What is CIN Number for Company? and How to check CIN number?

In this blog information such as CIN number for Company, what is CIN number, how to check CIN number, and other relevant information on Corporate Identification Number is included. A Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a unique identification number provided to firms registered in India by the Registrar of Companies (ROC). The CIN is given to firms by the ROC after they receive their Registration Certificate. The CIN is significant because every company must provide this unique number in all forms filed to the MCA, including audits and other reports.

What is CIN Number?

The Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is a unique code assigned to companies that are registered in India. The CIN number is a 21-digit alpha-numeric code given to firms that are registered with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) in various states across the country under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. It is used as an identification number for legal and regulatory purposes, helping to maintain transparency and accountability in business operations.

All companies registered in India are given a CIN, below are some of the examples

• OPC (One Person Company)

• Nidhi Company

• Private Limited Company

• State Government Companies

• Section 8 Company, and others

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) registered in India, on the other hand, do not receive a CIN. The LLPIN (Limited Liability Partnership Identifying Number) is a unique 7-digit identification number assigned by the ROC to LLPs.

Importance of CIN Number for Company

The 21-digit CIN has its unique significance that is simply understandable and aids in the discovery of fundamental corporate information. It’s utilized to get the basic information on companies that are registered under the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) in the country.

CIN (Corporate Identification Number) is required to be provided on all transactions with the respective ROC (Registrar of Companies)  and is used to trace all aspects and operations of a company starting with its establishment by the ROC.

CIN number can be used to identify or trace organizations for various levels of information held by MCA/ROC. The CIN contains an organization’s identity as well as extra information about the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

Structure of Corporate Identification Number (CIN)

Procedure for obtaining CIN Number for Company

The following are the stages to acquiring a CIN once you’ve decided what type of business you wish to start

• Obtain a DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

• Get DIN (Director Identification Number)

• Needs to complete the new user registration

• Once this is completed, complete the company incorporation procedure

• Incorporate Company

In addition, the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) will assess and approve the company’s application after receiving the company’s incorporation forms. The CIN is assigned after all of the information in the application has been validated.

Explanation on 21 digit CIN Number

Section 1

The first character of a CIN indicates whether a firm is “Listed” or “Unlisted” on the Indian stock exchange. In other words, the first character denotes whether the company is listed on the stock exchange. If a firm is listed, the CIN will begin with the letter ‘L,’ and if it is not listed, it will begin with the letter ‘U.’

Section 2

The following set of five numeric digits categorizes a company’s economic activity or the industry to which the company belongs. This classification is based on the type of economic activity that such an establishment would engage in. Every category or industry has been assigned a number by the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs).

Section 3

The next two letters identify the Indian state in which the business is registered. For example, GJ stands for Gujarat, MH for Maharashtra, KA for Karnataka, and so on. It functions similarly to an automobile registration number.

Section 4

The following set of four numeric digits represents the year in which a company was founded.

Section 5

The company categorization is represented by the following three letters. These three letters indicate whether a business is a private limited or a public limited firm. If the CIN number is FTC, it indicates that the firm is a subsidiary of a foreign company, while GOI indicates that the company is owned by the Indian government.

Section 6 

The registration number supplied by the respective ROC (Registrar of Companies) is represented by the remaining six numeric digits.

What are the Usage of CIN number?

Corporate Identification Number (CIN), serves various important purposes. Here are some of the key usages of the Corporate Incorporation Number:

1. Legal Identification: The CIN provides a unique identification for a company, enabling it to be legally recognized and distinguished from other entities.

2. Regulatory Compliance: The CIN is used for fulfilling various statutory and regulatory compliance requirements imposed by government authorities and agencies.

3. Business Transactions: The CIN is often required during business transactions, such as opening bank accounts, entering into contracts, or applying for licenses and permits.

4. Public Information: The CIN is publicly available and can be used by stakeholders, investors, and the general public to access information about the company’s registration details, financial reports, and other relevant data.

5. Transparency and Accountability: The CIN promotes transparency and accountability by ensuring that companies can be easily identified and their activities tracked by regulatory bodies, shareholders, and the public.

Corporate Identification Number (CIN) Change

In the following situations, your company’s Corporate Identification Number (CIN) must be updated:

•  Change in Ownership Structure: When the ownership structure of your company changes, such as transitioning from a sole proprietorship to a private limited company.
• Relocation of Registered Office: When your company’s registered office moves to a different state.
• Change in Stock Market Listing Status: If your company moves between being listed (L) and unlisted (U) on the stock market.
• Alteration in Industry Focus: If your company undergoes a change in industry focus since its establishment.
• Registrar of Companies Change: If the authority overseeing your company’s affairs, known as the Registrar of Companies, changes.

Conclusion 

A Business Registration Number, commonly known as a CIN (Corporate Identification Number), is a unique identification number provided by the ROC (Registrar of Companies). Simply put, a CIN is a unique code that contains a company’s identification number as well as additional information about its operations.

FAQs on Corporate Identification Number

1. Is there a difference between the CIN number and the registration number?

The registration number of the firm issued by the Registrar of Companies is the last six numbers of the CIN number. CIN is not used by LLPs. LLPIN is a number assigned to limited liability partnerships. In addition, a company’s CIN and GSTIN will not be the same.

2. What is the procedure for changing your CIN number?

The CIN number cannot be changed; however, it will change automatically if the company’s listed status, registered office location, or industry changes.

3. Is the CIN and GST the same thing?

No. A CIN is a unique number assigned to registered businesses by the Registrar of Companies at the time the certificate of incorporation is issued. GSTIN, on the other hand, is a unique number assigned to companies and businesses that have registered under the GST (Goods and Service Tax) statute. As a result, they are distinct and serve distinct purposes.

4. When must the CIN be entered on the Reserve Unique Name?

Only when a firm wishes to change its name and is utilizing the Reserve Unique Number to reserve the new name of an existing company does the CIN have to be entered.

5. How can I find out if a firm is listed on a stock exchange based on its CIN?

 The first letter of a company’s CIN indicates whether it is listed or not, with L indicating that the company is listed and U indicating that the company has not been listed in the stock market.