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MCA Compliance

INC-12 — Section 8 Company License Application Guide

VS Vikas Sharma 📅 March 24, 2026 ⏱️ 3 min read 👁️ 0 views Updated: Mar 25, 2026

INC-12 — Complete Filing Guide on MCA V3 Portal

INC-12 is an MCA e-form filed under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 for Application for license to incorporate Section 8 Company. Filed on MCA V3 portal (mca.gov.in) with DSC. Late filing attracts additional fees 2x-12x normal fee. This guide covers step-by-step filing, documents, fees, common errors, and penalties. Updated March 2026.

Filing Quick Reference
Form: INC-12 | Purpose: Application for license to incorporate Section 8 Company
Section: Section 8 | Portal: MCA V3 (mca.gov.in)
Authentication: DSC mandatory | Late Fees: 2x-12x normal fee

When to File INC-12?

INC-12 must be filed when application for license to incorporate section 8 company. Filing deadline is typically 15-30 days from the triggering event. Missing deadlines attracts additional fees and potential penalties under the applicable section through Section 454 adjudication by ROC.

Step-by-Step Filing Process on MCA V3

Step 1 — Login to MCA V3 Portal

Go to mca.gov.in → Login with Business User credentials → Navigate to MCA Services → Company Forms. Ensure your account is active and DSC is registered.

Step 2 — Select Form and Enter CIN

Select INC-12 from the dropdown. Enter company CIN. Form auto-populates company details from master data — verify all pre-filled information carefully.

Step 3 — Fill Form Details

Enter all required information as per the event. Key fields: date of Board resolution, details of the event, DIN of directors (if applicable), amounts and values. Cross-verify with Board minutes and supporting documents.

Step 4 — Upload Attachments

Attach mandatory documents in PDF format (max 10 MB each): certified copy of Board resolution, shareholder resolution (if SR required), professional certifications, and form-specific documents. Missing attachments cause rejection.

Step 5 — Affix DSC and Submit

Director and/or CS affixes DSC. Professional certifier (CS/CA/CMA in Practice) affixes their DSC where required. Click Submit to generate SRN (Service Request Number).

Step 6 — Pay Fee and Track

Pay prescribed fee via credit/debit card or net banking. Save SRN and payment receipt. Track status: Filed → Under Processing → Approved/Resubmission Required. Respond to ROC queries within 15 days.

Documents Required

DocumentFormatMandatory?
Certified copy of Board ResolutionPDF (max 10 MB)Yes
Shareholder Resolution (if SR required)PDFConditional
Professional Certification (CS/CA/CMA)On form (DSC)Where specified
Consent / Declaration formsPDFAs per form type
Supporting evidence / documentsPDFYes

Filing Fees

Authorized CapitalNormal Fee
Up to Rs. 1 lakhRs. 200
Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakhRs. 300
Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 25 lakhRs. 400
Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 1 croreRs. 500
Above Rs. 1 croreRs. 600

Late filing: Up to 15 days = 2x | 15-30 days = 4x | 30-60 days = 6x | 60-90 days = 10x | Beyond 90 days = 12x normal fee.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect CIN/Company Details: Pre-filled data mismatch. Solution: update master data on V3 first.

2. DSC Not Registered or Expired: Re-register DSC on V3 portal. Check validity date.

3. Attachment Size Exceeds 10 MB: Compress PDFs. Split large documents if needed.

4. Wrong Date or Resolution Number: Cross-verify with Board minutes before entering.

5. Missing Mandatory Attachment: Causes rejection. Use checklist before filing.

Pro Tips
(1) Verify company master data before filing. (2) Ensure DSC is valid. (3) Attach ALL mandatory documents. (4) Pay fee immediately — no Pay Later option. (5) Save SRN. (6) Track status and respond to queries within 15 days.

Penalty for Non-Filing

DefaultCompany PenaltyOfficer Penalty
Non-filing within deadlineRs. 1L-10L + additional feesRs. 50,000-5L per officer
Filing with false informationRs. 1L-10LImprisonment up to 6 months + fine (Sec 448)
3-year non-filing (annual forms)Strike-off (Sec 248)Director disqualification 5 years (Sec 164(2))
Director Disqualification
Non-filing of AOC-4 + MGT-7 for 3 consecutive years = ALL directors disqualified 5 years under Section 164(2). File on time — every time.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. Consult a qualified Company Secretary, Chartered Accountant, or Advocate before acting. TaxClue Consultech Pvt Ltd accepts no liability. All drafts and templates are illustrative only.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sign INC-12?
The form must be digitally signed (DSC) by an authorized director. Where company has CS appointed, CS must also sign. Professional certification by practicing CS/CA/CMA where required. Both signatories must have DSC registered on MCA V3 portal.
What happens if INC-12 is filed late?
Additional fees apply automatically: 2x for up to 15 days, escalating to 12x for delays beyond 90 days. Beyond fees, ROC may impose penalties through Section 454 adjudication — show cause notice, hearing, and penalty order appealable to Regional Director.
Can INC-12 be filed on the old V2 portal?
No. All company forms are now filed exclusively on MCA V3 portal (mca.gov.in). V2 was discontinued for company forms in July 2025. Ensure your Business User account on V3 is active and DSC is registered.
What if INC-12 is rejected by ROC?
SRN status changes to Resubmission Required with specific reasons. You get 15-30 days to correct and resubmit. Missing resubmission deadline requires filing afresh with new fees. Check SRN status regularly on V3 portal.

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