Introduction
Check company registration is a crucial step for businesses, investors, and stakeholders in India to verify a company’s legal status and compliance with the Companies Act, 2013. Whether it’s a private limited, Section 8, or Nidhi company, confirming registration ensures trust and transparency. This blog provides a comprehensive guide on how to check company registration using official portals like MCA, GST, and PAN, highlights post-registration compliances, and explains how TaxQue simplifies the process for businesses.
Why Check Company Registration?
To check company registration is to confirm a company’s existence, authenticity, and compliance status with regulatory authorities like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This is essential for:
- Due Diligence: Before partnerships, investments, or contracts.
- Compliance Verification: Ensuring ROC, tax, and other filings are up-to-date.
- Fraud Prevention: Avoiding dealings with unregistered or dormant entities.
- Legal Clarity: Verifying details like CIN, directors, or registered office.
1. Platforms to Check Company Registration
Several official portals allow you to check company registration in India:
- MCA Portal: Verify CIN, company name, ROC filings, and director details.
- Income Tax Portal: Check PAN and TAN registration.
- GST Portal: Confirm GSTIN for tax compliance.
- Other Regulators: For Nidhi (NDH-4 status) or Section 8 companies (12A/80G).
2. Steps to Check Company Registration
Here’s a detailed checklist to check company registration and related compliances:
| Platform | Details Verified | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| MCA Portal | CIN, company name, status, ROC filings | Search by CIN/Name |
| Income Tax Portal | PAN, TAN, ITR filing status | PAN-based search |
| GST Portal | GSTIN, GST return status | GSTIN-based search |
| DIN Database (MCA) | Director details, DIN status | Search by DIN |
| FCRA Portal (for NGOs) | Foreign contribution registration | FCRA registration number |
Step 1: Verify on MCA Portal
- Visit the MCA portal and use the “MCA Services” > “View Company/LLP Master Data” option.
- Enter the Corporate Identification Number (CIN) or company name to check company registration.
- View details like:
- Company status (Active, Dormant, Struck Off).
- Registered office address.
- Date of incorporation, paid-up capital.
- ROC filings (AOC-4, MGT-7 for private companies; NDH-1 for Nidhi companies).
- Download documents like Certificate of Incorporation or MoA/AoA for a nominal fee.
Step 2: Check Director Details
- Use the “View Director Master Data” or “DIN Search” on the MCA portal.
- Enter the Director Identification Number (DIN) to verify director names, associated companies, and disqualification status.
- Ensure directors are not barred under Section 164 of the Companies Act.
Step 3: Confirm Tax Registration
- On the Income Tax portal, use “Know Your PAN/TAN” to verify PAN and TAN.
- Check Form 26AS to confirm ITR and TDS compliance.
- For GST, visit the GST portal and search by GSTIN to verify registration and return status (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9).
Step 4: Verify Nidhi or Section 8 Status
- For Nidhi companies, check Form NDH-4 (Nidhi status declaration) on the MCA portal.
- For Section 8 companies, verify 12A/80G status on the Income Tax portal or FCRA registration on the FCRA portal.
Step 5: Ensure Ongoing Compliances
- After verifying registration, confirm compliance with:
- Annual ROC filings (AOC-4, MGT-7 by October 30/November 29).
- ITR-6 or ITR-7 (by October 31 for private/Nidhi or Section 8 companies).
- GST returns (GSTR-9 by December 31, if applicable).
- Statutory audits and board meetings/AGM (by September 30).
- Use TaxQue to streamline post-registration compliances.
3. Common Issues When Checking Registration
When you check company registration, watch for:
- Inactive Status: Indicates non-filing of AOC-4/MGT-7 for 2+ years.
- Struck Off: Company removed by ROC for non-compliance.
- Disqualified Directors: Barred for 5 years due to non-filing.
- Mismatched Records: Outdated PAN, GSTIN, or address details.
4. Penalties for Non-Compliance Post-Registration
Failing to maintain compliances after registration can lead to:
- Fines: ₹100/day for late ROC filings; ₹200/day for GST returns; ₹5,000 for late ITR.
- Director Disqualification: Under Section 164 for 3 years of non-filing.
- Company Dissolution: Struck off by ROC under Section 248.
TaxQue simplifies the process to check company registration and ensures ongoing ROC, tax, and Nidhi/Section 8 compliances. Visit TaxQue’s ROC compliance guide or business compliance services for expert support.
FAQs
1. How can I check company registration using CIN?
Visit the MCA portal, select “View Company/LLP Master Data,” and enter the CIN to view registration and compliance details.
2. What if a company’s status is “Struck Off” on MCA?
A “Struck Off” status means the company is dissolved due to non-compliance; it cannot operate unless revived via NCLT.
3. Can I check GST registration for a company?
Yes, use the GST portal’s “Search Taxpayer” feature with the GSTIN to verify registration and return status.
4. Is it mandatory to check director details during registration verification?
Checking DIN on the MCA portal is recommended to ensure directors are not disqualified or linked to fraudulent entities.
5. How does TaxQue assist when I check company registration?
TaxQue provides tools to verify registration and manage compliances like ROC filings, ITR, and GST. Explore TaxQue’s Nidhi compliance guide.
Conclusion
To check company registration is a vital step for ensuring a company’s legal standing and compliance in India. Using portals like MCA, Income Tax, and GST, you can verify CIN, PAN, GSTIN, and compliance status. Post-registration, maintaining ROC, tax, and audit compliances is crucial to avoid penalties. Platforms like TaxQue streamline the process to check company registration and ongoing obligations with expert tools. Verify today, stay compliant, and build trust with stakeholders.
