Form 21A Companies Act 1956 Template

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Title: Form No. 21A of the Companies Act, 1956 Format

Need a compliant and ready-to-use Form No. 21A of the Companies Act, 1956 format to notify the Registrar of Companies (ROC) about the address where your company's books of account are maintained? Our customizable legal template in PDF or Word format makes compliance effortless for businesses in India.

What is Form No. 21A under the Companies Act, 1956?

Form No. 21A is a statutory form prescribed under Section 209(1) of the Companies Act, 1956. It serves as a formal notice to the ROC regarding the address at which a company's books of account, financial records, and other registers required to be maintained under the Act are kept. This form is crucial for companies whose registered office does not house these records, ensuring transparency and regulatory adherence. Whether you're a private limited company, public company, or LLP transitioning under new laws, using the correct Form No. 21A of the Companies Act, 1956 format is essential for legal filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

In India, maintaining accurate records of books of account is mandatory, and Form 21A ensures that the ROC is informed of any changes or specific locations for these documents. This form was widely used before the Companies Act, 2013 fully replaced the 1956 Act, but remains relevant for legacy filings, historical compliance, or specific ongoing requirements.

Why is Form No. 21A Important?

Filing Form No. 21A is not just a procedural step; it's a legal obligation to avoid penalties under the Companies Act. Non-compliance can lead to fines up to ₹5,000 and ongoing penalties of ₹500 per day. Key benefits include:

Regulatory Compliance: Meets ROC requirements for record-keeping transparency.
Audit Readiness: Facilitates smooth statutory audits and inspections.
Operational Flexibility: Allows companies to maintain books at locations like head offices, branches, or even off-site facilities.
Risk Mitigation: Prevents legal disputes by clearly documenting the location of financial records.

For businesses in India, especially SMEs and startups, a professional Form No. 21A sample ensures your company stays ahead of compliance checklists.

Key Elements of Form No. 21A Format

A standard Form No. 21A of the Companies Act, 1956 format includes the following essential sections:

Corporate Identification Number (CIN): Unique 21-digit identifier.
Company Name and Registered Office Address: Full details.
Notice Particulars: Specify if it's for books of account, board resolutions, or other registers.
Address of Books: Complete address where records are maintained.
Effective Date: From when the books will be kept at the new location.
Directors' Details: Names, DIN, and signatures of at least two directors.
Verification and Certification: Declaration confirming the accuracy of information.
Attachments: Any supporting documents like lease agreements.

Our ready-to-use template covers all these elements, formatted precisely as per MCA guidelines.

Who Should Use Form No. 21A of the Companies Act, 1956?

This form is ideal for:

Companies changing the location of their accounting books from the registered office.
New incorporations setting up off-site record-keeping.
Businesses undergoing restructuring, mergers, or branch expansions.
Compliance teams handling annual filings for private/public companies in India.

Common use cases span manufacturing, IT services, trading firms, and financial entities requiring strict adherence to corporate laws.

Download Form No. 21A Format Free in PDF/Word – Ready to Customize!

Get instant access to our Form No. 21A of the Companies Act, 1956 sample. Download for free in editable Word or print-ready PDF format. Customize it effortlessly using AI tools or with the help of a legal expert. Perfect for quick filings with ROC.

Note: While this legal template is designed to meet court and company requirements, it's recommended to consult a chartered accountant or company secretary for personalized advice. Not legal advice. Explore related templates like Form 23AC, Form 20B, or other Companies Act formats for comprehensive compliance.

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FORM NO. 21A OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

FORM NO. 21A

Registration No. of company

THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

[pursuant to section 160]

Name of the company
Presented for filling by
Annual Return of the company made up to the day of 19 being the date of the last Annual General Meeting of the company.!
Address of the registered office of the made of the company
List of *past and present members

[Note:- The companies holding a licence under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 exempting them from using the word ?Limited ? as the last word of their names, do not have fill in this item as they are exempt from this under Order No. SO 1578, dated 1^st July, 1961 of the former Department of Company Law administration and published in the Gazette of India 1961, Section 3(ii), Part II, 1547]

Folio in Register of Members

Names, addresses and accupation, if any

Name if father or husband

Date on which they became members

Date on which they ceased to be members

Remarks, if any

Notes:

Name of persons who ceased to be the members since the date of the last annual general meeting or of the lastest due date thereof and the respective dates on which they so ceased, are also to be given.

If the name in the list are not arranged in alphabetical order, an index sufficient to enable the name of nay person to be readily found must be annexed.
6. Particulars of Directors, Managing Directors, [***] Manager and Secretary. !1

(A) Particulars of person who are Directors, Managing Director of the Company on the day of the last annual general meeting or the latest due date thereof viz. The day of 19.

Present name(s) and surname(s) in full and whether director or managing director	Any former name(s) or surname(s) in full	Father?s/husband?s name and surname	Nationality and nationality of origin, if the different from present nationality	Usual residential address	Business occupation and particulars of directorships, Managerships and secretaryships held in other companies/bodies corporate	Date of birth and age!!!	Date if appointment	Date of cessation if any
1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1

Notes :

The expression ?managing director?, ? director? , etc., inclueds a member of managing/executive commitee.
The information under column (7) need not be given in respect of private companies which are not subsidiaries of public companies.

[***]
Particulars of the person(s) who is Manager/Secretary of the company on the day of the latest annual general meeting, or the latest due date thereof, namely, the ????. Day of ?????. 19 ?????

Present name(s) and surname(s) in full and whether Manager/Secretary	Any former name(s) or surname(s) in full	Father?s/husband?s name and surname	Nationality and nationality of origin, if the different from present nationality	Usual residential address	Business occupation and particulars of directorships, Managerships and secretaryships held in other companies/bodies corporate	Date if appointment	Date of cessation if any
1	2	3	4

Particulars of indebtedness:

A statement is annexed to this return duly signed by the signatories to this return and containing particulars of the total amount of indebtedness as on the day of the aforesaid annual general meeting in respect of all charges which are or were required under the companies Act, 1956, or under any previous company law or, which would have been required to be registered under the aforesaid Act, they had been created after the commencement of the said Act.

Certificates to be given by a director and manager/Secretary or by two directors one of whom shall be managing director where there is one.

We certify that the return states the facts as they stood on the date of two directors general meeting aforesaid correctly and completely.

We certify that since the date of last annual return the transfer of all debentures and the issue of all further certificates of debentures have been appropriately recorded in the books maintained for the purpose.

In the case of private companies only:

We certify that the company has not since the date of the annual general meeting with reference to which the last return was submitted or in the case of first return , since the date of the incorporation of the company, issued by any invitation to the public to subscribe for any debentures of the company.

We certify that the excess of the number of members of the company over fifty consists wholly of persons, who under sub-clause(b) of clause (iii) of section 3 of the Companies Act, 1956, are not to be included in reckoning the number of fifty.

Place ???????????.. Singed?????????Director

Date ???????????? Singed ?????????Director

Managing Director/

Manager /Secretary]

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Important Guidelines

Guidelines for Drafting FORM NO. 21A OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

Form No. 21A is a document used under the Companies Act, 1956, for filing a declaration of solvency by a company intending to wind up voluntarily. Follow these guidelines for effective drafting:

Accurate Information: Provide precise details about the company, its directors, and the proposed voluntary winding-up. Ensure accuracy to comply with legal requirements.

Comprehensive Details: Include comprehensive information about the company's financial position, assets, and liabilities. Clearly articulate the reasons for opting for voluntary winding-up.

Legal Compliance: Ensure that the form adheres to the legal requirements specified in the Companies Act, 1956, and any other applicable regulations. Seek legal advice to confirm compliance.

Board Resolution: Include a board resolution supporting the declaration of solvency. Document the resolution in compliance with legal formalities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Incomplete Information: Fill out all sections of Form No. 21A thoroughly. Any omissions or incomplete information may lead to rejection or delays in processing.

Mismatched Information: Ensure consistency across the form. Information in different sections should align to avoid discrepancies.

Failure to Attach Necessary Documents: Include all required supporting documents, such as board resolutions and financial statements, as specified in the form. Failure to do so may result in non-compliance.

Ignoring Legal Formalities: Be aware of the specific legal formalities and timelines associated with filing the declaration of solvency. Failure to comply may result in legal complications.

Form No. 21A is crucial for companies opting for voluntary winding-up. Adherence to these guidelines ensures a comprehensive and accurate declaration, minimizing the risk of legal complications and promoting regulatory compliance.

Frequently asked questions

What is Form No. 21A of the Companies Act, 1956?→

Form 21A is a legal notice used by companies in India to inform the Registrar of Companies (ROC) about orders passed by the Court or Company Law Board under the Companies Act, 1956.

Is Form 21A still valid under the Companies Act, 2013?→

Form 21A from the 1956 Act has been replaced by Form INC-28 under the Companies Act, 2013. Verify with MCA portal for current applicability in India.

Does filing Form 21A require stamp duty in India?→

Form 21A as an ROC filing form generally does not attract stamp duty; however, attached documents may require it based on state laws.

In what format can I download Form No. 21A?→

Download Form 21A in editable Word or PDF format, suitable for customization and e-filing with ROC in India.

Can I customize or edit Form 21A?→

Yes, this customizable legal template can be edited in Word to include company-specific details before submission.

Who should use Form No. 21A and when?→

Indian companies must file Form 21A within 30 days of receiving a Court or CLB order to notify the ROC, as per Companies Act, 1956 rules.