Choosing the right legal structure is a crucial decision for anyone looking to establish a business in India. The choice of business structure not only defines the legal and financial aspects but also impacts the company’s ability to achieve its goals. In India, several business structures are available, each with its unique features, registration procedures, and benefits. In this article, we will delve into the most common business structures in India, helping you make an informed decision about the structure that aligns best with your business setup in India .

Types of Business Structures in India:

1. Partnership Firm:

A partnership firm is formed by two or more individuals who come together to run a business and share its profits. While not mandatory, it is advisable to have a partnership deed that outlines the partners’ investments, profit-sharing ratios, and operational norms. Partners in a partnership firm have unlimited liability, and registration, though not compulsory, is ideal.

Benefits of a Partnership Firm:

Easier Fundraising: Compared to sole proprietorships, partnership firms find it relatively easier to raise funds. Banks and financial institutions often view partnerships as more stable and reliable entities, making it easier to secure loans or credit.

Shared Responsibility: The partners usually share the responsibilities and the workload in a partnership. This ensures that each partner contributes to the success of the business, leading to efficient operations.

Trust and Reliability: Partnership firms often benefit from a sense of trust and reliability among the partners. They can collectively make decisions and manage the business’s day-to-day operations, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

2. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP):

LLPs, governed by the Limited Liability Partnership Act 2009, offer a hybrid structure with limited liability for partners. Partners’ liability is limited to their investment, making it a popular choice for businesses.

Benefits of LLP:

No Minimum Capital Requirement: Unlike some other business structures, LLPs can be established without a minimum amount of capital contribution. This reduces the financial burden on the partners.

Easy Setup: Setting up an LLP is relatively straightforward, with fewer compliance requirements compared to private limited companies. Thus it is popular among the small and medium-sized businesses.

No Joint Liability: In LLPs, partners enjoy limited liability, which means their personal assets are protected from the business’s debts and liabilities. Unlike traditional partnerships, there’s no joint liability among partners.

Lower Setup Costs: The cost of establishing and maintaining an LLP is considerably lower than that of private limited companies or public limited companies, making it cost-effective for startups and small businesses.

3. Private Limited Company:

Private limited companies, governed by the Companies Act 2013, are independent legal entities. They have a minimum paid-up share capital as prescribed by their Articles of Association (AOA).

Benefits of a Private Limited Company:

Separate Legal Entity: Private limited companies have a distinct legal identity separate from their shareholders. This means the company can sue or be sued in its own name, providing legal protection to the shareholders.

Borrowing Capacity: Private limited companies have greater borrowing capacity compared to other business structures like partnerships or LLPs. Financial institutions often view them as more stable and reliable, making it easier to secure loans.

Easy Transferability: Shares of a private limited company can be easily transferred or sold, either partially or in full, to another entity without disrupting the company’s operations. This facilitates business continuity.

Continuity of Operations: Private limited companies enjoy perpetual existence, meaning their operations continue irrespective of changes in ownership or management. This provides stability and long-term planning opportunities.

4. Public Limited Companies:

Public limited companies offer shares to the general public and require a minimum of seven members with a prescribed paid-up capital. They enjoy several benefits, including limited liability and the ability to raise capital from the stock market.

Benefits of a Public Limited Company:

Limited Liability: Shareholders in public limited companies have limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected from the company’s debts and liabilities.

No Member Limit: There’s no restriction on the number of members a public limited company can have. This allows for widespread ownership and access to capital.

Perpetual Existence: Public limited companies have perpetual existence, ensuring that they continue to operate even in challenging scenarios, such as the demise of a shareholder or changes in ownership.

Capital Procurement: Public limited companies have enhanced capital procurement options through the stock market. They can issue shares and raise funds from a large pool of investors.

5. One-Person Companies (OPC):

OPCs were introduced to promote economic growth and allow single-member ownership. A nominee director is required for OPCs.

Benefits of an OPC:

Limited Liability: The single shareholder in an OPC enjoys limited liability, protecting their personal assets from the company’s debts and liabilities.

Streamlined Decision-Making: OPCs allow the founder to make key business decisions without the complexity of involving multiple partners or directors. This streamlines the decision-making process.

Succession Planning: OPCs have provisions for nominating an individual to manage the company’s affairs in case of the founder’s untimely demise. This ensures business continuity and succession planning.

Read Also This – The Cost Of Registering A Private Limited Company In India

Registration Procedures:

Each business structure has its own registration procedures, which may involve the following steps:

1. Choose a Business Name:

Selecting an appropriate business name is a critical first step in the registration process. The name should be unique, not infringing on any existing trademarks, and should comply with legal naming conventions.

Uniqueness: Ensure that your chosen business name is distinct from existing businesses to avoid legal conflicts. You can check the availability of your desired name on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website or through a trademark search.

Legal Compliance: Ensure that the name adheres to the legal guidelines set by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Names that suggest government patronage or are offensive are typically not allowed.

2. Obtain DSC or Digital Signature Certificate and DIN or Director Identification Number (DIN):

This step is primarily relevant for private and public limited companies, as these require directors to have DIN and DSC.

Director Identification Number (DIN): DIN is a unique identification number assigned to individuals who wish to become directors of a company. To obtain DIN, you need to:

– File an online application with the MCA or Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

– Provide necessary identification and address proof documents, passport-size photographs, and a self-attested declaration.

– Pay the applicable fee.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): A DSC is an electronic certificate that verifies the identity of the director or authorized signatory for online transactions and filing documents with government agencies. To obtain a DSC:

– Choose a Certifying Authority (CA) authorized by the MCA to issue DSCs.

– Submit the required documents and proof of identity.

– After completing the application, pay the required fee.

– Once approved, you will receive a USB token containing your DSC.

3. Register Your Business:

For a Partnership Firm: Partnership firms are not mandatory to register, but it is advisable to create a partnership deed to outline the terms and conditions of the partnership. The partnership deed should include details such as profit-sharing ratios, capital contributions, roles, and responsibilities of partners. While registration is optional, it provides legal recognition and protection in case of disputes.

For LLP (Limited Liability Partnership): Registering an LLP involves the following steps:

– File Form 1: This form includes details about the proposed LLP name, registered office address, partners’ details, and contribution details.

– File Form 2: This form includes the consent of partners and details of LLP agreement.

– Pay the required registration fees.

– After approval, the LLP is registered, and a certificate of incorporation is issued.

For Private and Public Limited Companies: Registering private and public limited companies is a more involved process and includes the following steps:

– Reserve Your Company Name: File an application for the availability of your desired company name with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

– Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA): These documents define the company’s objectives, rules, and internal regulations. MOA and AOA templates are available, but you can also draft customized versions.

– File Incorporation Documents: Submit the required documents, including MOA, AOA, and a declaration by directors, to the ROC.

– Pay the incorporation fee, stamp duty, and other applicable fees.

– Once the ROC approves the documents, it will issue a Certificate of Incorporation, officially establishing your company.

4. Acquire PAN and TAN:

After company registration, it’s essential to apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) for your business. These are obligatory for taxation and financial transactions:

Permanent Account Number (PAN): Apply for PAN through the NSDL or UTIITSL websites or authorized PAN centers. PAN is necessary for filing income tax returns and other financial transactions.

Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN): TAN is required if your business is liable to deduct tax at source. Through the NSDL website, you can submit a request for TAN online. Submit the necessary documents, and once approved, you will receive a TAN.

Read Also This – Sole Proprietorship Vs. One Person Company (OPC): Which One Is Better

Conclusion:

To establish a business in India, selecting the right business structure in India is a pivotal decision that should align with your business goals, compliance capabilities, and expansion plans. Each structure offers its unique advantages, so it’s crucial to carefully evaluate your options and consult legal professionals like LegalRaasta to make it effective and less complicated. By understanding the procedure of business setup in India and the benefits of each structure, you can make an informed choice that sets the foundation for your business’s long-term success.