Are you thinking of shifting your company’s registered office to another state? Sounds like a big move, right? Well, it can be.
But don’t worry! Whether you’re growing, looking for better business opportunities, or maybe simplifying compliance, moving your company’s registered office isn’t as complicated as it sounds.
You need to follow the right process and ensure all your legal boxes are ticked.
Let’s walk through this step-by-step, so you know exactly what to do when relocating your registered office across states.
Why Would You Want to Shift Your Company’s Registered Office?
Before diving into the how, let’s talk about the why. You might want to shift your company’s registered office for several reasons:
- Better business environment: Some states offer better infrastructure, more business-friendly regulations, or lower taxes.
- Expansion: Your business is growing, and a move to another state offers more opportunities.
- Cost-saving: Perhaps operating costs, like rent and utilities, are lower in another state.
- Proximity to clients or suppliers: A strategic move could put you closer to important business partners.
Whatever the reason, relocating your company’s registered office requires a legal process under the Companies Act, 2013. Let's break it down!
Step-by-Step Process to Shift Your Registered Office Across States
Step 1: Board Meeting – The First Step
Your first step is to hold a board meeting. This is important because a decision of this matter needs your board’s approval.
You’ll need to pass a board resolution to move the registered office to a different state. This resolution should also authorize a director or company secretary to handle the required paperwork and filings.
Step 2: Special Resolution – Getting Shareholders on Board
Once the board approves the move, it’s time to get your shareholders on the same page. You’ll need to call for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to pass a special resolution. This is where your shareholders formally agree to the change of address.
It’s important to note that this isn’t just a simple majority vote. For a special resolution to pass, at least 75% of your shareholders must agree.
Step 3: File with the ROC – Compliance Is Key
After the special resolution is passed, it’s time to inform the Registrar of Companies (ROC). You’ll need to file several forms with the ROC in the state where your company is currently registered. These include:
- Form MGT-14: Filed within 30 days of passing the special resolution.
- Form INC-23: This is the application for approval to shift the registered office.
These forms require details of the special resolution, minutes of the meetings, and other relevant documents. Don’t forget that you’ll also need to publish a newspaper advertisement (in both an English and a local language newspaper) notifying the public of the proposed move.
Step 4: NCLT Approval – Getting the Green Light
Now, here comes the part where you’ll need the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) involved. The NCLT will review your application and ensure that everything is in order. They’ll check that creditors, shareholders, and any other stakeholders don’t have any objections to the move.
You’ll need to prepare a good case, outlining why you want to shift the office. Once the NCLT gives its approval, you’re almost there!
Step 5: Notify Creditors and Stakeholders
Before the NCLT gives its final nod, creditors, employees, and any other key stakeholders must be informed. If anyone has objections, they must be addressed. The goal here is to make sure that no one’s interests are being harmed by this move.
Step 6: Post-NCLT Approval – Final Compliance Steps
Once the NCLT gives its approval, you’ll need to:
- File Form INC-28 with the ROC.
- Update your registered office address with all relevant government authorities.
- Update the company’s stationery, websites, and official documents to reflect the new address.
You’re done! But don’t pop the champagne just yet – there’s still a bit more work to do.
Important Points to Remember While Shifting Your Registered Office
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Update on time: Once the registered office is changed, update all your records, including those with banks, tax authorities, and government bodies.
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Inform stakeholders: Ensure that all your stakeholders are kept in the loop. They should be aware of the new address for legal or business correspondence.
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Proper documentation: Properly maintain all records of meetings, resolutions, and filings to avoid legal trouble later.
Key Documents Required for Shifting Registered Office Across States
Let’s not forget the paperwork! Here’s a checklist of key documents you’ll need:
- Board and special resolutions.
- Approval from shareholders (through EGM).
- NCLT order approving the move.
- Newspaper advertisement notifying the public.
- Form MGT-14, INC-23, and INC-28 filed with the ROC.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Correct Process?
Skipping steps or missing important filings can lead to penalties, delays, or even a rejection of your request. The ROC and NCLT are strict when it comes to compliance.
A smooth transition requires careful attention to detail. Failing to follow the correct process can also impact your business operations if clients or regulatory authorities send communication to the wrong address.
Why Moving Your Registered Office Across States Can Benefit Your Business
Sometimes, businesses need to adapt to grow. Moving to another state can help you tap into better markets, cut costs, or access better business ecosystems.
However, the key to success lies in how well you handle the legal and compliance aspects of the move. By staying on top of the process and ensuring all stakeholders are on board, you can make this transition smoothly and set your business up for success in its new location.
Is Shifting Your Registered Office the Right Move?
If your business is at a point where shifting the registered office makes sense, now you know the steps to make it happen.
It’s a structured, well-documented process, and with the right guidance, you can get it done without too many headaches. Whether it’s for expansion, better business opportunities, or cost efficiency, moving across states could be the next big leap for your company.
Suvit, being an accounting automation brand, focuses on simplifying complex business processes making life easier for businesses. This is why we’re passionate about sharing insights that help you navigate these important changes with ease!