COMPLIANCE

Change Company Name in India with RUN, MGT-14 and INC-24 (2026)

How an Indian company changes its name under section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, from RUN to the fresh certificate, with name rules, trademark limits, fees, timeline and the PAN, GST and IEC updates.

At a glance

Compliance

CA Nandini Hasija
CA NandiniCo-founder
11 Mar 2026Published
Reviewed by Nihal Srivastava11 Mar 2026
30 minute read14 questions answered at the end
Krystal7 Consultants · India entry, tax and compliance
Change Company Name in India with RUN, MGT-14 and INC-24 (2026)

Written by CA Nandini Hasija, Krystal7 Consultants. Last updated 23 October 2026.

To change a company name in India, reserve the new name through the RUN web service. Pass a special resolution and file it in Form MGT-14 within 30 days. Then apply to the Registrar in Form INC-24 under section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, within the 60 day reservation. The change takes effect when the Registrar issues a fresh certificate of incorporation in Form INC-25.

This page covers the name rules, the trademark limits, the filings, fees and timeline, and the updates to PAN, GST, IEC, bank and contracts. It is written for Indian subsidiaries that rename after the group's global rebrand.

How do you change the name of an Indian company?

You change it in five steps: a board decision, RUN reservation, a special resolution, Form MGT-14 and Form INC-24. The Registrar then issues a fresh certificate of incorporation. Section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 requires the special resolution and the Central Government's written approval, which the Registrar gives.

Step What happens Form Law
1. Board meeting Board approves the proposed names and authorises a director to apply Board resolution Section 179
2. Name reservation Central Registration Centre checks and reserves the name for 60 days RUN Section 4(4), 4(5); rule 9
3. Members' approval Special resolution altering the name clause of the memorandum and the articles Notice and minutes Sections 13(1), 14, 114
4. Filing the resolution Resolution filed with the Registrar within 30 days MGT-14 Sections 13(6)(a), 117
5. Approval Registrar approves the change of name INC-24 Section 13(2); rule 29
6. New certificate Registrar records the new name and issues a fresh certificate INC-25 Section 13(3)

The text of section 13 sets steps 3 to 6. Rules 8 to 9 and 29 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 set the name tests and the INC-24 filing. Our page on the memorandum and articles of a foreign subsidiary explains the name clause the resolution alters.

What does section 13(2) require?

Section 13(2) requires a special resolution and the Central Government's approval in writing. The Registrar gives that approval when it decides Form INC-24. Under section 13(3), the Registrar enters the new name in the register and issues a fresh certificate. The change is complete and effective only on the issue of that certificate.

The proviso to section 13(2) carves out one case. No approval is needed where the only change is adding or deleting the word "Private" because the company converts from one class to another. Every other change, however small, goes through the full process.

Section 13(10) adds that no alteration of the memorandum has effect until it is registered. So the company keeps trading, invoicing and signing under its old name until the INC-25 certificate issues. We tell the parent's brand team not to switch Indian invoices or contracts before that date.

The company stays the same legal person. The CIN, PAN, TAN and GSTIN numbers do not change, because none of them depends on the name. Only the name on each record changes.

How do you reserve a new name through RUN?

An existing company applies through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) web service on the MCA portal. Rule 9 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 reserves SPICe+ Part A for new companies and RUN for a change of name. The Central Registration Centre decides, and section 4(5) keeps an approved name for 60 days.

Rule 9 took its current form from the Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2020, notified on 18 Feb 2020 and in force from 23 Feb 2020. The MCA's SPICe+ FAQs (FAQ 2) say that for a change of name the web service RUN is required to be submitted. A practitioner who suggests SPICe+ Part A for an existing company is describing the new company route.

The Registrar at the Central Registration Centre either approves or rejects the name. Before rejecting it, the Registrar allows a resubmission within 15 days to fix defects. A rejected application needs a fresh RUN with a fresh fee.

Section 4(5)(i) gives the reservation period. A name for a new company is reserved for 20 days from approval. A name for an existing company's change of name is reserved for 60 days from approval. The INC-24 instruction kit ties INC-24 to the reserved name, so INC-24 must go in inside those 60 days. The kit counts the 60 days from the date of the name application, so we count from that date to be safe.

The RUN fee is INR 1,000. ICSI's note on RUN gives that figure, and the MCA's SPICe+ Part A kit shows the same INR 1,000 name reservation fee under the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014. The payment screen shows the exact amount. A company that misses the 60 days applies again and pays again.

Section 4(5)(ii) penalises a reservation obtained on wrong or incorrect information. For a company already registered, the Registrar may, after a hearing, direct a change of name within three months by ordinary resolution. The Registrar may also strike the company off or file for winding up.

Which names will the Registrar reject?

The Registrar rejects a name that is identical to, or too nearly resembles, an existing company's name under section 4(2), or that is undesirable. Rule 8 lists the differences it ignores when comparing names. Rule 8A lists undesirable names, and rule 8B lists words that need the Central Government's prior approval.

Under rule 8(2), the Registrar disregards these differences when it compares a proposed name with existing names:

The Registrar ignores (rule 8(2)) Example of a name treated as identical
Suffixes such as Private, Pvt, Limited, Ltd, LLP, Company, Co, Corporation and Corp (clause a) Northwind Data Private Limited and Northwind Data Corporation Limited
Plurals, tenses, letter case, spacing, punctuation and special characters (clauses b to d) Northwind Datas Private Limited
Phonetic spellings, misspellings and slight spelling variations (clauses e and i) Northwynd Data Private Limited
Host names and internet endings such as www, .com, .in or "dot" (clause f) Northwind Data.com Private Limited
A different order of the same words (clause g) Data Northwind Private Limited
The articles a, an and the (clause h) The Northwind Data Private Limited
A complete Hindi or English translation or transliteration (clause j) A Hindi rendering of the same words
A place name added to an existing name that has none (clause k) Northwind Data India Private Limited
Numerals added, deleted or changed, unless the numeral is a brand (clause l) Northwind Data 2 Private Limited

A Board resolution of the existing company giving no objection changes the result for clauses (f) to (h), (k) and (l). The Registrar then treats those differences as real. Since 12 Mar 2026, an MCA advisory says no objection certificates will not be considered for exact or similar names (see What changed in 2026).

Rule 8A treats several kinds of names as undesirable. They include names that attract the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and names offensive to any section of people. Names resembling an LLP's name are also caught. So are words such as Bank, Insurance and Stock Exchange, unless the regulator's requirements are met.

Rule 8B needs the Central Government's prior approval for words that suggest official status. The list includes Board, Commission, Authority, National, Union, Central, Federal, Republic, President, Court, Bureau and Municipal. A rebranded group whose new name contains one of these words should pick a different Indian name.

Rule 8A(1)(w) also keeps released names out of reach. A name released on a change of name is undesirable for another company for three years from the date of change. The exception is a direction from the competent authority in a compromise, arrangement or amalgamation. The MCA advisory of 12 Mar 2026 repeats the three year bar.

How do trademarks affect a company name change?

A trademark can block the new name, and it can also force a change later. Rule 8A treats a name as undesirable if it matches a mark registered in the class of the company's activity, unless the owner consents. Section 16(1)(b) lets a registered trademark owner seek a direction to change the name within three years.

Rule 8A(1)(b) works as follows. A name is undesirable if it includes a registered trademark in the same class of goods or services. The rule applies subject to section 35 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, which protects a person's bona fide use of their own name. The name is allowed if the owner's consent has been obtained and produced.

In a group rebrand, the foreign parent usually owns the new mark. We obtain a consent letter from the parent as trademark owner and attach it to RUN. If the parent has not registered the mark in India, we still search the Indian register for similar marks in the relevant classes. Our guide to trademark registration for foreign brands covers the Madrid route.

Section 16 is the risk after approval. A registered trademark owner can apply within three years of the company's incorporation, registration or change of name. If the Central Government agrees the name is identical or too similar, it directs a change. The company must change its name within three months by ordinary resolution.

A company that owns registered marks in its old name records the new name with the Trade Marks Registry. Form TM-P covers amending the proprietor's name where ownership has not changed by assignment or transmission. One form covers one request.

When is a company barred from changing its name?

Rule 29(1) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 bars a change of name while annual returns or financial statements due with the Registrar are unfiled. It also bars one that has failed to pay or repay matured deposits or debentures, or interest on them. Clear the filings or payments before you apply.

The rule was substituted by the Companies (Incorporation) Third Amendment Rules, 2016 (G.S.R. 743(E) of 27 Jul 2016). The INC-24 instruction kit lists these defaults as rejection codes 1 and 2.

We run three checks before we book the general meeting:

  1. Confirm that AOC-4 and MGT-7 are filed for every year due. Our page on AOC-4 and MGT-7 annual filing lists the due dates.
  2. Confirm that no matured deposit, debenture or interest remains unpaid.
  3. Check whether a sector regulator must approve first, such as RBI for an NBFC, SEBI for a registered intermediary or IRDAI for an insurer.

The INC-24 kit asks for such regulator approval orders as attachments where they apply. A software or services subsidiary seldom needs one.

What do the special resolution and MGT-14 involve?

Members pass a special resolution altering the name clause of the memorandum and any reference to the name in the articles. The company files it in Form MGT-14 within 30 days under section 117. The INC-24 form needs the MGT-14 service request number, so MGT-14 goes in first.

A special resolution needs votes in favour of at least three times the votes against, under section 114(2). A general meeting other than the AGM needs 21 clear days' notice under section 101. Shorter notice works if a majority in number of members entitled to vote, holding at least 95 percent of the paid up voting capital, consent.

A wholly owned subsidiary has the parent and a nominee holder as its two members. Both must consent to shorter notice, because a majority in number of two members is both. The parent votes through an authorised representative appointed by its board under section 113.

The notice carries an explanatory statement under section 102 that gives the reason for the change. We attach to MGT-14 the certified resolution, the explanatory statement and the altered memorandum and articles. The MGT-14 fee is the normal filing fee of INR 200 to INR 600 by nominal share capital.

We pass the resolution only after RUN approval. That way the resolution names an approved name, and the 60 day clock covers both MGT-14 and INC-24.

How do you file INC-24 and get the new certificate?

File Form INC-24 after MGT-14, inside the 60 day reservation. Attach the certified special resolution and minutes, and any regulator approval. The fee is INR 2,000 to INR 20,000 by authorised capital. On approval, the Registrar emails a fresh certificate of incorporation in Form INC-25.

The INC-24 instruction kit sets the fee by authorised capital:

Authorised capital Fee for companies other than OPCs and small companies (INR) Fee for OPCs and small companies (INR)
Up to INR 25,00,000 2,000 1,000
Above INR 25,00,000 up to INR 50,00,000 5,000 2,500
Above INR 50,00,000 up to INR 5 crore 10,000 Not applicable
Above INR 5 crore up to INR 10 crore 15,000 Not applicable
Above INR 10 crore 20,000 Not applicable

A subsidiary of a foreign company pays the first column. Section 2(85) excludes a holding or subsidiary company from being a small company.

The kit also asks for a chartered accountant's certificate on turnover where the change of name follows a change in main activity. We read that as a check that a new activity word in the name matches the business. Plan for it if the new name says "Software" or "Logistics" and the old business was something else.

The certificate in Form INC-25 shows the new name with the same CIN. The INC-24 instruction kit repeats the section 13(3) rule. The change of name is complete and effective only on the issue of that certificate.

How long does a company name change take?

The law sets limits for some steps and none for others. RUN gives 15 days to resubmit and 60 days of reservation. MGT-14 is due within 30 days of the resolution. The Registrar has no fixed time to decide INC-24. So the clock you control runs from RUN approval to INC-24 filing.

Step Statutory limit Source
Resubmission of RUN when marked Within 15 days Rule 9
Reservation of the approved name 60 days from approval Section 4(5)(i)
Notice of general meeting 21 clear days, or shorter with 95 percent consent Section 101
Filing the special resolution Within 30 days of passing, in MGT-14 Section 117
Filing INC-24 Within the 60 day reservation; the kit counts from the name application Section 4(5)(i); INC-24 instruction kit
Registrar's decision on INC-24 No fixed limit Not prescribed
GST amendment for the new legal name Within 15 days of the change CBIC GST FAQ 3.6
GST officer's approval Within the time rule 19 allows; the portal approves an untouched core field application automatically Rule 19, CGST Rules, 2017; GST portal guide
Showing the former name on stationery For two years after the change Section 12(3)(c) proviso
Trademark owner's application to rectify Within three years of the change Section 16(1)(b)

With a parent that signs quickly, we aim to file INC-24 within two weeks of RUN approval. Registrar processing then sets the end date, and it is not under the company's control.

What must you update after the new certificate?

Update PAN first, because GST and the bank check the name against PAN. Then file the GST core field amendment within 15 days, update the IEC on the DGFT portal, and send the bank the new certificate. Letterheads, invoices and the website must show the former name for two years under section 12(3)(c).

Record What to file or send Timing
PAN and TAN Request for change in PAN and TAN data with the INC-25 certificate First, before GST and the bank
GST Core field amendment of the legal name in Form GST REG-14 Within 15 days of the change
IEC Modification on the DGFT portal; the IEC number stays the PAN Before the next shipment
Bank and AD bank Letter with INC-25, the resolution and the altered memorandum and articles Before the next payment or remittance
Trademarks owned by the company Form TM-P to amend the proprietor's name Before the next renewal or enforcement step
EPFO, ESIC, professional tax, shops and establishments Name change on each portal or with each authority As each law requires
Udyam, LEI and DPIIT recognition, if held Update on the Udyam, LEI issuer and Startup India portals No fixed limit; before the next use
Letterheads, invoices, website, signboards New name with "formerly" the old name From the INC-25 date, for two years
Contracts and customers Notice of the new name with the INC-25 certificate From the INC-25 date

The CBIC GST FAQ 4.3 lists the name of business among the fields that need the proper officer's approval. FAQ 3.6 says the amendment is due within 15 days of the change. Rule 19 of the CGST Rules, 2017 governs the officer's approval. Our guide to GST registration for foreign owned companies covers the portal.

The IEC is the company's PAN, so the number does not change. The name on the DGFT record must still match. See our page on the IEC for foreign owned companies for the annual update rule.

Customers keep deducting TDS against the same PAN, so tax credits still reach the company. We send customers the INC-25 certificate so their vendor masters and TDS statements carry the new name.

Contracts signed in the old name stay binding, because the company is the same legal person. We do not sign them again. We send a notice of change of name with the certificate, and we use the new name in renewals and amendments.

FEMA has no separate filing for a change of name, on our reading of the RBI reporting directions. We tell the AD bank so that later FC-GPR, FC-TRS and FLA filings match its records.

How should an Indian subsidiary handle a global rebrand?

Start the Indian name change once the parent has fixed its new name and cleared the Indian trademark position. Reserve the Indian name, pass the resolution and file INC-24 inside 60 days. Switch invoices, contracts and the website on the INC-25 date, not the parent's launch date.

The Indian name usually follows the pattern "parent name + India + Private Limited". Rule 8(2)(k) ignores a place name added to a name that has none. So "Northwind Data India Private Limited" conflicts with an existing "Northwind Data Private Limited". Rule 8 lets the existing company give a no objection resolution, but the 12 Mar 2026 advisory says such consents will not be considered for exact or similar names. We search the MCA company master and the trademark register before the parent announces anything.

Plan the dates around the Indian process, which the parent's legal team cannot speed up. We give the parent a dependency list: the consent letter for the mark, board minutes, the general meeting and signatures. If the parent launches first, the Indian company keeps its old name until INC-25 issues. It can add a line such as "a Northwind group company".

Intercompany agreements need a look too. A brand licence from the parent to the subsidiary may need amending for the new mark. Royalty terms feed into transfer pricing and TDS. Our page on transfer pricing between a US parent and its Indian subsidiary covers the documentation.

If the subsidiary's registered office is also moving, run the two changes in parallel, not in one resolution. Our page on changing the registered office sets out that process. For a quote, see our change of legal name service.

Can the Registrar or the Central Government force a name change?

Yes. Section 16(1)(a) lets the Central Government direct a change where a company's name is identical to, or too like, an existing company's name. Section 16(1)(b) does the same on a trademark owner's application within three years. The company must comply within three months by ordinary resolution.

Under section 16(2), the company gives notice to the Registrar within 15 days of the change, with the Central Government's order. The Registrar then updates the certificate of incorporation and the memorandum.

If the company does not comply, section 16(3) lets the Central Government allot a new name. The Registrar enters it and issues a fresh certificate, and the company must use that name. The proviso keeps the company's right to change it later under section 13.

Section 4(5)(ii)(b) gives the Registrar a separate power where a name was reserved on wrong or incorrect information. After a hearing, it may direct a change within three months by ordinary resolution. It may also strike the company off or petition for winding up.

What changed in 2026

Sections 4, 13 and 16 of the Companies Act were not amended in 2026. The current filing route dates from 2020 and 2023. Three developments in 2026 are covered below.

Area Old position New position Date Instrument
Name reservation route RUN or SPICe+ for any reservation SPICe+ for new companies; RUN for change of name 23 Feb 2020 Rule 9, Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2020 of 18 Feb 2020
Forms on the V3 portal RUN and INC-24 on the V2 portal RUN and INC-24 substituted as V3 web forms 23 Jan 2023 Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2023
Name checks Rules 8 to 8B only MCA advisory to stakeholders on name reservation, as reported in law firm updates 12 Mar 2026 MCA advisory of 12 Mar 2026
Companies Act amendments Not applicable Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduced; not law 23 Mar 2026 Bill No. 85 of 2026
Forms and name rules INC-24 and rules 8, 8A and 9 Draft rules reported to propose an E-CHNG form and changes to the name rules; final notification not confirmed 8 Apr 2026 MCA public notice on draft Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2026

What has happened since

On 12 Mar 2026, the day after this page's publish date, MCA issued an advisory to stakeholders on name reservation. We could not open the advisory on mca.gov.in, so these points come from law firm updates that link to it. Read the advisory before you rely on them.

  • Any change to an existing name, even removing a hyphen, needs RUN.
  • Applicants should check registered trademarks in the class that matches the business activity.
  • A no objection certificate will not be considered for exact or similar names.

That last point is stricter than the no objection proviso in rule 8, so we now plan for a clean name rather than a consent.

The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (Bill No. 85 of 2026) was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 23 Mar 2026 and sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The PRS tracker shows the committee's report dated 3 Aug 2026 and no passage by either House. The Bill was not law on 23 Oct 2026. It touches names in two ways:

  • Clause 92 would insert section 396A. A person aggrieved by a Registrar's decision under section 4 or section 7 could appeal to an officer of the Central Government not below the rank of Joint Director. The time and manner of appeal would be prescribed.
  • Clause 19 would replace the penalty of up to INR 1 lakh in section 4(5)(ii)(a) with a fixed INR 50,000.

On 8 Apr 2026, MCA published a public notice on draft Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2026 for comment. Secondary summaries say a single E-CHNG form would replace INC-24 and that the name tests would change. We could not open the draft, so treat that as a proposal. We could not confirm a final notification by 23 Oct 2026, because MCA's sites block automated readers. Check the Notifications page of mca.gov.in before you file. Until final rules are notified, INC-24 and rules 8, 8A and 9 apply.

Worked example

A US company renames itself from Acme Analytics Inc. to Northwind Data Inc. Its Indian subsidiary, Acme Analytics India Private Limited, has authorised capital of INR 1 crore. The parent owns the Northwind mark in India in classes 9 and 42. The subsidiary renames to Northwind Data India Private Limited.

The timeline, counted from the board meeting on Day 0:

  1. Day 0: the board approves the proposed name and authorises a director to file RUN with the parent's consent letter.
  2. Day 4: the Central Registration Centre approves the name. The reservation runs to Day 64 from approval, or to Day 60 if counted from the application.
  3. Day 7: members pass the special resolution at shorter notice, with consent from the parent and the nominee holder.
  4. Day 9: the company files MGT-14. The 30 day limit was Day 37.
  5. Day 10: the company files INC-24, well inside Day 64.
  6. Day X: the Registrar issues the INC-25 certificate. The company files the GST amendment by Day X plus 15.

The MCA fees work out as follows:

  1. RUN: INR 1,000.
  2. MGT-14 at the normal fee for nominal capital of INR 1 crore: INR 600.
  3. INC-24 for authorised capital above INR 50,00,000 up to INR 5 crore: INR 10,000.

The MCA fees total INR 11,600. The subsidiary is not a small company, so the lower INC-24 column does not apply.

Now assume two things go wrong. First, the subsidiary has not filed its AOC-4 for FY 2024-25. Rule 29(1) bars INC-24 until that filing is made, and the rebrand waits.

Second, the company files MGT-14 on Day 50 instead of Day 9. That is 13 days after the Day 37 limit. The additional fee for a delay of up to 30 days is 2 times the normal fee. That adds INR 1,200 to the normal INR 600, so MGT-14 costs INR 1,800.

Common mistakes

  1. Filing SPICe+ Part A for an existing company. Fix: use RUN; rule 9 reserves SPICe+ for new companies.
  2. Passing the special resolution before RUN approval. Fix: reserve first, so the resolution names an approved name.
  3. Letting the 60 day reservation lapse. Fix: file MGT-14 and INC-24 within days of approval.
  4. Applying with an overdue AOC-4 or MGT-7. Fix: clear every pending annual filing before RUN.
  5. Relying on a no objection letter for a near identical name. Fix: choose a name that passes rule 8 without one.
  6. Ignoring trademarks in the same class. Fix: search the trademark register and attach the owner's consent.
  7. Switching invoices to the new name on the parent's launch date. Fix: switch on the INC-25 date.
  8. Updating GST before PAN. Fix: update PAN data first, then file the GST amendment within 15 days.
  9. Dropping the old name from stationery at once. Fix: show "formerly" the old name for two years.
  10. Signing every contract again. Fix: send a notice of change of name with the certificate instead.

Checklist

  1. Confirm that all AOC-4, MGT-7 and deposit or debenture obligations are up to date.
  2. Search the MCA company master and the trademark register for the proposed name.
  3. Obtain the trademark owner's consent letter where the name uses a registered mark.
  4. Hold a board meeting to approve the proposed name and authorise the RUN filing.
  5. File RUN and resubmit within 15 days if the Central Registration Centre marks it.
  6. Pass the special resolution altering the memorandum and articles.
  7. File MGT-14 within 30 days of the resolution.
  8. File INC-24 within the 60 day reservation, with the resolution and any regulator approval.
  9. Collect the INC-25 certificate and update PAN and TAN data.
  10. File the GST core field amendment within 15 days of the change.
  11. Update the IEC, bank, trademarks, labour registrations and other licences.
  12. Change letterheads, invoices and the website, showing the former name for two years.

To have us run a name change after a group rebrand, email [email protected]. Send the new name, the parent's trademark details and the latest MCA filings list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the name of a private limited company in India?

Reserve the new name through RUN, pass a special resolution, and file it in Form MGT-14 within 30 days. Then apply in Form INC-24 under section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 and rule 29. The change is complete when the Registrar issues a fresh certificate of incorporation in Form INC-25.

Which form is used for change of company name?

An existing company uses three forms. RUN reserves the new name, MGT-14 files the special resolution and INC-24 seeks approval under section 13(2) of the Companies Act, 2013. The Registrar then issues the fresh certificate in Form INC-25. Summaries of a draft published on 8 Apr 2026 say a new E-CHNG form would replace INC-24, but we could not confirm that it is notified.

Can an existing company use SPICe+ Part A to reserve a new name?

No. Rule 9 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014, in force in its current form from 23 Feb 2020, uses SPICe+ for a new company's name. A change of name uses the RUN web service. The MCA's SPICe+ FAQs also say that RUN must be filed for a change of name.

How long is a reserved name valid for a change of name?

Section 4(5)(i) of the Companies Act, 2013 reserves a new name for an existing company for 60 days from approval. A name for a new company is reserved for 20 days. The company must file Form INC-24 within the 60 days, or reserve the name again.

What is the government fee for changing a company name?

MCA charges a RUN fee of INR 1,000 and the normal MGT-14 filing fee of INR 200 to INR 600. INC-24 costs INR 2,000 to INR 20,000 by authorised capital. For a subsidiary with authorised capital of INR 1 crore, the INC-24 fee is INR 10,000. Late annual filings must be cleared first.

Can a company change its name if its annual returns are pending?

No. Rule 29(1) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 bars a change of name while annual returns or financial statements due with the Registrar are unfiled. It also bars one that has not repaid matured deposits or debentures, or interest. Clear the default first, then apply.

Does a company name change need a special resolution?

Yes. Section 13(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 allows the memorandum, including the name clause, to be altered only by special resolution. Section 13(2) adds the Central Government's written approval, given by the Registrar in Form INC-24. The resolution is filed in Form MGT-14 within 30 days under section 117.

When does a change of company name take effect?

Under section 13(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, the change is effective only when the Registrar issues the fresh certificate in Form INC-25. Until then the company keeps its old name on invoices, contracts and filings. Section 13(10) gives an alteration no effect before registration.

Does the CIN or PAN change after a change of name?

No. The CIN, PAN, TAN and GSTIN numbers stay the same, because the company remains the same legal person. Only the name on each record changes. The company files a PAN data change, a GST core field amendment and an IEC modification so each record shows the new name.

Is a GST amendment needed after a change of company name?

Yes. The name of business is a field that needs the proper officer's approval. CBIC's GST FAQs say the amendment is due within 15 days of the change. Rule 19 of the CGST Rules, 2017 governs the officer's approval. We update the PAN data first, because GST matches the legal name to PAN.

Can a company name include a registered trademark?

Only with the trademark owner's consent where the mark is registered in the class of the company's business. Rule 8A of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 treats such a name as undesirable without consent. Section 16(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2013 also lets the trademark owner seek a change within three years.

Can another company take our old name after we change it?

Not for three years. Rule 8A(1)(w) of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 makes a name released on a change of name undesirable for another company for three years from the date of change. The exception is a direction from the competent authority in a compromise, arrangement or amalgamation.

How long must a company show its former name?

The proviso to section 12(3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013 covers a company that changed its name in the last two years. It must print its former name with its current name. That applies to letterheads, bills, notices and official publications. Most companies write "formerly" followed by the old name.

Do existing contracts need to be signed again after a name change?

No. The company remains the same legal person with the same CIN and PAN, so contracts in the old name stay binding. We send counterparties a notice of change of name with the INC-25 certificate and use the new name in renewals. Registered trademarks need a Form TM-P filing.

Sources

  • Income Tax Department (Companies Act, 2013 text), Section 13, alteration of memorandum, accessed 23 Oct 2026, https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/w/section-13-143
  • Income Tax Department (Companies Act, 2013 text), Section 4, memorandum, accessed 23 Oct 2026, https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/w/section-4-147
  • Income Tax Department (Companies Act, 2013 text), Section 16, rectification of name of company, accessed 23 Oct 2026, https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/w/section-16-140
  • Income Tax Department (Companies Act, 2013 text), Section 12, registered office (former name proviso), accessed 23 Oct 2026, https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/w/section-12-144
  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Instruction Kit for eForm INC-24, https://www.mca.gov.in/MCA21/dca/help/instructionkit/NCA/Form_INC-24_help.pdf
  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs, FAQs on SPICe+ and incorporation (FAQs 2, 3 and 24), 20 Nov 2020, https://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/SpicePlusFAQS_20112020.pdf
  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Rules: Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 (rules 8, 8A, 8B, 9 and 29) and Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014, https://www.mca.gov.in/content/mca/global/en/acts-rules/ebooks/rules.html
  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Notifications: Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2020 of 18 Feb 2020; Companies (Incorporation) Third Amendment Rules, 2016, G.S.R. 743(E) of 27 Jul 2016; Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2023, https://www.mca.gov.in/content/mca/global/en/acts-rules/ebooks/notifications.html
  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Instruction Kit for SPICe+ Part A (name reservation fee and validity), https://www.mca.gov.in/content/dam/mca-aem-forms/instructionkits/Instruction%20Kit_SPICe+Part%20A.pdf
  • Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Incorporation of companies (RUN fee and use for change of name), https://icsi.edu/media/filer_public/12/7f/127fca7f-6755-4682-9264-7328f3388fd7/incorporation_of_companies.pdf
  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs, advisory to stakeholders on name reservation and incorporation, 12 Mar 2026 (could not be opened; content taken from published summaries), https://www.mca.gov.in/bin/dms/getdocument?mds=Yyau8%252FQveEEgOSo722nczw%253D%253D&type=open
  • Ministry of Corporate Affairs, public notice on draft Companies (Incorporation) Amendment Rules, 2026, file Policy-01/2/2025-CL-V-MCA-Part(2), 8 Apr 2026 (could not be opened; content taken from published summaries), https://www.mca.gov.in/bin/dms/getdocument?mds=3KPvpF1yQWSXz4WSZ5aWhQ%3D%3D&type=open
  • Lok Sabha, Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Bill No. 85 of 2026, clauses 19 and 92, introduced 23 Mar 2026 (text and status via the PRS Legislative Research tracker), https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-corporate-laws-amendment-bill-2026
  • CBIC, GST FAQs on registration, part 2 (FAQs 3.6 and 4.3), https://cbic-gst.gov.in/pdf/faq-manual/faqs-registration-part2.pdf
  • Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, Form TM-P, https://ipindia.gov.in/frontend/pdf/trade-mark/Form-and-Fees/FORM-TM-P.pdf

TALK TO AN ADVISOR

Facing this in your own entity?

Guides explain the rules. A conversation solves your specific case. Talk to a Krystal7 Consultants advisor about your India entry, FEMA or compliance position.

Book a discovery call
CA Nandini

WRITTEN BY

CA Nandini

Co-founder · All India Rank 49, ICAI

Nandini Hasija is a co-founder of Krystal7. She leads brand, business development and marketing, and works with founders to define their engagement. She is a Chartered Accountant and achieved All India Rank 49 in the CA examinations.

Filed under Compliance · All insights

Prefer Krystal7 guides in your Google results?

Why choose us

Why clients choose Krystal7 Consultants

Six things you can check before you sign, and hold us to after.

A Chartered Accountant signs off

Filings go out through our Chartered Accountant practice, led by CA Nandini Hasija, All India Rank 49, ICAI.

A reply within 4 business hours

The team is online from 9:30 AM to 11:59 PM IST, which covers the working day in the UK and the UAE, the afternoon in Singapore and the morning in the US.

The fee is fixed before work starts

You see the professional fee in writing first. Government fees are passed on at cost.

Both sides of the border, one team

Company law, FEMA and RBI reporting, tax and transfer pricing sit with the same advisers.

Your due dates, tracked by us

We keep the compliance calendar for your entity and tell you what is due before it is due.

500+ clients across 5 continents

More than 50 advisers on the bench when a matter needs a specialist.

Client reviews

What clients say

5.0from 33 Google reviewsView more reviews on Google ↗
Kiran Nimashakavi
Google review
5/5India entry

Working with the Kristal7 team has been an absolute pleasure. Their professionalism, attention to detail, pace they work at and commitment to delivering top-quality results stand out. They took the time to understand our needs and executed seamlessly. Highly recommend Kristal7 to anyone looking for a reliable partner to establish business in India.

Posted 18 Aug 2026On Google ↗
WebHostMost Admin
Google review
5/5Compliance

We can't be happier after dealing with true professionals who really do things in India. Absolutely recommended, high-class professionals, Nihal knows his stuff better than anybody in India, trust me. Highly recommended if you ever need any type of business needs to be done properly and ON TIME in India! Thank you guys!!!

Posted 6 Jun 2026On Google ↗
Conelec Associates
Google review
5/5Compliance

Krystal7 Consultants has an exemplary and professional attitude in their approach to services rendered by them. The team and it's leaders are thoroughly aggressive all throughout setting the processes timely and getting procedures done in a time bound and disciplined manner. Highly recommended Consultants to go-to.We wish them all the very best in all their future endeavours and growth story.

Posted 20 Jun 2025On Google ↗
Om Jawale
Google review
5/5Compliance

Amazing compliance team, always available for queries.

Posted 17 Jul 2025On Google ↗
Kriti Tripathi
Google review
4/5Compliance

Compliances are always easy with Nandini’s support.

Posted 16 Jul 2025On Google ↗
Charu Verma
Google review
5/5Income tax return

I had a great experience with this firm while filing my ITR! The team handled my ITR filing end-to-end, answered all my queries patiently, and made the entire process smooth and hassle-free. Nandini is highly professional, responsive, and took complete ownership throughout. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable tax filing assistance.

Posted 15 Jul 2026On Google ↗
Rohan Jha
Google review
5/5Advisory

Very energetic and young professionals with best consultation and commitment of work completion on time in regionable fees. Mr. Nihal is very punctual & committed .

Posted 31 Mar 2026On Google ↗
Zona Bera
Google review
5/5Registrations

Very happy with my experience with them. They have thoroughly guided me through the processes and executed them as planned, for all my registrations. Definitely would recommend using their services.

Posted 5 Nov 2025On Google ↗
Bhavya Kri
Google review
5/5Client service

“I had an excellent experience. The process was smooth, quick, and handled very professionally. I’m really impressed with the service!”

Posted 14 Sep 2025On Google ↗
Yash Karaday
Google review
5/5Annual compliance

Recap Crystal Seven Consultants, especially Nandini Hassija and Nihal Srivastava, have redefined my experience with compliance management. From professionalism to problem-solving, they delivered trust, accuracy, and peace of mind—qualities rare in this industry. Detailed Review When Nandini first called me from Crystal Seven Consultants, I’ll admit I was hesitant. In the compliance and consultancy space, it’s common to see aggressive sales tactics with little to no delivery. But Nandini immediately broke that stereotype with her professionalism, clear communication, and genuine approach. She personally assisted me with something as important as a resignation process, ensuring it was handled responsibly and without stress. Later, Nihal stepped in and impressed me with his technical expertise and eye for detail. He uncovered a serious compliance error (a mug-up) created by my previous consultant—something that could have been risky and damaging for my company. The way Nihal managed this issue with care, accuracy, and professionalism gave me full confidence that my compliance matters were finally in safe hands. Today, I rest assured knowing that Daxy’s compliances are being managed with integrity, precision, and accountability. Both Nandini and Nihal have shown me that this industry can, in fact, be built on trust, transparency, and delivery. I genuinely recommend Crystal Seven Consultants to any business owner who wants their legal, financial, and compliance matters handled not just properly—but with care, reliability, and genuine expertise.

Posted 26 Aug 2025On Google ↗
Dwijraj Singh
Google review
5/5Company closure

Company closure was managed without a single visit to any office. Krystal7 team is very professional and kept me informed.

Posted 20 Jul 2025On Google ↗
Dhruv
Google review
5/5Trademark

Best experience ever Handle me with respect & patience and make me feel at ease while registering my trademark and other works

Posted 19 Jul 2025On Google ↗
Ask an expert