SPICe+ Form for Company Incorporation: A Comprehensive Guide

Did you know that thousands of companies in India rely on the SPICe+ form to simplify the process of incorporation? Since its introduction by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on 2nd October 2016, the SPICe form for registration has revolutionized the way new businesses are registered in India.

The arrival of SPICe+ Form on 15th February, 2020, was transformed even smoothly. For readers who are not aware, SPICe’s full form is Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically, defining how this document simplifies the registration process for companies.

The SPICe+ form is a single-window solution designed to integrate multiple registrations, such as PAN, TAN, DIN, GSTIN, EPFO, and ESIC, into one seamless process. This initiative reduces both paperwork and processing time, making it an integral step towards enhancing the ease of doing business in India.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the SPICe+ form and how it simplifies company registration.

What is the SPICe+ Form?

The SPICe+ form for registration is a government-led initiative aimed at streamlining the company incorporation process in India. It is a fully digital system that integrates essential services required to incorporate your business while simultaneously meeting compliance requirements.

This form combines multiple steps—including obtaining a company name, PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC registrations, and more—into a single application. Accessible through the MCA portal, SPICe+ eliminates the need for filing multiple forms, thus saving time, effort, and costs for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Introduced as an upgrade to the older SPICe (Simplified Performa for Incorporating a Company Electronically), SPICe+ became mandatory for all company incorporations post-2020, signifying a big leap in improving business processes in India.

Features and Benefits of SPICe+ Form

SPICe+ form for incorporation seamlessly handles DIN allocations, name reservation, and incorporation formalities (often referred to as the SPICe form for DIN). This one-stop form offers a wealth of features and benefits that set it apart from traditional company incorporation processes:

• Integration of Multiple Services: A single form allows simultaneous registration for PAN, TAN, DIN, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, and more.
• Reduced Paperwork: Since all details can be submitted digitally in a single form, the reliance on physical documentation is significantly reduced.
• Time Efficiency: By integrating services, SPICe+ drastically reduces the total time it takes to register a company.
• Improved Ease of Doing Business: SPICe+ supports the government’s goal of making India a hub for startups and innovation.
• Simplified Compliance: Consolidating multiple registrations into one process ensures all compliance formalities are met at the time of incorporation.

Structure of SPICe+ Form

The SPICe+ form is divided into two main parts:

Section	Purpose	Key Services
Part A	Name reservation	Approval or rejection of proposed company name(s).
Part B	Company incorporation and allied services	Registration for PAN, TAN, GSTIN, EPFO, ESIC, DIN, etc.

This two-part structure facilitates flexibility, allowing businesses to either reserve a company name first (Part A) or proceed with both name reservation and incorporation at the same time (Part A + Part B).

Documents Required for SPICe+ Form

Submitting the correct documents is critical for the successful processing of the SPICe+ form for registration. Below is a breakdown of the documentation required:

For Directors and Shareholders

• Identity Proof: PAN card, Aadhaar card, Passport.
• Address Proof: Driver’s license, electricity bill, bank statement, or rent agreement.

For the Registered Office

• Ownership Proof: Property deed/ownership document (if owned).
• Rental Agreement: (If on rent) supported by the landlord’s No Objection Certificate (NOC).
• Utility Bills: Electricity or water bills (not older than two months).

Other Documents

• Declaration Forms: INC-9 (declaration by shareholders/directors) and DIR-2 (consent to act as a director).
• MOA and AOA: Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association specifying the business activities and internal rules.

Checklist Format for quick reference:
☑ PAN card (all directors).
☑ Aadhaar card.
☑ Address proof.
☑ Utility bills for registered office.
☑ MOA and AOA.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filling the SPICe+ Form

It’s recommended to take a professional’s help to fill out the SPICe+ form to avoid inaccuracies. This single-window form can be filled by following these steps:

Part A: Name Reservation

1. Log in to the MCA Portal: Visit the MCA Portal (mca.gov.in) to access the SPICe form under MCA and create a user account if not already registered.
2. Navigate to SPICe+: Under the company registration section, select SPICe+ for name reservation.
3. Propose Company Name(s): Enter up to two unique name options for your company.
4. Submission and Approval: Submit the form and await approval or feedback from the RoC.

Part B: Incorporation and Other Registrations

1. Select Incorporation Services: Log in to the MCA portal and begin Part B of the SPICe+ form under “Incorporation Services.”
2. Enter Company Details: Fill in details such as company type, category, and sub-category.
3. Provide Shareholder and Director Details: Enter names, ID proofs, and addresses of directors/shareholders.
4. Upload Required Documents: Attach documents like INC-9, DIR-2, proof of address, and utility bills.
5. Integrated Service Applications: Apply for PAN, TAN, DIN, GSTIN, EPFO, and ESIC within the same form.
6. Payment and Submission: Pay the required fees online and submit your application.

Need assistance filling out the comprehensive form? Contact legal consultants from RegisterKaro and finalize the company registration efficiently.

SPICe+ Form Filing Fees

When you file the SPICe+ form for incorporation, there are key government fee components you should consider. These fees depend on the authorized share capital of your company and a few other factors:

• For companies with authorized share capital up to ₹15 lakh, the SPICe+ filing fee is nil (zero).
• If the authorized share capital is above ₹15 lakh, a nominal fee (for example, ₹500) becomes applicable.

This fee covers the integrated application for name reservation, incorporation, DIN allotment, PAN/TAN, etc.

While SPICe+ form filing is handled online, you still need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for subscribers/directors. On the other hand, Director Identification Numbers (DIN) and PAN/TAN applications come bundled via SPICe+, but other professional costs (legal/CA/CS drafting MOA/AOA) are additional.

Check out the detailed pricing breakdown for company incorporation fees to get complete information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling the SPICe+ Form

Avoid these common errors to ensure the proper processing of your SPICe+ form:

• Incorrect or Incomplete Documents: Always double-check the documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Proposing a Non-Unique Company Name: Verify name availability before submitting via the MCA portal.
• Errors in MOA and AOA Content: Ensure these documents align with your company goals.
• Skipping Mandatory Fields: Leave no section blank in any part of the form.

Comparison: SPICe+ vs Old Company Registration Process

The launch of SPICe Form and then the update to SPICe+ Form later were introduced with the intention of streamlining the process. Initially, applicants had to fill out multiple forms and wait for a longer period to legally register their Pvt Ltd company or other business structure.

SPICe+ Form reduced the turnaround time tremendously and is also a single form replacing a massive mountain of documents. Here are some additional aspects of how it differentiates from others:

Aspect	Old Process	SPICe+ Form
Number of Forms	Multiple forms (separate filings)	Single integrated form
Time Taken	Long and time-intensive	Faster, reducing delays
Integrated Services	Limited	Covers services like GSTIN and EPFO
Ease of Use	Complex and repetitive steps	Simplified and user-friendly

Conclusion

The SPICe+ form for registration is a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners in India. By integrating multiple processes into one simple platform, it not only saves time but also significantly streamlines compliance, helping India climb the rankings in ease of doing business initiatives.

If you’re ready to register your company, ensure your process is smooth by leveraging the features of SPICe+. Visit the MCA portal or consult a professional like RegisterKaro to navigate the process effortlessly. Take the first step toward establishing your business hassle-free!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the fee for filing the SPICe+ form?

The SPICe+ filing fee varies based on the company’s authorized capital. It typically ranges between ₹500 and ₹2,000, depending on the business’s size and capital structure.

Q: How long does name approval and incorporation take?

Name approval generally takes 1–2 working days, while company incorporation may take 3–5 working days, provided all submitted documents are accurate and comply with MCA requirements.

Q: Is SPICe+ mandatory for all company types?

Yes, all company incorporations under the Companies Act, 2013, must use the mandatory integrated form SPICe+. It simplifies the process by combining multiple services in a single application.

Q: Can changes be made to a submitted SPICe+ form?

Once you submit the SPICe+ form, you cannot make any changes. If you make errors, you must file a new application with corrected details to successfully register the company.