Share Transfer Services

Share Transfer
Legally Secure & Compliant

Easily transfer ownership of shares in your private limited company with full legal compliance. Whether you are selling your stake, onboarding new partners, or transferring shares to family, our expert team ensures a smooth, error-free process handling drafting, stamp duty, and approvals.

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Corporate Ownership

What is Share Transfer?

Definition and Importance

Share transfer is the formal process of transferring ownership of company shares from one individual or entity to another. This process is governed by a structured legal framework to ensure transparency, compliance, and legitimacy. Share transfers are a critical part of corporate operations—whether due to investment, internal restructuring, or changes in ownership.

It plays a pivotal role in:

  • Bringing in new investors or partners
  • Allowing existing shareholders to exit partially or fully
  • Ensuring succession planning and business continuity
  • Complying with legal and regulatory obligations

In private limited companies, the process is subject to certain restrictions in the Articles of Association (AOA), while in public companies, shares are generally freely transferable. Understanding and executing share transfer correctly helps maintain good governance and preserves the interests of both the company and its shareholders.

Legal Basis under Companies Act, 2013

The procedure and legality of share transfers are governed under Section 56 of the Companies Act, 2013, along with relevant rules under the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014. The Act mandates that:

  • A valid share transfer form (Form SH-4) must be used
  • The transfer must be approved by the company’s Board of Directors
  • The process must be completed within a prescribed time frame
  • Stamp duty must be paid as per applicable laws

Non-compliance can lead to penalties and potential legal disputes. Thus, it’s essential for companies and shareholders to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Act to ensure a valid and enforceable share transfer. By aligning with the law, companies not only protect stakeholders but also enhance transparency, investor trust, and long-term scalability.

Share Transfer Definition

When is Share Transfer Required?

Understanding the situations where share transfer is necessary helps maintain compliance and ensures smooth transitions in company ownership. Below are common scenarios when share transfers are typically required:

1

Selling Stake to a New Investor

When a company raises capital through private investors or venture capitalists, existing shareholders may sell a portion of their shares. This formal share transfer ensures that the new investor gains legal ownership and rights in the company.

2

Transferring Ownership Between Family Members

In closely held private companies, shares are often transferred among family members for succession planning, wealth distribution, or estate structuring. Proper documentation ensures legal transfer and avoids future disputes.

3

Exit of Existing Shareholder

If a shareholder resigns, retires, or wishes to exit, they may sell or transfer their shares to another member or an external party. This transfer must be recorded to reflect the change in ownership in the company's register.

4

Death or Inheritance of a Shareholder

Upon the death of a shareholder, their shares are transferred to legal heirs or nominees. The legal heir must present the death certificate, succession certificate or probate, and initiate the transfer process through Form SH-4 and board approval.

Parties Involved in Share Transfer

A legal share transfer requires the active involvement of three main parties, each playing a vital role in ensuring the transfer is valid and recorded as per the Companies Act, 2013.

Transferor (Seller)

The transferor is the current shareholder who owns the shares and initiates the transfer process. They must sign the share transfer form (Form SH-4), provide share certificates, and submit all necessary documents to the company. Their consent is mandatory for the transfer to proceed.

Transferee (Buyer)

The transferee is the individual or entity purchasing or receiving the shares. They must accept the transfer by signing the SH-4 form, submit identity and address proof, and ensure payment (if applicable). The transferee becomes the new legal owner once the transfer is approved and recorded.

Company / Board of Directors

The company, represented by its Board of Directors, plays a regulatory role. They review and approve the transfer request in a board meeting, update the register of members, issue a new share certificate to the transferee, and notify ROC if required. The company ensures compliance with its Articles of Association and the Companies Act.

Step-by-Step Process for Share Transfer

1

Execution of Share Transfer Deed (Form SH-4)

The transferor and transferee must execute a share transfer deed in Form SH-4 within 60 days of the execution date. This form captures all essential details like the number of shares, consideration amount, signatures of both parties, and witness.

2

Payment of Stamp Duty

Stamp duty must be paid as per the market value of the shares being transferred, usually at 0.25% of the consideration amount. The deed is not valid unless the required stamp duty is paid and affixed as per the Stamp Act.

3

Submission of Share Transfer Documents to the Company

Once the SH-4 is executed and duly stamped, the transferor or transferee must submit it along with the original share certificate to the company within 60 days from the date of execution. Supporting KYC documents may also be required.

4

Approval by the Board of Directors

The company’s Board of Directors will review the submitted documents in a board meeting. Upon verifying that all legal formalities and company policies are met, the board passes a resolution to approve the transfer of shares.

5

Updating Register of Members

After board approval, the company updates its Register of Members by removing the transferor’s name and adding the transferee’s name. This change is critical for recognizing the legal ownership of shares.

Issuance of New Share Certificate

Finally, the company issues a new share certificate in the name of the transferee within one month from the date of receipt of a valid transfer deed. This certifies the transferee as the new legal shareholder of the company.

Documents Required for Share Transfer

Duly Executed Share Transfer Deed (Form SH-4)

This is the primary legal document signed by both the transferor and transferee along with a witness.

Original Share Certificate

The physical certificate of shares being transferred must be surrendered by the transferor.

PAN Card of Transferor and Transferee

Required for identity verification and calculation of applicable stamp duty.

Address Proof of Both Parties

Documents such as Aadhaar card, passport, or utility bills serve as proof of residence.

Board Resolution (if applicable)

If the transferor or transferee is a company, a board resolution authorizing the transaction is required.

Stamped Share Transfer Deed

The SH-4 form must be properly stamped as per the Stamp Act to validate the transaction.

Consent Letters (if applicable)

In case of joint holdings or when required by the Articles of Association, consent from other shareholders or directors may be needed.

These documents ensure the share transfer is legally recognized and properly recorded in the company’s statutory registers, avoiding future disputes.

Quick Guide

Stamp Duty & Timeline

Share transfers are subject to stamp duty as per the Indian Stamp Act and relevant state laws. This ensures the transaction is legally valid and enforceable.

Applicable Stamp Duty Rates

Stamp duty on share transfer is calculated at 0.25% of the consideration amount or market value of shares, whichever is higher. This duty must be affixed on the Share Transfer Deed (Form SH-4) through adhesive stamps or e-stamping, depending on state rules.

State-Wise Stamp Duty Variations

Although the general rate is uniform, states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have specific regulations regarding stamp duty payment modes and procedures. Always verify your state’s rules before proceeding.

Payment Process for Stamp Duty

Adhesive Stamps

Physical stamps affixed to Form SH-4

E-Stamping

Online stamping system authorized by Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL)

Franking

Available at select authorized banks and agents

After payment, proof of stamping must be submitted with transfer documents for board validation and approval.

Typical Processing Time

30 Days

Under the Companies Act, 2013, a company must process the share transfer and issue a new share certificate within 30 days from receipt of the duly executed SH-4 form and documents. Delays may attract penalties.

Factors Affecting Timeline

  • ✔ Incomplete or incorrect documentation
  • ✔ Missing or improper stamp duty payment
  • ✔ Delay in board meeting scheduling
  • ✔ Internal company verification procedures

Understanding these factors helps ensure smooth and timely completion of the share transfer process.

Legal Consequences of Improper Share Transfer

Improper share transfer can lead to significant legal and financial consequences for the company, directors, and shareholders. To avoid disputes and penalties, it is essential to follow all procedural and legal requirements as prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.

Invalid Transfer Without Proper Execution

A share transfer is considered invalid if:

  • The transfer deed (Form SH-4) is not duly signed by both parties.
  • Stamp duty is not paid as per state regulations.
  • Board approval is not obtained, if required.
  • Transfer is done in violation of the Articles of Association (AoA).

An invalid transfer may be rejected by the company and can lead to loss of shareholder rights and ownership claims.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with legal requirements during share transfer may attract:

  • Penalty under Section 450 of the Companies Act, 2013 for defaulting parties.
  • Fines for the company and its officers, which may extend up to ₹10,000 and ₹1,000 per day for continuing default.
  • Ineligibility of transferee to exercise shareholder rights.

Disputes Between Shareholders

Improper or undocumented share transfers can lead to:

  • Legal disputes between the transferor and transferee.
  • Conflicts over dividend rights, voting powers, and ownership.
  • Prolonged litigation and operational hurdles for the company.

How Udyog Suvidha Kendra Helps

We simplify the complex share transfer process, ensuring 100% legal compliance and seamless ownership transition.

Legal Drafting & SH-4 Preparation

Our experts prepare the Share Transfer Deed (Form SH-4) with complete accuracy, ensuring that all required fields, signatures, and dates are correctly filled in accordance with legal standards and the company’s Articles of Association.

Stamp Duty Assistance

We calculate and assist in paying the correct stamp duty based on your state’s regulations, avoiding penalties and rejections. Our team ensures timely payments and supports you with the appropriate documentation required for duty validation.

ROC and Company Filing Support

From updating the Register of Members to assisting with any necessary filings with the Registrar of Companies (if applicable), we handle all the formalities. We also support communication with the company for board resolution approvals and issuance of new share certificates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process of transferring shares in a private limited company?

Is stamp duty mandatory for share transfer?

Can shares be transferred without board approval?

What documents are required for share transfer?

What is Form SH-4 in share transfer?

How long does it take to complete a share transfer?

Can shares be transferred to family members?

Are there any restrictions on share transfer in private limited companies?

Is share transfer allowed after a shareholder’s death?

What happens if share transfer is not recorded by the company?

Can NRI or foreign shareholders transfer their shares?

Is digital signature needed for share transfer?

What if stamp duty is underpaid during share transfer?

Can I transfer shares without the original share certificate?

How does Udyog Suvidha Kendra help in share transfer?