What is CIN Number of a Company

There is no doubt that running a business comes with neverending responsibilities. From arranging financial capital to start operations to obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, everything requires careful planning as well as execution to avoid giving rise to complications later on. Among these essential requirements, one that business owners shouldn’t ever overlook is obtaining a CIN. The full form of CIN is Corporate Identification Number. It is a fundamental part of a registered company in India. It is required in various business documents as well as communications.

A CIN is of utmost importance. Every registered company is required to mention its unique Corporate Identification Number in several forms and filings submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, particularly those related to statutory compliance, financial reporting and audits. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at the CIN, its features and importance. If you are planning to register a new company in MCA in the near future, we recommend that you read this post till the end!

What is a CIN Number in India?

The CIN full form is Corporate Identification Number. It is a unique alphanumeric code of 21 characters. It is allotted to companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013. This includes companies such as private limited companies, public limited companies and one person companies in India. It is issued by the Registrar of Companies under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. 

It is to be noted that CIN code is only issued to companies incorporated under Companies Act, 2013. This unique company registration number is not granted to other business forms like limited liability partnerships, partnership firms, sole proprietorships or other unincorporated entities.

The main goal of CIN is to provide a separate identity to each of the registered companies in the country. It helps government authorities, businesses and the public to identify a company and get its basic details from official records available with the MCA. 

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How is a CIN Structured?

Below, we have explained the CIN structure in detail:-

• The first character of the CIN defines whether the company is listed or unlisted. If the number starts with ‘U’, it means the company is unlisted while ‘L’ refers to a listed company.
• The following 5 digits of CIN code define the economic activity/industry in which the company operates.
• The subsequent 2 letters of company CIN denote state/Union Territory where the company was originally incorporated (e.g., ‘UP’ means Uttar Pradesh).
• The subsequent 4 digits refer to the year the company was incorporated.
• The succeeding 3 letters highlight the company’s class or type (for example, ‘PLC’ for a Public Limited Company, ‘PTC’ for a Private Limited Company, ‘SGC’ for a State Government Company, ‘NPL’ for a Section 8 or Not-for-Profit Company and ‘OPC’ for a One Person Company).
• The last 6 CIN digits are unique in nature and constitute registration number assigned by the Registrar of Companies. This number is used for company’s official identification and sets it apart from other registered companies.

Where Can You Find the CIN of a Company? 

You can find Corporate Identification Number of a company on various official documents and business communications, including:-

• Bills and invoices
• Letterheads
• Certificate of incorporation
• Annual reports
• Notices
• E-forms
• Emails sent to other parties
• Receipts
• Business letters

Why is a Company Registration Number so Important?

You can understand the importance of CIN with the help of following points:-

• A company CIN number proves that a company is registered with ROC, MCA, and that it operates as a legally incorporated entity.
• Anyone can use CIN so as to verify a company’s basic details like its name, registration date, registered office and current status via MCA records.
• Displaying CIN on official documents helps customers, investors, suppliers and other stakeholders confirm that they are dealing with a registered company.
• Companies are required to mention their CIN on various business documents. Doing so helps them comply with provisions of Companies Act.
• Government authorities, regulators and businesses use CIN to identify a company and access its latest filings and other records.

How to Obtain a CIN Number?

In order to obtain a CIN, you must first incorporate a company. Once the company gets incorporated, the ROC then issues a Certificate of Incorporation. This certificate contains the company’s unique CIN number. Mentioned below are all the steps involved in obtaining a CIN through company incorporation process:-

• First and foremost, you need to get a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) from an authorized agency. This certificate is a mandatory part of company incorporation process as it allows for electronic validation of documents and forms online.
• After securing DSC, it’s time to obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN) from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This number is a distinctive identifier for each director related to the company. If an individual does not have a valid DIN, they cannot legally serve as a director at any company.
• Then, register as a new user on MCA portal and login with the new credentials.
• Execute business incorporation procedure on MCA portal by submitting prescribed form, necessary documents and application fee.
• Give a legal identification to your business by obtaining a Certificate of Incorporation from ROC, MCA. The unique 21-digit Corporate Identification Number of company is mentioned in this certificate. 

Similar post: How to Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN)?

The Takeaway

Now, you must have a detailed understanding of CIN number, its importance and how to get it. A CIN number plays a quintessential role in establishing legal identity of a company. It helps regulatory authorities track company details and make sure the businesses are adhering to compliance requirements. Remember that, CIN is mandatory and necessary for all companies in India. For getting a CIN number for your company in a simplified manner, avail professional and reliable help today by reaching out to Registrationkraft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is CIN number mandatory for all companies in India?

Yes. CIN number is mandatory for all the companies incorporated in India under Companies Act, 2013. 

Q2. How do I obtain my CIN registration certificate?

After getting approval of the company incorporation application, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs allots the Certificate of Incorporation a.k.a CIN registration certificate. This certificate contains CIN.

Q3. Are CIN and GSTIN the same?

No. CIN and GSTIN are totally different from each other. CIN refers to Corporate Identification Number, which is used mainly for business identification. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issues it. GSTIN, on the other hand, refers to Goods and Services Tax Identification Number, which is essential for taxation purposes. The GST tax authority issues it.

Q4. How to check the CIN number of a company?

You can check a company CIN number on its Certificate of Incorporation, invoices, letterheads, annual reports and other official company documents. You can also search CIN via MCA portal by using the name of the company.

Q5. What is the difference between CIN and DIN?

CIN full form is Corporate Identification Number. It is a unique number allotted to a registered company. DIN full form is Director Identification Number. It is a unique number allotted to an individual appointed as a director at a company.