Limited Liability Partnership Firm or LLP Registration and Incorporation Services in India

Characteristics or Features of Limited Liability Partnership Firm

The Annual Filings of an LLP: Form 8 and Form 11

Form 8 (Statement of Account and Solvency):

It is a document prepared and filed by the Designated Partners with the Registrar of Companies. It must state the ability of the LLP to pay off its debts and dues. Form 8 needs to be filed within 30 days of the end of 6 months from the closure of the financial year to which the statement of account relates, and should be accompanied by the requisite fee.

Form 11 (Filing Annual Return):

It is a document specifying details of the Partners, their contributions, etc. The same needs to be filed within 60 days of the closure of the financial year. 

When to consider Registering a Limited Liability Partnership?

Firstly understand that it is NOT at all mandatory to register an LLP for starting a business in India. There are many other ways to start a business. So, consider the below points before deciding to choose the Limited Liability Partnership as your choice of entity to do business.

Opt for a Limited Liability Partnership:

• When you want to have lesser legal compliance, as compared to a Private Limited Company
• If you want to Limit your Liability
• If you have or are considering Expansion Plans for your business
• When you need a separate “Legal Identity” for your business
• Where you don’t want to use your personal assets as collateral

If you have any confusion in choosing the right form of entity for your business, feel free to get in touch with us. Our Business Expert will guide you with the proper form of entity, suitable for your needs.

LLP Registration Process and its Formation Procedure

Recently, the Government has made the Registration of an LLP easy online process which is centralized. Primarily, a minimum of two designated partners is required. A natural person can be a designated partner.

Steps for Registering / Incorporating a Limited Liability Partnership

Step 1: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate or DSC

It is mandatory for all the Designated Partners (DP) to have a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). The registration process is online and the forms need to be signed electronically using the digital signature.  The Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) must be obtained only from government recognized certifying agencies.

Step 2: Apply for Designated Partner Identification Number or DPIN

Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) is a unique Identification Number allotted to an individual who is appointed (or wants to be appointed) as a Designated Partner of an LLP. In order to apply for DPIN, an application using Form DIR-3 needs to be filed at the MCA website (Ministry Of Corporate Affairs).

A person can apply for DPIN only once and the same DPIN would be enough to become a Designated Partner in another LLP. DPIN and DIN can also be used interchangeably.

Step 3: Name Approval / RUN – LLP (Reserve Unique Name for Limited Liability Partnership)

In order to register or incorporate an LLP in India, the proposed name should be approved by the MCA Authorities. RUN-LLP (Reserve Unique Name-Limited Liability Partnership) is filed for the reservation of name of proposed LLP. It shall be processed by the Central Registration Centre.

The proposed LLP Name should be unique and should NOT have been taken by any other business. Availability of the name can be searched on http://www.mca.gov.in/mcafoportal/showCheckCompanyName.do

Also, the proposed company name should NOT be already Trademarked by anyone else. You can check the Trademark availability here https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/tmrpublicsearch/frmmain.aspx

Step 4: Incorporation of LLP – FILLIP

The form used for incorporation or registration of the LLP is FiLLiP (Form for Incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership). It shall be filed with the respective Registrar of Companies (RoC) in which the registered office of the LLP is situated. This form also provides for applying for allotment of DPIN (if the proposed designated partner does not have a DPIN or DIN).

Step 5: Filing of LLP Agreement / Partnership Deed

The Agreement (LLP Partnership Deed) covers the rights and obligations amongst the partners and also between the LLP and its Partners.

An LLP Agreement should at the minimum, cover the following matters:

1. Name of the Business
2. Registered Office of the firm
3. Nature of Business to be carried on the LLP
4. The Name and Details of the Partners, including those of the ‘Designated Partners’
5. The Capital Contribution of each Partner
6. Profit and Loss sharing ratio
7. Conditions for Admission of a New Partner
8. The manner in which a Partner may retire
9. The rights and duties of Designated Partners

LLP agreement should be printed on a Stamp Paper. The value of the stamp paper depends on the place of registration. LLP agreement should be filed within thirty (30) days from the date of incorporation via form 3 on the MCA portal (http://mca.gov.in).

List of Documents Required for the Registration of a Limited Liability Partnership

Timeline – Time Taken to Register a Limited Liability Partnership in India

Normally, if everything is in order, it may take anywhere between 18 to 20 business days for registering an LLP. Below, breakup depicts the approximate timeline required for registering a Limited Liability Partnership in India:

This timeline is further subject to Government processing, approval time, public holidays, etc.

Limited Liability Partnership / LLP Incorporation or Registration Fees and Cost