The organizational structure you choose will determine the taxes you have to pay, the compliance measures you need to follow and the eligibility criteria you need to meet. Hence, one of the most vital decisions an entrepreneur can make is deciding what type of business registration to do in India. Moreover, the Indian legal system allows various types of companies to exist under different Types of company registration. In this blog, we will take a look at the different types of business entities and types of company registration. And I am a Business Partner with tax seva Kendra.
As per the Companies Act, 2013 here’s a look at the different classifications and types of business entities found in India;
Criteria | Types of Companies |
---|---|
Basis of size | Small companies, Other companies |
Basis of the number of members | One person company, Private companies, Public companies |
Basis of control | Holding companies, Subsidiary companies, Associate companies |
Basis of liability | Limited by Shares or by Guarantee unlimited |
Basis of access to capital | Listed companies, Un-listed companies |
Company registration is the primary process by which business owners establish or incorporate their company. Since there are several types of companies in India, entrepreneurs have to ensure they choose a business type that suits their operations. In India, the Companies Act, 2013 lays down guidelines for different types of company registration. Hence, here’s a quick look at the Business type list for India.
Private Limited Companies are suitable for small businesses that require registration as a private entity. In this type of company, a group of shareholders distributes the liability amongst themselves to help protect their personal assets. The total capital of such business types is the total of all the shares held by each member of the company. Also, the personal and business assets of the members are considered separate, allowing for better protection and security. The shares of such a company cannot be publicly traded or transferred. As per the Companies Act, 2013 to be eligible for this type of business registration, the private limited company must meet the following criteria;
Types of Private Companies
A Public Limited Company is one whose shares may be purchased by members of the general public. In such business entities, there is no limit on the number of shares that can be sold or traded. Since the shares of the company are listed on the Stock Exchange, they can be traded freely, making the shareholders part-owners of the company. Such companies need to obtain a Certificate of Registration from the RoC before commencing business operations. Further, as per the Companies Act, 2013 to be eligible for this type of business registration, the public limited company must meet the following criteria;
In such business entities, the handling of the operations is handled by partners, who have agreed to their role and share in profits. Hence, the functions, duties, powers, and number of shares held are all clearly defined in a verbal contract known as the Partnership Deed. Additionally, these businesses fall under the purview of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932. Partnership firms can function with or without a license as long as they have a valid and registered Partnership Deed. However, most partnerships do register themselves as that gives them additional rights. Moreover, to be eligible for this type of firm registration, the partnership must meet the following criteria;
Popularly called an LLP, Limited Liability Partnerships are also a new type of company in India. Moreover, it enjoys a separate legal status, helping distinguish between personal and business assets, and granting the entrepreneurs limited liability protection. In such firm types, the liability of each partner depends on the number of share capital, helping provide more protection than a Sole Proprietorship. Moreover, to be eligible for this type of business registration, the LLP must meet the following criteria:
The newest entry into the different types of company registration allowed in India, OPCs are great for small businesses. Additionally, it became a part of the Companies Act 2013, to help entrepreneurs who wish to run a business single-handedly. Since such a firm type has separate legal status, entrepreneurs get the benefit of liability protection without having to partner with anyone else. Furthermore, since they involve only one individual, this type of firm registration is easy to incorporate and regulate. Moreover, this essentially serves as a combination of the Sole-Proprietorship and Company model of business entities. Additionally, to be eligible for this type of firm registration, the One Person Company must meet the following criteria:
This is another type of business entity wherein a single individual handles the running of the business. However, in this firm type, the company and the owner are considered as a single entity, making them solely responsible for profits and losses. Moreover, since the registration bears the name of the owners, tax filings and accounting reports will also bear the name of the owner, leading to unlimited business liability. As a result, this type of company does not have a separate business registration process.
Commonly called a Non-Profit Organisation, such companies mainly work for charitable purposes. Moreover, it involves in promoting arts, science, literature, education, caring for the needy, and protecting the environment. Also, all the profits generated by such types of companies are used to achieve these objectives, and the members do not take dividends for themselves. To be eligible for this type of firm registration, the Section-8 Company must meet the following criteria:
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