How to Register a Business Name in India through the SPICe+ Program

Registering a business name in India involves a structured process to ensure that your chosen name is unique and legally compliant. While it’s not possible to register a business name for free, you can reserve a unique name for your business with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) through the SPICe+ program. This article will guide you through the steps necessary to register your business name and provide a comprehensive understanding of the SPICe+ program.

What is the SPICe+ Program?

The SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating a Company Electronically Plus) is an integrated web-based application introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to streamline the incorporation process in India. This program combines multiple services like name reservation, incorporation, DIN allotment, PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, and opening a bank account, among others, into a single form.

Steps to Register a Business Name

Choose a Name Indicating the Main Objects of Your Company The first step in registering your business name is choosing a name that reflects the main objects or activities of your company. The name should be unique, indicative of your business’s nature, and should comply with the guidelines provided by the MCA. It’s advisable to have a few alternative names in mind, as your first choice may not always be available.
Check the Availability of the Name Before you proceed with the application, you must ensure that your chosen name is not already in use by another business. This can be done through two primary checks:

MCA Website: The MCA portal allows you to search for existing company names to check if your desired name is available. The search function is user-friendly and provides instant results.
Intellectual Property Department’s Website: It’s also crucial to check the Trademark Registry to ensure that your chosen name doesn’t infringe on any registered trademarks. This helps in avoiding legal disputes in the future.

File an Application to Reserve Your Name with the ROC Once you have confirmed the availability of your chosen name, the next step is to file an application to reserve the name with the ROC through the SPICe+ program. Here’s how you can do it:

Login to the MCA Portal: You need to create an account on the MCA portal if you don’t already have one.
Access the SPICe+ Form: Navigate to the SPICe+ form available on the MCA portal. The form is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A is used for name reservation, while Part B deals with the incorporation of the company and other related services.
Fill in Part A: Enter the proposed company name and other required details in Part A of the SPICe+ form. You can apply for two proposed names in case your first choice is not available.
Pay the Government Fees: Submit the form along with the required government fees. The fee structure varies based on the type of company you are incorporating. Ensure that you pay the correct amount to avoid any delays in the approval process.

Approval of the Name by the ROC After submitting the application, the ROC will review your proposed name. This process usually takes a few days. If the ROC approves your name, you will receive a name approval letter. In case your proposed name is not approved, you can reapply with a different name.
Filing for Incorporation With the name approved, you can proceed to Part B of the SPICe+ form, which includes the incorporation of your company. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Fill in Part B: This part requires detailed information about the company, including registered office address, details of directors and subscribers, share capital, and other relevant details.
Attach Required Documents: You need to attach scanned copies of various documents such as:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- Proof of office address
- Identity and address proof of directors and subscribers
- Declaration and affidavits by directors and subscribers
E-Sign the Form: The form must be digitally signed by the directors and a practicing professional such as a Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or Cost Accountant.
Submit the Form and Pay the Fees: Submit the completed SPICe+ form along with the required government fees for incorporation.

Receiving the Certificate of Incorporation Once your application is processed and approved by the ROC, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation (COI). The COI is an official document that signifies the formation of your company and includes your company’s unique Corporate Identification Number (CIN).
Post-Incorporation Compliance After the incorporation, there are several post-incorporation compliances you need to adhere to:

PAN and TAN: Your company will automatically receive a PAN and TAN upon incorporation.
Opening a Bank Account: Use the COI to open a bank account in your company’s name.
GST Registration: If your business is expected to exceed the threshold turnover, apply for GST registration.
EPFO and ESIC Registration: These registrations are automatically applied through SPICe+ if applicable.

Benefits of Using SPICe+ for Name Reservation and Incorporation

The SPICe+ program offers several advantages:

Simplified Process: Integrates multiple services into a single application, reducing the paperwork and procedural complexities.
Time-Efficient: Significantly reduces the time required for name reservation and incorporation.
Cost-Effective: Combines various registration fees into one, making it more economical.
Ease of Compliance: Ensures that all necessary registrations and compliances are completed in one go.

Registering a business name in India through the SPICe+ program is a streamlined process that ensures your business name is unique and legally compliant. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can efficiently navigate through the name reservation and incorporation processes. The SPICe+ program not only simplifies the registration process but also integrates various post-incorporation compliances, making it a comprehensive solution for new businesses in India.