Form 23C Companies Act 1956 Template

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FORM NO. 23C OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

Need a compliant FORM NO. 23C OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956 format to intimate the Registrar about your cost auditor appointment? Our ready-to-use legal template in PDF or Word format simplifies compliance for Indian companies under the Companies Act, 1956.

What is FORM NO. 23C of the Companies Act, 1956?

FORM NO. 23C OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956 is a statutory form prescribed under Section 224 of the Companies Act, 1956. It serves as an intimation by the company to the Registrar of Companies (ROC) regarding the appointment of a cost auditor. This form was mandatory for companies required to maintain cost accounting records as notified by the Central Government, typically those in industries like manufacturing, mining, or electricity generation.

Under the erstwhile Companies Act, 1956 (still relevant for legacy filings or transitional compliances), this form ensures that the cost auditor's appointment aligns with legal mandates, preventing regulatory scrutiny or penalties. Whether you're transitioning to the Companies Act, 2013 or handling ongoing requirements, having the correct FORM NO. 23C format is crucial for ROC filings.

Why is FORM NO. 23C Important?

Filing FORM NO. 23C OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956 is vital for regulatory compliance. Non-compliance can lead to fines up to ₹5,000 for the company and every officer in default, as per Section 629A. It provides transparency on cost audit appointments, safeguarding stakeholder interests and enabling efficient cost management. In today's competitive business environment, accurate cost auditing helps optimize operations, control expenses, and meet government oversight—making this form indispensable for notified companies in India.

Key benefits of using our FORM NO. 23C sample include:

Legal Accuracy: Pre-drafted to match ROC requirements.
Time-Saving: Ready-to-use, customizable template.
Cost-Effective: Avoid legal fees for basic drafting.
Error-Free: Structured to prevent rejection during e-filing via MCA portal.

Key Elements of FORM NO. 23C Format

A standard FORM NO. 23C OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956 format must include the following essential sections:

Company Particulars: CIN, name, registered office address, and financial year.
Cost Auditor Details: Name, membership number, firm details, and contact information.
Resolution Details: Reference to the Board resolution approving the appointment, including remuneration.
Audit Scope: Industries or products covered under cost audit.
Declarations: Auditor's consent and no-disqualification certificate.
Attachments: Copy of resolution, auditor's consent letter.
Signature and Certification: By company secretary or director.

Our customizable FORM NO. 23C template ensures all these elements are covered, available in editable Word or printable PDF format for free download or premium versions.

Who Should Use FORM NO. 23C?

This form is essential for:

Public and private companies notified under Section 209(1)(d) and 233B of the Companies Act, 1956.
Manufacturing firms, cement producers, steel plants, pharmaceuticals, and others in 25+ specified industries.
Businesses undergoing cost audit for the first time or annually.
Companies in India filing with ROC to maintain good standing.

Common use cases include annual cost audit compliances, mergers involving cost reviews, or government tenders requiring audit certifications.

Download Your FORM NO. 23C Format Today!

Streamline your compliance—download the FORM NO. 23C OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956 free sample or opt for our paid customizable legal template. Edit effortlessly in Word, print in PDF, and file instantly. Perfect for company secretaries, CFOs, and legal teams.

Important Note

While our FORM NO. 23C format is designed by legal experts for Indian companies, it's recommended to consult a qualified company secretary or lawyer for specific advice. Customize as per your company's details and current MCA guidelines. Explore related templates like Form 23AA, Form 65, cost audit report formats, Companies Act 1956 downloads, ROC filing templates, free legal documents India, and more for complete compliance solutions.

FORM NO. 23C OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

Non-Judicial

FORM NO. 23C

Registration No. of the company ........................ Nominal Capital Rs. .................................

THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

Form of application to the Central Government for the appointment of cost Auditors

[Pursuant to section 233B(2)]

Name of the company together with the address of its registered office and the date of its registration.
(a) Status of the company
(b) Whether Indian or foreign.
4. Detailed capital structure of the company
5. Principal line(s) of business of the company.
6. Proposal for which Government?s approval is sought indicating the product for which cost audit is ordered.
7. No. and date of Company Law Board?s order directing cost audit.
8. (a) The name and address of the cost auditor is who is proposed to be appointed

(b) Whether the proposed cost auditor who is a cost accountant within the meaning of the Cost and
Works Accountants Act, 1959(23 of 1959) and whether he has a certificate of practice.

(c) The Associateship/Fellowship No. of the cost accountant.
9. Whether the cost auditor is subject to any disqualification under section 233B(5) of the Companies Act, 1956.
10. Whether a certificate in writing has been obtained by the board from the cost auditor proposed to be the effect that the appointment, if ,made, will be in accordance with the provision of sub-section (1B) of section 224 of the Companies Act, 1956. If the same be enclosed.
11. Proposed remuneration of the cost auditor
12. The financial year or year to be covered by the cost audit.
13. Date of the meeting of board of directors proposing the name of the cost auditor.
14. A certified copy of the resolution passed by the board of directors of the company sanctioning the proposal for which Government?s approval has been sought.
15. Name and address of the Previous cost auditor, if any, together with the financial year of the company which was subject to cost audit.
16. if there is any change in the auditor, the reasons therefor may be stated

16. Declaration:

I/We solemnly declare that facts stated in this application are true to the best of my/our knowledge, information and belief.

Signature .....................................

Designation ....................................

Dated this ......................... day of .............................. 19 .................

Note : -- Pursuant to the Companies (Fees on Applications) Rules, 1968, fees as prescribed there is payable on this application. The amount should be paid into the Head ?104------ Other General Economic Services -- Regulation of Joint Stock Companies ---Fees realised by Central Government on applications made to it under the Companies Act, 1956?. [The account head has since been changed.]The bank receipt or the treasury Challan in token of payment should be forwarded to this Department along with this application.

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Important Guidelines

Guidelines for Drafting FORM NO. 23C OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956

Form No. 23C is utilized under the Companies Act, 1956, for filing a declaration of solvency by a company proposing to wind up voluntarily. Follow these guidelines for effective drafting:

Accurate Information: Provide precise details about the company, its financial status, and the decision to wind up voluntarily. Accuracy is crucial for legal compliance.

Solvency Declaration: Clearly state the solvency of the company, supported by the financial statements and a declaration from the majority of the directors.

Legal Compliance: Ensure the form aligns with the legal requirements stipulated in the Companies Act, 1956, for voluntary winding up. Seek legal advice to confirm compliance and avoid potential discrepancies.

Board Resolution: Include a board resolution supporting the decision to wind up voluntarily and 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. 23C thoroughly. Any omissions or incomplete details 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 the financial statements and board resolution. 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. Failure to comply may result in legal complications.

Form No. 23C is crucial for companies opting for voluntary winding up. Adherence to these guidelines ensures a comprehensive and accurate filing, minimizing the risk of legal complications and promoting regulatory compliance.

Frequently asked questions

What is Form No. 23C under the Companies Act, 1956?→

Form 23C is a statutory form used by Indian companies to intimate the Central Government of the appointment of cost auditor(s) under Section 233B(2) of the Companies Act, 1956, ensuring regulatory compliance for cost audit.

Which companies should use Form 23C?→

Companies in India engaged in manufacturing, processing, mining, or production activities that meet cost audit thresholds under relevant rules must use Form 23C to notify the appointment of a cost auditor.

Is Form 23C still valid in India after the Companies Act, 2013?→

Form 23C applies to the Companies Act, 1956. Under the 2013 Act, use Form CRA-2 for similar purposes; verify current applicability with a legal expert for Indian compliance.

In what format can I download Form No. 23C?→

Form 23C is available for free download in editable Word and non-editable PDF formats, ideal for customization and e-filing with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India.

Does filing Form 23C require stamp duty in India?→

No stamp duty is required on Form 23C. It is a digital form with only nominal ROC filing fees based on company capital; no physical stamping needed for legal validity.

Can I customize or edit the Form 23C template?→

Yes, the Word version of Form 23C is fully customizable. Update fields with company and auditor details before downloading, signing, and submitting as per Indian company law.