Last updated: 14 Oct 2026

Virtual Auditor

Company Name Change

Last updated: 14 Oct 2026

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.

What is Company Name Change?

Regulatory Framework

Regulatory basis: Companies Act, 2013 — Section 4 and rule 8 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 (permitted names; reservation through RUN), Section 13(2) (special resolution and Central Government approval, Form INC-24), Form MGT-14 within 30 days of the resolution, and the fresh certificate of incorporation under Section 13(3).

Name Change Process

StepForm/ActionTimeline
Board resolutionBoard meetingDay 1
Name availabilityRUN (Reserve Unique Name)3-5 days
Special resolutionEGM (Form MGT-14)30 days notice
ROC filingINC-2430 days from SR
New COIIssued by ROC15-30 days

Step-by-Step Process

    Step 1

    Submit RUN on MCA portal for name approval

      Step 2

      Draft and pass special resolution at EGM (75% majority)

        Step 3

        File INC-24 with RoC within 30 days of resolution

          Step 4

          Receive new Certificate of Incorporation

            Step 5

            Update PAN, TAN, GST, bank accounts with new name

            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.

            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.

            What has changed in the law — reviewed October 2026

            • Income-tax Act, 2025: assented to on 21 August 2025 and in force from 1 April 2026, it replaces the Income-tax Act, 1961 for tax year 2026-27 onward, and the Income-tax Rules, 2026 (notified 20 March 2026) replace the 1962 Rules. Section and rule numbers on this page are those of the 1961 Act and 1962 Rules, which continue to govern assessments, appeals and pending proceedings for assessment years up to 2026-27; for tax year 2026-27 onward the corresponding provisions of the 2025 Act apply, and our engagement letters quote both.

            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-₹5,999 (professional fees only; govt fees and stamp duty extra). 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.
            How do I make this corporate change correctly, and what approvals and records are needed?
            Start with what the change is and what your articles of association say. Most changes need a board resolution, and some need the shareholders: a change of name, a shift of registered office to another state or an alteration of the articles needs a special resolution, which is filed in Form MGT-14 within 30 days. Each change has its own ROC form: DIR-12 within 30 days for appointing or removing a director (the new director needs a DIN and gives consent in DIR-2), SH-7 for an increase in authorised capital, INC-22 for a change of registered office. Afterwards, update the statutory registers, the bank and GST records, and your letterhead. We check the prerequisites, draft the resolutions and file the forms.
            Does a change of name create a new company?
            No. The Registrar enters the new name and issues a fresh certificate of incorporation under Section 13(3); the company remains the same legal entity, and its contracts, assets and pending proceedings continue unchanged.
            How long is a reserved name valid for an existing company?
            20 days from the date of approval (Section 4(5)(i)); the special resolution and Form INC-24 must be filed within that period.

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