Dormant Company Status & Annual Compliance
A Dormant Company is a registered company that has no significant accounting transactions and applies for dormant status under the Companies Act, 2013. Such companies must file annual compliance forms with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to retain dormant status and avoid penalties.
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Best Practices for Dormant Company Registration
As defined under the Companies Act of 2013, a dormant company is registered but not engaged in any significant business activity or operations. It may have been established for future ventures or to hold assets without active trading. Dormant status filing allows these companies to minimise compliance requirements and maintain their registered status without the full spectrum of operational reporting obligations. If your company is in a similar state and you're considering transitioning to a dormant status to reduce compliance burdens, IndiaFilings is here to assist. Our team specialises in navigating the dormant status filing process, offering expert guidance to ensure a seamless transition. Ready to simplify your company's compliance landscape? Contact IndiaFilings today to get started.
What is a Dormant Company?
A Dormant Company, also known as a Dormant Entity or Dormant Corporation, refers to a registered business entity not currently engaged in significant business activities or operations. Dormant status typically arises when a company has temporarily ceased its operational activities due to strategic reasons such as awaiting a future project, not yet commencing substantial business operations, or primarily existing to hold or manage intellectual property rights without directly engaging in revenue-generating activities. Such companies can apply to the Registrar to obtain the status of a Dormant company, with objectives including:
- Being incorporated for a future project.
- Serving as an asset or intellectual property.
- Having no significant transactions in a specific financial year.
- Remaining inactive.
It's important to note that while Dormant companies have limited activity, they can apply to revert to active status and cannot retain Dormant status for more than five consecutive financial years.
Overview of Dormant Status Under the Companies Act of 2013
When a company is established under the Companies Act of 2013 for purposes such as launching a future project, holding assets, or managing intellectual property and hasn't carried out any significant financial activities, it can be considered inactive. Such a company can apply to the Registrar for a change in status to become a dormant company, as outlined in the Companies Act.
Who Needs to File Form ADT 1?
The responsibility for filing ADT-1 Form rests entirely with the company, not the auditor. Every company that appoints or reappoints an auditor must ensure that Form ADT-1 is filed with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) within the prescribed timeline.
Business Activity Eligibility in India
Any individual engaged in trading, manufacturing, or service-based activities can register as a sole proprietor firm in India. However, certain regulated industries may require additional licences or approvals from government authorities.
What is the Checklist Required for Sole Proprietorship Firm Registration in India?
Having the right documents ready ensures a smooth proprietorship firm registration online process. Below is a complete checklist:
Identity & Address Proof Documents in India
- PAN Card of the proprietor
- Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport
- Passport-size photographs
Business Proof Documents in India
- Business address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement)
- Bank account details in the name of the business
- Trade name or business name details
Registration Prerequisites in India
- GST registration (if turnover exceeds threshold)
- MSME/Udyam registration certificate
- Shop and Establishment licence (state-specific)
What are the Sole Proprietorship Registration Fees & Penalties in India?
The sole proprietorship registration cost in India varies depending on the type of registration chosen. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Registration Fee Structure in India
| Registration Type | Government Fee | Professional Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| GST Registration | Free | ₹500 – ₹2,000 |
| MSME/Udyam Registration | Free | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Shop & Establishment Licence | ₹100 – ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Trade Licence | ₹500 – ₹5,000 | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
Penalties for Non-Compliance in India
- GST non-registration penalty: 10% of tax due or ₹10,000, whichever is higher
- Late GST return filing: ₹50 per day (₹20 for nil returns)
- Non-filing of ITR: Penalty up to ₹5,000 under Section 234F
What is a Sole Proprietorship Registration Certificate in India?
A sole proprietorship certificate is an official document that proves the legal existence of your business. Since there is no single unified registration, the proprietorship registration certificate may be one or a combination of the following:
Types of Registration Certificates in India
- GST Registration Certificate – Issued by the GST department
- Udyam Registration Certificate – Issued by the MSME Ministry
- Shop & Establishment Certificate – Issued by local municipal authorities
Importance of the Certificate in India
The proprietorship registration certificate is essential for opening a proprietorship bank account, applying for business loans, and entering into legal contracts. It also acts as proof of business identity for government tenders and schemes. Visit IndiaFilings to get expert assistance in obtaining your registration certificate.
How to Check Sole Proprietorship Registration Status in India?
Once you have applied for registration, you can track the sole proprietorship registration process status through the respective portals:
Check via GST Portal in India
- Visit the official GST portal at gst.gov.in
- Click on "Track Application Status"
- Enter your ARN (Application Reference Number)
- View the current status of your GST registration
Check via MSME/Udyam Portal in India
- Visit udyamregistration.gov.in
- Click on "Print/Verify Udyam Certificate"
- Enter your Udyam Registration Number and OTP
- Download and verify your Udyam registration proprietorship certificate
Check via Shop & Establishment Portal in India
Visit your respective state's Labour Department portal and enter your application number to track the status of your shop and establishment registration.
What are the Steps to Register the Sole Proprietorship Firm in India?
What are the Steps to Register the Sole Proprietorship Firm in India?Here is a simple step-by-step guide for how to register sole proprietorship in India:
Eligibility of Partners in IndiaStep-by-Step Registration Process in India
- Step 1 – Choose a Business Name: Select a unique trade name for your sole proprietorship firm online registration. Ensure it does not infringe on any existing trademarks.
- Step 2 – Obtain PAN Card: Apply for a PAN card in the proprietor's name. The sole proprietorship PAN card is mandatory for all tax-related activities.
- Step 3 – Open a Current Bank Account: Open a current bank account in the name of the business for proprietorship bank account opening.
- Step 4 – GST Registration: Apply for GST registration sole proprietorship if your annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs (₹10 lakhs for special category states).
- Step 5 – MSME/Udyam Registration: Register under the MSME registration for proprietorship to avail government benefits and subsidies.
- Step 6 – Shop & Establishment Licence: Obtain a shop and establishment registration from your local municipal authority.
What are the Additional Registrations Required for a Sole Proprietorship Firm in India?
Depending on the nature of your business, additional registrations may be required for a sole proprietor firm in India:
FSSAI Registration in India
If you are involved in the food business, you must obtain an FSSAI licence from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Import Export Code (IEC) in India
For businesses involved in import or export activities, an Import Export Code (IEC) is mandatory from the DGFT.
Trade Licence in India
A trade licence proprietorship is required from local municipal authorities to conduct specific trade or business activities.
What is the Sole Proprietorship Registration Time in India?
The time taken to register a proprietorship india depends on the type of registration chosen:
Registration Timeline in India
| Registration Type | Time Required |
|---|---|
| GST Registration | 3 – 7 Working Days |
| MSME/Udyam Registration | 1 – 2 Working Days |
| Shop & Establishment Licence | 7 – 15 Working Days |
| Trade Licence | 15 – 30 Working Days |
What are the Post-Registration Compliance Requirements for Sole Proprietorship in India?
After completing the proprietorship business registration, the owner must adhere to the following compliance requirements:
Income Tax Return (ITR) Filing in India
A sole proprietor must file proprietorship income tax return under their individual PAN. The applicable ITR form is ITR-3 or ITR-4 (Sugam), depending on the nature of income. The due date is typically July 31st of each assessment year.
GST Return Filing in India
If registered under GST, the proprietor must file monthly or quarterly GST returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) and an annual GST return (GSTR-9).
Other Statutory Compliances in India
- Renewal of Shop & Establishment licence annually
- Maintenance of proper books of accounts
- Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) compliance if applicable
- Professional tax payment (state-specific)
Why Choose Nexta for Sole Proprietorship Firm Registration Services in India?
Nexta is India's leading business registration for individuals platform, helping thousands of entrepreneurs register their sole proprietorship firms every year. Here's why IndiaFilings is the best choice:
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Fast & Reliable Service in India
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Whether you are looking to register a proprietorship india, IndiaFilings provides comprehensive solutions. Get started today with our proprietorship Experts
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Dormant Company Registration Online.
What is a Dormant Company in India?
A Dormant Company is a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 that has not carried out any significant accounting transactions during the last two financial years. It can apply for dormant status under Section 455 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Who is eligible to apply for Dormant Company status?
Starting a business in India requires compliance with various legal requirements, including registering the business, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and complying with labor and tax laws. Some of the essential legal requirements for starting a business in India include choosing a business structure, registering your business name, obtaining a Director Identification Number (DIN), incorporating the business, obtaining PAN and TAN, securing other required licenses and permits, ensuring labor law compliance, meeting tax compliance requirements, obtaining insurance, and opening a business bank account.
What documents are required to apply for Dormant Company status?
A company is required to maintain the compliances once the company is incorporated. The auditor is to be appointed within 30 days. Additionally, there is income tax filing and annual return filing that is to be done every year.
Can a Dormant Company carry out any business operations?
The statutory audit as the name suggests is a mandatory audit for all companies. All the entities that are unregistered under the Companies Act as Private or Public Limited Companies need to get the books of accounts audited every year.
How can a Dormant Company be converted back to an active company?
The Private Limited Companies are required to file the annual accounts and the returns that disclose the details of the shareholder and the directors to the ROC.
Which section of the Companies Act governs Dormant Company status?
Dormant Company status is governed under Section 455 of the Companies Act, 2013, which allows an inactive company to obtain dormant status from the Registrar of Companies (RoC).
What is the form used to apply for Dormant Company status?
A company can appoint a statutory auditor either for five consecutive years or till the conclusion of the next Annual general meeting. Therefore, an appointment of the statutory auditor cannot be considered as a part of annual compliance.
What are the benefits of obtaining Dormant Company status in India?
The annual general meeting (AGM) is held for the management and the shareholders to interact with each other. The Companies Act,2013 makes it compulsory to hold meetings to discuss the yearly results and appoint auditors.
What is the compliance requirement for a Dormant Company?
The companies incorporated under the Companies Act,1956 are required to file the following documents with the ROC The balance sheet in form 23AC which is to be filed by all the companies Profit and loss account in form 23ACA which is to be file by all the companies.
How long can a company remain in Dormant status?
After the AGM all the private limited companies are required to file the annual return within 60 days of holding the annual general meeting.