What Is LLP Form 15?

1. LLP stands for Limited Liability Partnership, a business structure in which the partners have limited liability but can run the business like a partnership.
2. Form 15is a statutory form prescribed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India. Its formal name is “Notice for Change of Place of Registered Office”.
3. when an LLP wants to change its registered office address, it must file Form 15 with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) to officially inform the government.

Why is form 15 important?

1. Legal Compliance

a. LLPs are required by law (LLP Act, 2008) to notify the ROC when they change their registered office.
b. This keeps the official records correct, which is important for legal notices, correspondence, and audits.

2.  Updating Government Records

a. The ROC maintains a database of all LLPs. If the address is not updated, important legal or tax communications may not reach the LLP.
b. An incorrect address may lead to communication failure or even penalties.

3. Avoiding Penalties

a. If an LLP delays filing Form 15 after changing its address, it may be fined. According to the rules, there is a penalty of ₹100 per dayfor late filing.
b. Consistent non-compliance can damage the LLP’s legal standing.

4. Credibility and Business Operations

a. With the right registered office on records, an LLP appears more credible to banks, clients, regulators, and partners.
b. This ensures that all official documents (such as notices and legal summons) reach the correct address.

When do you need to file form 15?

Form 15 must be filed in the following situations:

1. Change of Address within the same state

a. If an LLP is shifting its registered office to a new address within the same state (or city), it must file Form 15 within 30 days of the change.

2. Change from one state to another

a. If an LLP is relocating its registered office from one state to another, the process is slightly more complex.
b. In this case, any secured creditorsof the LLP must give their consent before the move.
c. Thereafter, the LLP must file Form 15 within 30 days of making the change.

What documents are needed to file form 15?

When filling Form 15, you must attach several important documents:

1. Proof of new address: This may include utility bills, a rental agreement, an electricity bill, or any document that confirms the new office address.

2. Resolution or consent of partners: A document indicating that the partners (or designated partners) of the LLP have agreed to the change. Either a resolution or the relevant clause from the LLP agreement is acceptable.

3. If moving to another state:

a. Consent from secured creditors, if any.
b. A public notice may need to be published to inform stakeholders, particularly creditors, when shifting states.

4. Verification and signature:

a. The form must be digitally signed by a designated partner of the LLP.
b. The LLP must also attach a certification from a practising professional — a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, or Company Secretary — confirming that everything is in order.

How to file form 15 (step by step)

Here is a simplified process for filing Form 15 on the MCA portal:

1. Obtain your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): The designated partner who will sign the form must have a valid DSC registered on the MCA portal.
2. Log in to the MCA Portal: Use your business user account to log in to the MCA online portal. Ensure that the LLP’s LLPIN (LLP Identification Number) is correct.
3. Select Form 15: From the list of LLP forms, choose Form 15 — Notice for Change of Registered Office.
4. Pre-fill LLP details: Click the ‘Pre-Fill’ button after entering the LLPIN. This will automatically populate the LLP’s name and its current registered office address.
5. Enter the New Address: Fill in the complete new address: building name, street, city, state, pincode, etc.
6. Detail Registrar Office: Specify which ROC office the LLP falls under after the change. If the new office is in a different ROC region, particularly in a different state, specify the new ROC.
7. Date of change: Provide the effective date from which the LLP’s registered office address has changed.
8. Attach Documents: Upload the address proof, partner resolution or LLP agreement extract, NOC from landlord if required, and any consent from secured creditors (if applicable).
9. Verification & Signature
a. Tick the verification checkboxes.
b. Add the DSC of the designated partner (using their DPIN).
c. The e-form must also be digitally certified by a practising professional (CA, CS, or Cost Accountant) who verifies its correctness.
10. Submission: Submit the form. After successful submission, you will     receive an acknowledgment from the MCA.

What happens after filing?

1. Once submitted, the ROCreviews the form and the attached documents.
2. If everything is in order, the ROC accepts the change, and the LLP’s registered office address is updated in the government records.
3. The LLP should retain a copyof the submitted form and acknowledgment. This is useful for future audits, tax purposes, or other legal requirements.
4. Inform all stakeholders (bank, clients, and vendors) about the new address. This is important because legal documents, notices, and mail will now be sent to the new address.

Penalties for not filing on time

1. As mentioned earlier, if Form 15 is not filed within 30 days of changing the address, a penalty of ₹100 per day applies.
2. This is a continuous penalty—the longer the delay, the higher the fine.
3. Apart from the financial penalty, non-compliancewith ROC rules can lead to reputational damage. It may also complicate future filings or regulatory processes for the LLP.

Benefits of filing form 15 correctly

1. Legal Safety: No worries about non-compliance or penalties.
2. Transparency: Updated address records mean all formal communication (legal notices, ROC letters) reach you.
3. Credibility: Partners, investors, or banks will trust an LLP that is compliant and up-to-date.
4. Smooth Operations: With the correct address in official records, there are no mismatches in mail, contracts, or legal processes.
5. Growth Flexibility: Once the address is changed legally, the LLP can operate from a more strategic or cost-effective location, which might help in business expansion.

Conclusion

1. LLP Form 15 is a critical compliance step whenever an LLP changes its registered office.
2. It helps maintain accurate records with the ROC, avoids penalties, and
ensures all legal communications reach the right place.
3. The LLP should file the form within 30 days, attach the right documents (address proof, partner consent, etc.), and sign it digitally.
4. Though it may feel like extra paperwork, it brings long-term benefits—legal clarity, business credibility, and flexibility to move to a better location.

For any clarifications or queries, please feel free to reach out to us at admin@fintracadvisors.com 

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