All About New MCA Filing Form SPICe+ (SPICe Plus) for Company Registration

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has introduced SPICe+ (SPICe Plus), a new web-based form designed to streamline the company incorporation process. SPICe+ replaces the older SPICe form and offers a simplified, integrated approach for company registration, including additional registrations such as EPFO, ESIC, GST, and more—all through a single window. This form has made it mandatory for companies to register for PAN, TAN, EPFO, ESIC, Profession Tax (Maharashtra), and even open a bank account at the time of incorporation.

Latest Updates in SPICe Plus Form

• 27th January 2023: MCA published essential FAQs regarding SPICe+ and related filings.
• 4th January 2023: Stakeholders were informed that Company Incorporation forms (SPICe+ Part A, Part B & RUN) were available for filing in V2 until 6th January, after which these forms moved to the V3 portal.

Key Features of SPICe Plus Form

SPICe Plus, or SPICe+, provides a comprehensive solution for company incorporation by integrating 10 services across three central government ministries and departments (Ministry of Labour & Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs). Here are some key features:

• DIN Allotment: SPICe+ includes the application for obtaining a Director Identification Number (DIN) for prospective directors.
• Company Incorporation: SPICe+ facilitates the incorporation process by allowing applicants to provide essential details, such as company type, capital structure, and registered office address.
• MoA and AoA Integration: SPICe+ integrates the filing of the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA), simplifying document submission.
• Name Reservation: Through the integrated RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service, applicants can reserve a company name and verify its availability.
• GSTIN, PAN, and TAN: SPICe+ allows applicants to apply for GST registration, PAN, and TAN through a single form.
• AGILE-PRO Integration: The AGILE-PRO form, part of SPICe+, enables registration for EPFO, ESIC, Professional Tax (Maharashtra), and bank account opening.
• Stamp Duty Payment: SPICe+ facilitates stamp duty payment through the MCA portal, making the authentication of documents easier.

MCA SPICe INC-32 vs. SPICe Plus

• SPICe INC-32: The earlier version of the form allowed for name reservation, incorporation, and DIN allotment.
• SPICe+ (SPICe Plus): The new version extends the capabilities by adding features like GSTIN registration, Professional Tax (Maharashtra), EPFO, ESIC, and bank account opening, all integrated into a single application.

SPICe Plus: A Step Towards Ease of Doing Business

The government introduced SPICe+ as part of India’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) initiatives, aiming to make the company incorporation process more efficient by consolidating multiple registrations into a single form. This integration reduces paperwork and enhances user convenience, making it an essential tool for entrepreneurs.

Step-by-Step Process for Company Incorporation Using SPICe Plus

1. Access SPICe+: Navigate to the ‘MCA Services’ section and select ‘SPICe+’.
2. Create a New Application: Click on ‘New Application’ to initiate the process.
3. Provide Company Details: Enter the company type, class, and other relevant details, including the industrial activity code.
4. Name Reservation: Use the integrated RUN service to reserve a unique name for the company.
5. Fill in Part B: After reserving the name, proceed to fill in Part B, which includes details about the registered office address, directors, subscribers, and capital structure.
6. Upload Required Documents: Attach necessary documents, such as identification proof, address proof, and other relevant certifications.
7. Pre-Scrutiny and Submission: Perform a pre-scrutiny check and submit the form. Upon successful submission, download the PDF of Part B to affix the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
8. Linked Forms Submission: Submit linked forms, such as AGILE-PRO, SPICe+MoA, and SPICe+AoA, along with Part B.
9. Payment and Final Submission: Make the required payment, after which the forms will be processed by the MCA. If any issues arise, the forms may need to be rtaesubmitted.

Conclusion

The introduction of SPICe+ marks a significant step towards simplifying the company registration process in India. By integrating multiple services into a single form, SPICe+ reduces the administrative burden on entrepreneurs, making it easier to start a business. The web-based format also enhances accessibility and ensures that all necessary registrations are completed seamlessly. This initiative by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs is a welcome move for businesses, aligning with the government’s vision of improving ease of doing business in the country.