Introduction
Registering a One Person Company (OPC) in India involves a series of procedural steps overseen by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Each of these steps carries certain statutory government charges depending on the authorized capital, jurisdiction, and the forms filed during the incorporation process. These charges are separate from professional fees, which are paid to consultants, company secretaries, or chartered accountants assisting in the registration process. Understanding the nature and scope of these government charges is crucial for budgeting and for ensuring a smooth and fully compliant incorporation process.

Name Reservation Fee (SPICe+ Part A)
The first step in registering an OPC involves reserving a unique company name through SPICe+ Part A on the MCA portal. The government charges a fixed fee of ₹1,000 for this service. This fee is applicable whether the proposed name is approved or rejected. In case of resubmission or multiple attempts, the fee must be paid each time a fresh application is made, unless filed as an integrated application along with incorporation.

Stamp Duty on MOA and AOA
Stamp duty is levied on the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) during incorporation. The amount varies depending on the state in which the OPC is registered and the authorized share capital. For example, states like Maharashtra and Punjab charge a higher stamp duty compared to others. On average, stamp duty ranges between ₹300 to ₹1,000 for MOA and ₹200 to ₹500 for AOA, subject to the capital amount. Some states offer exemptions for startups or OPCs to promote entrepreneurship, which may reduce this cost.

Filing Fee for SPICe+ Part B and Linked Forms
SPICe+ Part B is the main form for incorporation and includes several linked forms such as AGILE-PRO-S (for GST, EPFO, ESIC, and bank account opening), e-MOA (INC-33), e-AOA (INC-34), and URC-1, where applicable. The government fee for SPICe+ Part B depends on the authorized capital of the company. For an OPC with authorized capital up to ₹15 lakhs, there is generally no filing fee for SPICe+ forms, but stamp duty and other applicable charges must still be paid. For capital exceeding ₹15 lakhs, the fee is calculated based on slabs defined in the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules.

DIN (Director Identification Number) Allotment Fee
For OPCs, DIN allotment is done through the incorporation form itself. There is no separate charge for DIN when applying through SPICe+. One DIN is allotted to the director during this process at no additional government cost. However, if the individual applies for a DIN outside of incorporation, a fee of ₹500 is applicable.

PAN and TAN Application Fee
Along with the SPICe+ form, OPCs must also apply for a PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Dedication and Collection Account Number) through the MCA portal. These are integrated applications processed by NSDL. The government fee is ₹66 for PAN and ₹65 for TAN, making a total of ₹131. These fees are nominal and mandatory as PAN and TAN are essential for tax-related transactions and compliance.

Registration Fee for GST, EPFO, and ESIC
The SPICe+ application allows simultaneous registration for GST, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). There are no government fees for EPFO and ESIC registration. GST registration is also free of charge, although if professional assistance is taken, fees may be charged by service providers. These registrations, while not mandatory at the time of incorporation, are often required once the company begins operations or reaches specific thresholds.

Certificate of Incorporation and DIN Approval Charges
The Certificate of Incorporation (COI) issued by the Registrar of Companies and the approval of the DIN are part of the incorporation package under SPICe+ and are issued at no additional government cost beyond the filing and stamp duties already mentioned. These documents are issued digitally and form the legal foundation of the company’s registration.

Conclusion
The government charges for registering a One Person Company are largely fixed and transparent, aimed at making formal incorporation accessible and affordable for solo entrepreneurs. These charges include name reservation, stamp duty, PAN and TAN application fees, and form filing based on authorized capital. Most ancillary registrations, such as GST, EPFO, and ESIC, come at no additional government cost during incorporation. Being aware of these charges helps in planning the registration process efficiently, avoiding last-minute surprises, and ensuring full compliance with legal norms. By offering a cost-effective incorporation route, the government supports the growth of small formal enterprises like OPCs, fostering entrepreneurship and legal accountability.

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