Partnership Firm Registration Start Your Own Firm Now

Start a partnership firm in India quickly and within one working day. Our consultation and support are available nationwide. We assist in drafting the partnership deed and obtaining the firm’s PAN, TAN, and GST Registration. Talk to our startup advisors for a quick and hassle-free start to your firm.

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    Overview of One Person Company (OPC) Registration

    Partnership Firm Registration Details
    Professional Fee Starting at ₹4,999/- (Best Fee Guaranteed by Setindiabiz)
    Government Fee The government fee for establishing a partnership firm in India consists of two components:
    • Stamp Duty on the partnership deed or agreement
    • Fee charged by the Registrar of Firms
    These costs vary from state to state.
    Timeline The firm can be functional in 1-2 working days.
    Eligibility
    • Partners: 2 to 20 (Max ten in banking business)
    • A Registered Address
    • Unique Name
    • Adequate Capital (No Min or Max Limit)
    • Only Indian citizens are eligible to start a partnership firm.
    • NRI/PIO can be partners on a Non-Repatriation basis.
    Stepwise Process
    1. Draft an agreement of partnership/Deed
    2. Pay the appropriate stamp duty on the deed
    3. Notary attestation is recommended
    4. Registration of the firm is optional (recommended)
    5. Apply for PAN and TAN
    6. Apply for GST registration if needed
    7. Obtain the MSME registration for the firm
    8. Protect the brand or trademark
    9. If planning for export and import, apply for IEC
    Documents Required
    • Passport size colour photo
    • PAN Card (Mandatory)
    • Identity Proof of Partners
    • Proof of Residence of Partners
    • Proof of Registered Office Address
    • NOC from the owner of registered office premises

    Get Started with Partnership Firm Establishment

    A Partnership Firm is a business entity established and regulated under the Indian Partnership Act of 1932. The Act defines a “Partnership” as a relation between two or more individuals who have agreed to share the profits and liabilities of a business. Such individuals are called “partners”, and the business they carry out in “Partnership” with one another is called a Partnership Firm. The basis of a Partnership Firm formation is a Registered Partnership Deed. It is a written document where all the terms and conditions mutually agreed between the partners are mentioned.

    Checklist & Documents

    To establish a Partnership Firm, you need to meet specific minimum requirements. These include the number of partners, the firm’s name, and its registered office. Below is the table listing the minimum requirements for forming a partnership firm and the documents required for registration as a partnership firm in India. The partners must fulfil both of these requirements to establish, incorporate, and operate a Partnership firm smoothly.

    Documents of Partners
    1. PAN Cards Mandatory
    2. Aadhar Cards Mandatory
    3. Coloured Photographs Mandatory
    4. ID Proofs (any one of the below)
    • Passport
    • Driving License
    • Voter ID
    5. Address Proofs (any one of the below)
    • Bank Statement
    • Electricity Bill
    • Gas Bill
    • Telephone Bill
    • Mobile Bill
    Documents of Registered Office
    1. Proof of Address
    • Electricity Bill
    • Telephone Bill
    • Gas Bill
    • Mobile Bill
    2. NOC from the Property Owner Required
    3. Rent Agreement/Property Tax Receipt Required
    Legal Documents
    1. Partnership Deed Required
    Note: Address proof for both the promoters and registered office premises should be the latest bill (not older than 60 days). The bill must include the full name and complete address.

    Process of Partnership Registration with ROF in India

    Registering a partnership firm in India requires filing an application with the Registrar of Firms (ROF) in the prescribed mode. Where the mode is online, applications can be accessed, filled out, and submitted on the Registrar of Firms (ROF) website. Where the mode is offline, the applicant must visit the ROF’s office in the state and apply manually. Regardless of the mode of application, the applicant must navigate through the following steps to complete the Partnership Firm Registration process.

    Benefits of Partnership Registration

    Although registration of partnership firms is optional in India, Section 69 of the Partnership Act lists various adverse consequences. One of the most significant disadvantages of an unregistered partnership firm is its inability to institute a legal suit to recover anything more than ₹100 from a debtor. This is why every partnership firm must register with the Registrar of Firms. Please note that notary attestation or registration of the partnership agreement before the registrar of documents and deeds under the Registration Act does not amount to firm registration per se. Therefore, be careful while setting up the firm. Our expert advisors are equipped to help you set up your partnership business in India.

    A registered firm has the following advantages.
    • Legal Recognition & Protection
    • Easier Dispute Resolution
    • Right to Sue & Be Sued
    • Enhanced Credibility
    • Easier Conversion to Other Business Structures

    Partnership Firm vs Company

    The table below compares a Partnership Firm structure with one of the most popular choices of entrepreneurs, viz., a Private Limited Company. By highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of the partnership firm against those of a company, we have attempted to help you make an informed choice of business structure based on your needs, suitability, and resources.

    Partnership Firm
    Merits (Pros)
    • Easy to Step Up
    • Incorporation is an Option
    • Flexible Management
    • Low Cost of Operations
    • Shared Liabilities Between Partners
    • Limited Control by External Authorities
    • Easy to Dissolve
    • Privacy in Firm’s Affairs
    Demerits (Cons)
    • Unrestricted Liability
    • Limited Investment Potential
    • Limited Period of Existence
    • No Separate Management Authority
    Private Limited Company
    Merits (Pros)
    • Limited Liability
    • High Investment Potential
    • Perpetual Existence
    • Lesser Compliances
    • Separate Management Structure
    Demerits (Cons)
    • Exhaustive Incorporation Process
    • High Cost of Operations
    • High Number of Compliances
    • Long & Costly Winding Up Process
    • Lack of Privacy
    • Complex Decision-Making Process
    • High Taxation
    • Greater Social Responsibility
    • Several External Regulations

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the different types of Partnership Firms?

    The Indian Partnership Act of 1932 regulates partnership businesses, offering two types of partnership firms: unregistered and registered. An unregistered firm is established based solely on a partnership deed. In contrast, registered firms are further registered with the Registrar of Firms (ROF).

    Can I convert a Partnership Firm into a Private Limited Company or LLP?

    Yes, a partnership firm can be converted easily into a Limited Liability Partnership or a Private Limited Company, the manner for which has been prescribed in the Partnership Act 1932.

    Do I have to file the annual return of the Partnership Firm?

    Unlike a Limited Company or LLP, a partnership firm does not need to file its annual returns. However, Income Tax Return filing is applicable and mandatory for every firm, even if the firm has had no business in the previous financial year.

    Is filing ITR returns and tax audits mandatory for Partnership firms?

    Filing Income Tax Returns (ITR) is mandatory for a partnership firm at the end of every financial year. The ITR must be filed on or before the prescribed due date, 31st July. There is no mandatory requirement for firms to conduct annual tax audits. However, the tax audit is applicable when the turnover crosses Rs.1 crore (business turnover) or Rs.50 lakhs (professional services turnover) in a financial year.

    Who makes the managerial decisions in the partnership firm?

    Since there is no separation between ownership and management in a partnership firm, the partners are severely and collectively responsible for the firm. One partner’s decision shall be binding on every partner of the firm.