Company Identification Number

What is a Company Identification Number (CIN)?

Company Identification Number, also known as CIN, is a 21-digit (alphabetic and numeric) number granted to companies which got registered under the Companies Act, 2013 or Companies Act, 1956 in India. The Registrar of Companies (RoC) issues it, and the Registrar comes under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India.

CIN is an identity document of a company, which is utilised in every official document, filing, and correspondence with the Ministry and other regulatory authorities.

Structure of a Company Identification Number (CIN)

A 21-character code is called CIN. Every part of the CIN has certain information about the company:

Example CIN: U12345MH2015PLC012345

• First Character (1 digit) – Type of the Company

1. U = unlisted company
2. L = a listed company

• Next 5 Digits Industry Code

1. These figures indicate the activity or industry which the company is doing business using NIC (National Industrial Classification) codes.

• State code 2 characters Next

1. Indicates the status of India, where the company has been registered.
2. e.g. MH Middle H, DL Delhi

• Next 4 Numbers- Year of Incorporation

1. The year that the company was established

• Next 3 Characters Ownership Type

1. PLC- Public Limited Company
2. PTC- Private Limited Company
3. OPC- a company with a single person
4. NPL Not-for-Profit License Company

• Last 6 Digits, ROC, Registration, Number

1. A special set numbers that is given by the Registrar of Companies

Importance of a CIN

• Official Identification: All the companies enrolled in India obtain a distinct CIN.

• Transparency: Assists in determining the legal status of the firm, the year of incorporation and the state.

• Regulatory Use: It must be used in a number of filing specifications to MCA, including annual returns, audit and financial statements.

• Public Record: Information through the use of CIN can be accessed by any person seeking information about a particular company at the MCA portal.

Where is the CIN Used?

• On company letterheads

• In invoices and bills

• During company audits and filings

• On the company’s website

• In government and bank communications

How to Find a Company Identification Number?

To search a company CIN:

• Access the MCA official site

• Select the MCA Services and then click on View of Company/LLP Master Data

• Search and view CIN and other information by entering the name of the company

Difference Between CIN and Other Business Identifiers

Conclusion

In India, the Company Identification Number (CIN) plays an important role in the corporate identification system. It is transparent, traceable based on the law, and in all statutory and regulatory processes is critical. If you are starting a business or checking on one there is a need to learn what the CIN is as this is crucial in a business activity in India.

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