SPICE Form (Simplified Proforma for Incorporation of Company Electronically)

The SPICe form, officially known as Form INC-32, is an integrated and simplified form introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under the Companies Act, 2013 to streamline the process of incorporating a company in India. It is a part of the government’s “Ease of Doing Business” initiative and allows for multiple services to be availed through a single form.

Objective of SPICe:

The primary aim of the SPICe form is to reduce paperwork, speed up company registration, and integrate various registrations such as:

• Company incorporation

• Name reservation

• Director Identification Number (DIN)

• PAN and TAN application

• GST registration

• EPFO and ESIC registration

• Professional tax registration (in applicable states)

• Opening of bank account

Evolution: SPICe to SPICe+ (SPICe Plus)

Originally launched as SPICe (INC-32), the form has now evolved into SPICe+ (SPICe Plus) — a two-part integrated web-based form that provides 10 services from three Central Government Ministries and one State Government.

Components of SPICe+ Form:

SPICe+ is divided into two parts:

Part A – Name Reservation

• Used to reserve a unique name for the company.

• You can apply for 2 proposed names.

Part B – Company Incorporation and Other Services

This includes the following services:

1. Incorporation (Form INC-32)

2. Application for DIN

3. Mandatory issue of PAN and TAN

4. GST Registration

5. EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) Registration

6. ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation) Registration

7. Professional Tax Registration (Maharashtra only)

8. Opening of Bank Account

9. Allotment of Establishment Code Number

10. Issue of Shops and Establishment registration (for Delhi only)

Linked Forms with SPICe+

Along with SPICe+, the following forms must be submitted:

• AGILE-PRO-S (INC-35): For GST, ESIC, EPFO, bank account, and other registrations

• e-MOA (INC-33): Electronic Memorandum of Association

• e-AOA (INC-34): Electronic Articles of Association

• INC-9: Declaration by subscribers and directors (auto-generated and digitally signed)

Documents Required for SPICe+ Filing:

• PAN, Aadhaar, Address and Identity Proof of Directors/Subscribers

• Passport (for foreign nationals)

• Proof of Registered Office (Electricity Bill, Rent Agreement, NOC)

• Photograph of subscribers/directors

• MOA and AOA

• Board resolution if applicable

• Declaration by the first directors and subscribers (INC-9)

Benefits of SPICe+

• Single window clearance for multiple registrations

• No need to visit multiple portals (GST, Income Tax, MCA, EPFO, ESIC)

• Faster processing and incorporation

• Reduction in cost and time

• Mandatory DIN allotment for first-time directors

Types of Companies That Can Use SPICe+

• Private Limited Companies

• Public Limited Companies

• One Person Companies (OPC)

• Section 8 Companies (Not-for-Profit)

• Producer Companies

• Nidhi Companies

Filing Process on MCA Portal:

1. Login to MCA Portal

2. Select SPICe+ under ‘MCA Services’

3. Fill Part A (name reservation)

4. Upon approval, proceed to Part B

5. Attach necessary linked forms and documents

6. Sign forms using DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

7. Submit and pay required fees

8. Track the status under MCA dashboard

9. If approved, receive Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, TAN, etc.

Fees for SPICe+ Filing:

• No government fees for companies with authorized capital up to ₹15 lakhs

• Stamp duty varies by state and company type

• Professional charges (if services of CA/CS/Lawyer are used) may apply