Last updated: June 1st, 2023 6:20 PM

Can a single person own a firm?

In India, a single person can own a firm through various types of business entities, such as Sole Proprietorship, One Person Company (OPC), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), and Private Limited Company (PLC). Each business entity has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of business entity will depend on the owner's business needs and goals. It's essential to comply with all the legal requirements and obtain the necessary licenses and registrations before starting a business in India. This present article provides an overview of the different types of business entities that a single person can own in India.

Type of firm a single person can own in India

In India, a single person can own different kinds of firms, including:

• Sole Proprietorship: A single person can own and operate a sole proprietorship, the most straightforward business entity. The proprietor is the only person responsible for the business's operations and liabilities.
• One-Person Company (OPC): This separate legal entity allows a single person to own and manage a company. The person acts as the sole shareholder and director of the company and has limited liability protection.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): A single person can partner in an LLP, a business entity that provides limited liability protection to its partners.
• Private Limited Company (PLC): A single person can be the director and shareholder of a private limited company, a separate legal entity providing limited liability protection to its shareholders. However, a PLC must have a minimum of two shareholders and two directors per the Companies Act 2013.

It's essential to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of firm and choose the one that best suits the business's needs and goals. Additionally, it's essential to comply with all the legal requirements and obtain the necessary licenses and registrations before starting a business in India.

One Person Company (OPC)

OPC is a separate legal entity that allows a single person to own and manage a company. The person acts as the sole shareholder and director of the company and has limited liability protection. OPC was introduced in the Companies Act of 2013 to encourage small businesses and entrepreneurs to start their ventures. OPC offers several benefits, such as limited liability protection, easy incorporation, and minimal compliance requirements compared to other companies. OPC can also easily convert into a private or public limited company in the future. However, OPC has certain limitations, such as the inability to issue equity shares to the public, and it can have only one director, making it less suitable for large businesses.

Sole Proprietorship

A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest and most common type of business entity in India, and it's owned and managed by a single person who has complete control over the business's operations and profits. In Sole Proprietorship, the owner is personally responsible for all the business's debts, and there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business. Additionally, the proprietor is not required to register the business with the Registrar of Companies or comply with any specific legal formalities. A sole Proprietorship offers several advantages, such as ease of formation, complete control over the business, and minimal regulatory compliance. However, the proprietor has unlimited liability, which means they are personally liable for all the business's debts and losses. IndiaFilings can help a single person throughout setting up and operating a firm, making the process smoother and hassle-free.