CIN number full-form is Corporate Identification Number (CIN). It is a distinctive identifier bestowed upon companies registered in India by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Issued alongside the Registration Certificate, this unique numerical code is an indispensable element of corporate identity.

The significance of CIN transcends its role as a mere number; it serves as a pivotal requirement in various submissions to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Whether in audits, reports, or other pertinent forms, the inclusion of this distinctive CIN is mandatory. This unique identifier not only aligns with regulatory standards but also reinforces the transparency and accountability of registered companies in the Indian corporate landscape.

What is the CIN Number?

The Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a distinctive 21-digit alpha-numeric code exclusively assigned to companies incorporated within India. This alphanumeric code is issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC), stationed across various states in India under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

CIN is a requisite for all types of companies registered in India, encompassing:

• Private Limited Companies (PLCs)
• One Person Companies (OPCs)
• Government-owned companies
• State Government Companies
• Not-for-Profit Section 8 Companies
• Nidhi Companies, and more.

Notably, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) registered in India do not receive a CIN. Instead, they are allocated an LLPIN (Limited Liability Partnership Identification Number), a unique 7-digit identifier bestowed upon them by the ROC. This distinct alphanumeric code ensures the individualized recognition and compliance of registered entities within the diverse landscape of corporate structures.

Importance of CIN Number

The significance of the CIN Number lies in its pivotal role as a tracking mechanism for all facets and operations of a company, commencing from its registration by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). Mandatory for inclusion in all transactions with the respective ROC, the 21-digit CIN carries profound meaning, easily decipherable to unveil fundamental information about a registered company.

This unique alphanumeric code serves as a linchpin for extracting primary details about companies registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) within the country. The CIN, with its inherent structure, provides a translatable key to unravel essential information, making it a distinctive identifier for tracking companies across various levels of data held by the ROC/MCA.

For instance, consider the unique CIN Number issued by the ROC: U52341MP2022PTC052891. This alphanumeric representation is not just a string of characters; it encapsulates the essence of an organization, offering a wealth of information pertaining to the registered company under the ROC.

Components of a CIN number

The 21-digit CIN number serves as a comprehensive informational key, offering insights into a company's specifics. In the given example, the breakdown of CIN unfolds as follows:

Section-1: The first character, denoted by 'U', signifies whether a company is "Listed" or "Unlisted" on the Indian stock market. 'L' implies a listed company, while 'U' denotes an unlisted one.

Section-2: The subsequent five numeric digits (52341) categorize the company's economic activity or industry classification. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) assigns a unique number to each industry category.

Section-3: The following two letters ('MP') denote the Indian state of registration. For instance, 'MP' represents Madhya Pradesh,' MH' symbolizes Maharashtra, and 'DL' corresponds to Delhi.

Section-4: The next set of four numeric digits (2022) signifies the year of the company's incorporation.

Section-5: The three letters ('PTC') in this section indicate the company's classification, distinguishing between private limited, public limited, or specific ownership structures like foreign subsidiaries ('FTC') or government-owned entities ('GOI').

Section-6: The remaining six numeric digits (052891) represent the unique registration number assigned by the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

Each section, meticulously crafted, imparts crucial details about the company's listing status, economic activity, state of registration, year of incorporation, classification, and registration number. This structured breakdown not only adheres to regulatory standards but also ensures a standardized and informative representation of a company's identity.

Abbreviations in CIN number

In the Section-5 abbreviations within the CIN Number (CIN), each code bears distinctive significance:

• FLC: Denoting a Financial Lease Company operating as a Public Limited entity.
• FTC: Identifying a Private Limited Company functioning as a Subsidiary of a Foreign Company.
• GAP: Signifying a General Association of Public nature.
• GAT: Representing a General Association of Private nature.
• GOI: Acknowledging Companies under the ownership of the Government of India.
• NPL: Designating a Not-for-Profit License Company, often recognized as a Section 8 Company.
• OPC: Indicating the specialized structure of an one-person company.
• PLC: Reflecting the nature of a Public Limited Company.
• PTC: Illustrating the classification of a Private Limited Company.
• SGC: Recognizing Companies owned by State Governments.
• ULL: Distinguishing a Public Limited Company with Unlimited Liability.
• ULT: Differentiating a Private Company with Unlimited Liability.

These unique abbreviations in Section 5 offer a concise yet informative glimpse into the diverse classifications and structures existing within the corporate landscape, providing clarity and adherence to regulatory standards.

What is the Usage of CIN?

The CIN Number serves as a vital identifier for every company in India, mandating its inclusion in a spectrum of documents for transparency and compliance. The usage of the Corporate Identification Number extends to various essential documents, ensuring the company's distinct identity is reflected accurately. These include:

• Invoices, Bills, and Receipts: The CIN is prominently featured on financial documents, providing a clear reference for all transactions.

• Notices and Memos: Whether for internal communication or external notifications, the CIN is a key element in official notices and memos.

• Letterheads: The company's official letterheads bear the CIN, reinforcing the authenticity of all correspondence.

• Annual Reports and Audits: The CIN is an integral part of annual reports and audit documentation, aligning with regulatory standards.

• E-Form Submissions on the MCA Portal: For every submission on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal, the CIN is a mandatory inclusion, ensuring accurate and transparent reporting.

• Company's Official Publications: From brochures to promotional material, the CIN finds its place in the company's official publications, portraying a commitment to transparency.

• Any Other Company Publications: The CIN is consistently integrated into various company publications, providing stakeholders and the public with a reliable means of verification.

The extensive use of the Corporate Identification Number across diverse documents underscores its pivotal role in maintaining transparency, compliance, and accountability within the corporate framework.

Obtaining a CIN: Step-by-Step Process

To obtain a Corporate Identification Number (CIN) the step-by-step process is given below:

Step 1: Choosing a Distinctive Name

Begin by selecting a unique name for your company, ensuring adherence to government regulations regarding naming conventions.

Step 2: Determining Company Type

Define the nature of your business entity by choosing a suitable company type – whether it be Private Limited, Public Limited, LLP, or OPC.

Step 3: Acquiring DIN and DSC

Ensure secure online processes by obtaining both a Director Identification Number (DIN) and digital signature certificates (DSC).

Step 4: Reserving Your Chosen Name

Secure exclusivity by reserving your chosen company name with the government, avoiding any potential conflicts.

Step 5: Crafting Essential Documents

Articulate your company's objectives and regulations by drafting the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).

Step 6: Application Submission and Fee Payment

Advance to the next phase by submitting your application to the Registrar of Companies (RoC) and fulfilling the requisite fees.

This systematic approach guarantees a seamless journey toward acquiring a CIN, ensuring compliance with regulations, and establishing a robust foundation for your company's identity and operations.

Penalty for Non-compliance of Mentioning CIN

Ensuring compliance for both public and private limited companies operating in India necessitates the inclusion of their Company Identification Number on a range of documents, including but not limited to:

• Receipts and Invoices
• Notices
• Letterheads
• Annual Reports
• All e-forms accessible on the MCA portal
• Any other published materials

Fulfilling these stipulations is imperative, as non-compliance incurs penalties. In the event of a default, the company faces a daily penalty of INR 1,000, with individual officers sharing responsibility for the duration of the default. However, the maximum penalty for such non-compliance is capped at INR 100,000. This emphasizes the significance of meticulous compliance to avoid financial implications and maintain the integrity of corporate documentation.

Frequently Asked Queries

1)How does the CIN application process work?

A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is automatically assigned to a company upon its registration approval by the Registrar of Companies. The unique alphanumeric CIN is specified in the company's Certificate of Incorporation, streamlining the process for incorporated and approved entities.

2)Where can I locate a company’s CIN?

To find a company’s CIN:

• Visit the MCA website.
• Navigate to the ‘MCA Services’ tab.
• Choose ‘Check CIN’ under ‘Company Services.’
• Opt for the ‘Search Based on Existing Company / LLP Name’ option.
• Enter the company name, complete the captcha, and click ‘Search’ to retrieve the company’s CIN.

3)Is CIN applicable to Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)?

No, a CIN is exclusively assigned to registered companies, while Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) receive an LLPIN (LLP Identification Number) from the Registrar of Companies. Therefore, CIN is not allocated to LLPs under the Companies Act, 2013.

4)Are CIN and GSTIN interchangeable?

No, they are distinct. CIN is assigned to registered companies by the Registrar of Companies, accompanying the company registration certificate. In contrast, GSTIN is issued to entities registered under GST law. The two identifiers serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

5)Is it mandatory to display CIN on company documents?

Yes, according to section 12(3)(c) of the Companies Act, companies must incorporate their name, registered office address, and CIN in all business letters, billheads, letter papers, notices, and official publications. Consequently, mentioning the CIN on invoices, bills, receipts, and external communication, including emails, is obligatory.

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