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
| Step | Form/Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Board resolution | Board meeting | Day 1 |
| Name availability | RUN (Reserve Unique Name) | 3-5 days |
| Special resolution | EGM (Form MGT-14) | 30 days notice |
| ROC filing | INC-24 | 30 days from SR |
| New COI | Issued by ROC | 15-30 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?
Is shareholder approval needed?
How to change a company name in India?
How much does company name change cost?
Is board resolution enough for name change?
Can a name change affect existing contracts?
What if the proposed name is rejected by MCA?
How do I make this corporate change correctly, and what approvals and records are needed?
Does a change of name create a new company?
How long is a reserved name valid for an existing company?
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