Registering a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is an important step towards establishing a business entity that combines the benefits of a partnership and a limited liability company. While the registration process itself is crucial, it is equally important for LLPs to adhere to various post-registration compliances to ensure legal and regulatory compliance. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the compliances that after LLP registration LLPs need to fulfill to operate smoothly and avoid any legal issues.
Obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN):
After LLP registration, the first compliance requirement is to obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) from the Income Tax Department. PAN is a unique identification number assigned to every taxpayer in India. LLPs must apply for PAN by submitting Form 49A along with relevant documents to the authorized PAN service centers.
Opening a Bank Account:
LLPs must open a bank account in the name of the LLP after obtaining the PAN. The LLP agreement and the certificate of incorporation are generally required to open a bank account. It is essential to maintain proper financial records and transactions through the designated bank account.
LLP Agreement and Stamp Duty:
The LLP agreement is a crucial document that outlines the rights, duties, and obligations of partners and the LLP itself. LLPs must execute the LLP agreement on non-judicial stamp paper and pay the applicable stamp duty, which varies from state to state. The executed agreement must be filed with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) within 30 days from the date of execution.
Appointment of Designated Partners:
Every LLP must have at least two designated partners, and one of them must be a resident of India. Designated partners are responsible for the compliance and management of the LLP. Within 30 days of LLP registration, the designated partners must be appointed and their details must be filed with the RoC using Form LLP-9.
Obtaining Tax Registrations:
LLPs are required to obtain certain tax registrations based on their nature of business and turnover. The most common tax registrations for LLPs include:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): If the LLP engages in the supply of goods or services with a turnover exceeding the prescribed threshold, GST registration is mandatory. The LLP must apply for GST registration through the GST portal and comply with the GST return filing requirements.
- Professional Tax: Certain states in India levy professional tax on LLPs based on the number of partners and employees. LLPs must register for professional tax and make the necessary periodic payments.
- Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI): If the LLP employs a certain number of employees, it must register for EPF and ESI and ensure compliance with the relevant regulations.
Compliance with Annual Filing Requirements:
LLPs are required to file annual returns and financial statements with the RoC. The annual return must be filed within 60 days from the end of the financial year, while the financial statements must be filed within 30 days from the end of the financial year. LLPs must prepare the financial statements, including the profit and loss account, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows, in compliance with the accounting standards applicable to LLPs.
Maintenance of Statutory Registers and Records:
LLPs must maintain various statutory registers and records as prescribed by the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. These registers include the Register of Partners, Register of Charges, Register of Investments, Register of Loans and Guarantees, and Register of Accounts, among others. LLPs must ensure the accuracy and completeness of these registers and make them available for inspection by authorities, if required.
Compliance with Income Tax Regulations:
LLPs are required to comply with income tax regulations and file annual income tax returns. LLPs are taxed as separate legal entities, and their income is subject to taxation. LLPs must maintain proper books of accounts, including income and expenditure statements, balance sheets, and other relevant documents. It is advisable to engage the services of a qualified chartered accountant to ensure accurate tax calculations and timely filing of income tax returns.
Compliance with Other Applicable Laws:
Apart from tax and company law compliances, LLPs must also comply with other applicable laws based on their specific industry or business activities. These may include sector-specific regulations, labor laws, environmental laws, intellectual property laws, data protection laws, and any other relevant regulations. LLPs must stay updated on the changing legal landscape and ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Regular Board Meetings and Resolutions:
LLPs must conduct regular board meetings to discuss and make important decisions related to the business. These meetings must be documented through minutes of meetings, which should be maintained as part of the LLP’s records. Resolutions passed during these meetings should also be properly recorded and filed.
Change in LLP Details:
In case of any changes in the LLP’s details such as change of address, change of partners, change in designated partners, or any other relevant changes, LLPs must notify the RoC by filing the necessary forms. Failure to update the LLP’s information can lead to penalties and legal complications.
Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Regulations:
LLPs are required to comply with AML and KYC regulations to prevent money laundering and ensure the transparency of financial transactions. LLPs must maintain records of their clients, partners, and beneficial owners, and conduct due diligence measures to verify the identity and legitimacy of their business relationships.
Conclusion:
Complying with post-registration requirements is crucial for LLPs to maintain legal and regulatory compliance and operate smoothly. From obtaining PAN and tax registrations to fulfilling LLP annual compliance requirements and maintaining statutory records, LLPs must be diligent in fulfilling their compliance obligations. It is recommended to seek professional guidance from qualified experts to navigate the complex landscape of post-registration compliances and ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations. By prioritizing compliance, LLPs can build a strong foundation for their business and avoid legal pitfalls that may arise from non-compliance.
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