Company name change requires: (a) Board resolution, (b) Special resolution (members), (c) Application to RoC for name availability (INC-1/RUN), (d) Filing of MGT-14 (special resolution) and INC-24 (name change form), (e) Revised COI issued by RoC. Timeline: 15-30 days. Fee includes government fees and professional charges. Virtual Auditor handles the complete process. Quick Answer: Company Name Change — Company Name Change by CA/CS firm. Companies Act compliance. Expert filing and advisory. Virtual Auditor.
Company Name Change is a service offered by Virtual Auditor, an AI-powered CA and IBBI Registered Valuer firm (IBBI/RV/03/2019/12333) led by CA V. Viswanathan (FCA, ACS, CFE, IBBI RV), specialising in statutory compliance and corporate restructuring, from offices in Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai since 2012.
Source: Companies Act 2013, Companies (Management and Administration) Rules 2014 Official References: MCA Filing ↗ · Companies Act ↗
Penalty of ₹100/day per form (AOC-4 and MGT-7 separately) with no maximum cap. Persistent non-filing can lead to company strike-off and director disqualification under Section 164(2).
Is statutory audit mandatory for all companies?
Yes for all companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013. For LLPs: only if turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs or contribution exceeds ₹25 lakhs.
How Virtual Auditor Delivers This Differently
Our compliance management platform tracks every statutory deadline across all your entities — board meetings, AGM, ROC filings, tax returns, GST returns, TDS deposits. Automated reminders sent 30, 15, and 7 days before each deadline. No penalty surprises.
Need Help With This?
Free 30-minute consultation with CA V. Viswanathan, FCA, ACS, CFE, IBBI RV. No obligation.
Virtual Auditor vs Self-Filing vs Online Aggregators
When it comes to company name change, you have three choices: self-filing through government portals, using an online aggregator, or engaging a qualified CA firm like Virtual Auditor. Self-filing saves fees but risks errors that trigger notices and penalties. Online aggregators offer low-cost templated services but lack the expertise to handle complications. Virtual Auditor provides practitioner-level expertise with personalised attention — every engagement is supervised by CA V. Viswanathan (FCA, ACS, CFE, IBBI RV), ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance, and strategic advisory that goes beyond mere filing.
What You Will Receive
Upon completion, you will receive: name availability approval from MCA (RUN form), Board Resolution and shareholders' special resolution, amended Memorandum and Articles of Association, filed INC-24 with ROC, fresh Certificate of Incorporation with new name, updated PAN, TAN, GST, bank accounts, and all statutory registrations with name change documentation, new company letterhead and stamp specifications.
Recent Engagement — How We Helped
Context: a group of 4 co-founders launching an AI-powered fintech startup in Bangalore.
Challenge: The founders needed to incorporate quickly to sign a term sheet with an angel investor, but had complex requirements — one NRI director, customised Articles of Association with vesting clauses, and simultaneous DPIIT startup recognition for tax benefits.
Our approach: We handled end-to-end incorporation using SPICe+ (INC-32), securing DSC for all 4 directors including the NRI (using foreign address attestation), drafted customised MOA/AOA with founder vesting and anti-dilution provisions, and filed DPIIT recognition immediately post-incorporation.
Outcome: Certificate of Incorporation received in 6 working days. PAN/TAN/GST registration allotted simultaneously through SPICe+. DPIIT recognition approved within 48 hours of incorporation. The angel round closed within 3 weeks of engagement.
This engagement illustrates Virtual Auditor's approach to company name change — combining regulatory expertise with practical execution to deliver results within the client's timeline.
When Is Company Name Change Not Required?
A company name change may not be required when: (a) the proposed name is available as a trade name or brand name without changing the legal entity name, (b) a doing-business-as (DBA) or trade name registration suffices for your purpose, (c) the existing name change was driven by a temporary branding exercise, or (d) the name change will create confusion among existing clients, creditors, or regulatory authorities. Name change requires a special resolution (75% majority), ROC approval, fresh CIN, and updates across all registrations — PAN, TAN, GST, bank accounts.
If you are unsure whether your situation requires company name change, contact us for a free preliminary assessment. We will advise you honestly — including telling you if you do not need our services.
Updated for FY 2025-26
This service page reflects the latest regulatory requirements as of March 2026, incorporating changes from the Union Budget 2025, recent MCA notifications, CBDT/CBIC circulars, and RBI master directions applicable to company name change. Virtual Auditor continuously monitors regulatory updates to ensure all advice and filings are current.
Why Choose a CA Firm Over Self-Filing or Aggregators?
Self-filing through government portals is an option for straightforward cases, but it carries risks — incorrect classification, missed deductions, or procedural errors that can trigger notices and penalties. Online aggregators offer low prices but use templated approaches without understanding your specific regulatory situation. Virtual Auditor provides practitioner-grade expertise: every engagement is handled by qualified professionals (FCA, ACS, CFE, IBBI RV) who understand the regulatory nuances, anticipate complications, and provide ongoing support beyond the filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does name change take?
15-30 days from board approval to revised COI.
Is shareholder approval needed?
Yes. Special resolution (75% majority) required.
How to change a company name in India?
File RUN (Reserve Unique Name) on MCA portal for name approval. Pass special resolution at EGM (75% majority). File INC-24 with RoC within 30 days of special resolution. RoC issues new Certificate of Incorporation. Update PAN, TAN, GST, bank accounts, and all statutory registrations.
How much does company name change cost?
Government fee: ₹1,000 for RUN + ₹3,000-₹6,000 for INC-24 (depends on authorised capital). Professional fee: ₹5,000-₹10,000. Timeline: 15-20 working days from RUN approval to new CoI.
Is board resolution enough for name change?
No. Name change requires a special resolution (Section 13) passed at EGM with 75% majority, not just a board resolution. Board resolution is needed to convene the EGM.
Can a name change affect existing contracts?
No. The company retains the same CIN, PAN, and legal identity. Existing contracts, licences, and obligations continue. Only the name changes on the Certificate of Incorporation.
What if the proposed name is rejected by MCA?
You can resubmit RUN with a different name (2 names allowed per application). Common rejection reasons: similarity to existing companies, use of restricted words (National, India, Government), or deceptive similarity to well-known brands.
Step-by-Step Process
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Step 2
Draft and pass special resolution at EGM (75% majority)