Statutory registers every private company must maintain
Besides filings with the Registrar, a company must keep certain statutory registers at its registered office. They are the company's official record of who owns it, who runs it and what it owes. Auditors, investors and the Registrar can ask to see them.
The main registers
| Register | Form | What it records |
|---|---|---|
| Register of members | MGT-1 | Shareholders, their holdings and transfers |
| Register of directors and KMP | Rule 17 of Appointment Rules | Directors' details and their shareholdings |
| Register of charges | CHG-7 | Loans secured on company assets |
| Register of contracts with related parties | MBP-4 | Contracts in which directors are interested |
| Register of loans, guarantees and investments | MBP-2 | Loans given, guarantees and investments made |
| Register of share transfers | SH-4 records | Share transfers approved by the board |
| Register of significant beneficial owners | BEN-3 | Individuals who ultimately control 10% or more |
| Register of employee stock options | SH-6 | ESOPs granted, vested and exercised |
Minutes books
Separate minutes books are kept for board meetings, committee meetings and general meetings. Minutes must be entered within 30 days of each meeting and signed by the chairperson.
Frequently asked questions
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government fees and procedures change; confirm current figures before you file.
- Issuing share certificates after incorporation
Share certificates must be issued to subscribers within two months of incorporation. Format, stamp duty, SH-1, and the move to demat shares.
- Significant beneficial owner: BEN-1, BEN-2 and BEN-3
Who is a significant beneficial owner under Section 90, the 10% test, and how BEN-1, BEN-2 and BEN-3 are used.
- Post-incorporation compliance checklist for private limited companies
Everything a new private limited company must do in its first 180 days: board meeting, auditor, share certificates, INC-20A and more.