Companies seeking public listing (IPO)
• Enterprises that require equity dilution and ESOP structuring
• Regulated sector companies (banking, insurance, infrastructure)

12. Documents Required for Public Limited Registration:

• PAN Card
• Adhar Card (Front & Back)
• Phone Number
• Mail ID
• Passport Size Photo
• Voter ID/ Driving License
• Bank Statement containing latest bank entries with name, address, A/c No, etc.
• Electricity Bill for proposed registered office.
• NOC if electicity bill is in the name of the third party.

Note: Provide above documents for all proposed directors & shareholder. RoC may ask for additional documents. Above information subject to change, contact us for latest information.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The above information is provided for general awareness and informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information provided herein. The content should not be construed as legal, tax, or professional advice. We recommend consulting with our customer service team for the most recent and applicable guidance. We shall not be held responsible for any loss or liability arising from the use of this information.

1. What is a Partnership Firm?

A Partnership Firm is a business structure where two or more individuals (partners) come together to carry on a business with a mutual goal of sharing profits and losses. Governed by the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, it can be:

• Registered with the Registrar of Firms (legally recognized)
• Unregistered / Notarised, by executing a deed on stamp paper and notarizing it

📘 Legal Reference: Indian Partnership Act, 1932

2. Types of Partnership Firms

3. Partners

• Minimum: 2 partners
• Maximum: 20 for general business (10 for banking)
• Partners can be individuals or HUF representatives (not companies)
• Each partner has joint and several liability unless stated otherwise

📌 No separate legal entity – firm and partners are treated as one in the eyes of law

4. Capital Requirements

• No minimum capital required
• Contribution can be:
  • Cash
  • Property
  • Goods or services
• Profit-sharing ratio and capital must be specified in the Partnership Deed

5. Registration Process

A. Notarised Partnership Firm

• Prepare Partnership Deed on stamp paper (value as per state laws)
• Include:
  • Firm name, address, partner details
  • Capital, profit-sharing ratio
  • Rights and duties of partners
• Get the deed notarised by a Notary Public

B. Registered Partnership Firm

• File application with Registrar of Firms in the respective state
• Submit:
  • Filled Form 1
  • Original Partnership Deed
  • Affidavit and ownership proof of firm address
• Registrar issues Certificate of Registration

🕒 Time: 10–20 working days
💰 Cost: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 (depending on state & professional fees)

6. Contents of a Partnership Deed

• Firm name & address
• Partner names & addresses
• Nature of business
• Capital contribution
• Profit/loss sharing ratio
• Salary/interest to partners
• Roles, duties & decision-making
• Admission, retirement, dissolution clauses
• Dispute resolution process

📌 Notarised deed is sufficient for basic recognition but registered deed provides legal enforceability

 7. Annual Compliance Requirements

💡 No ROC filing or audit mandatory unless turnover crosses threshold

8. Taxation of Partnership Firms

• Taxed as separate taxable entity under Income Tax Act
• Flat Tax Rate: 30%
• Cess: 4% Health & Education

✅ Remuneration and interest to partners are deductible u/s 40(b), if:

• Deed permits payment
• Paid as per IT Act limits:
  • 90% of book profit up to ₹3 lakh
  • 60% of remaining profit

✅ Partner’s share of profit is exempt under Section 10(2A)

9. Dissolution or Change

• Firm can be dissolved by:
  • Mutual consent
  • Death/insolvency of partner
  • Completion of term/project
• Changes (admission/retirement) must be reflected by:
  • Creating Supplementary Deed
  • Re-notarising / re-registering (if registered)

10. Advantages

• Easy and low-cost setup
• Minimal legal compliance
• Full control by partners
• Flexible structure (change by deed only)
• Suitable for traditional family businesses

11. Limitations

• Unlimited liability of partners (personal assets at risk)
• No separate legal identity
• Cannot raise equity capital or issue shares
• Less credibility than LLP/Pvt Ltd
• No perpetual existence (ends with partner exit/death unless continued)

12. Ideal For

• Small traditional businesses
• Traders and wholesalers
• Family-run operations
• Professionals not seeking external funding
• Partners with mutual trust and known relationships

13. Documents Required for Partnership Registration:

• PAN Card
• Adhar Card (Front & Back)
• Phone Number
• Mail ID
• Passport Size Photo
• Voter ID/ Driving License
• Bank Statement containing latest bank entries with name, address, A/c No, etc.
• Electricity Bill for proposed registered office.
• NOC if electicity bill is in the name of the third party.

Note: Provide above documents for all proposed partners & shareholder. RoC may ask for additional documents.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The above information is provided for general awareness and informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any information provided herein. The content should not be construed as legal, tax, or professional advice. We recommend consulting with our customer service team for the most recent and applicable guidance. We shall not be held responsible for any loss or liability arising from the use of this information.