SHARE TRANSFER

Share Transfer

The ownership of a private limited company is determined by the shareholding of the Company. To induct new investors or transfer ownership of the Company, the share of the private limited company would have to be transferred. In this article, we look at how to transfer shares of a private limited company.
Restrictions on right of the shareholders to transfer shares are usually in two forms:
Rights of pre-emption: If a shareholder wishes to sell some or all of his shares, such shares must first be offered to other existing members of the private limited company at a price determined by the Directors or the Auditor of the Company. The value of the shares can be determined based on the formula / method prescribed in the Articles of Association. In no existing shareholder is interested, then shares of the Company can be freely transferred to an outsider.
i)  Powers of Directors to refuse: The Director may have the powers to refuse registration of transfer of shares under certain circumstances – prescribed in the Articles of Association.
Only restriction contained the Articles of Association are considered legally binding. Any private agreement between the shareholders is not binding either on the company or on the shareholders. Further, share transfer can only be restricted by the Articles of Association. The right to transfer shares of a private limited company cannot be a total prohibition or ban on share transferability.

1
Review the AOA

Articles of Association of the Private Limited Company must be reviewed and restrictions, if any must be addressed.

2
Shareholder

Shareholder must give notice in writing to the Director of the Company about intention to transfer share of the company.

3
Articles of Association

Determine the price as per Articles of Association at which the shares of the Company will first be offered to present shareholders of the Company. (Usually, this price is determined by the Directors of the Company or an Auditor of the Company.)

4
Shareholders

The company must then give notice to the other shareholders about the availability of share, the last date to purchase the shares and the price at which the share is available.

If any of the present shareholders come forward for the purchase of shares, such shares must be allotted to them. In case no present shareholder is interested or excess shares are available, the same can be transferred to the outsider.

Q. I would like to gift some shares to my children/relatives. How do I get them registered in their names? Does it involve stamp duty?
The procedure of registration of shares gifted is same as the procedure for a normal transfer. The stamp duty is also applicable in case of gifted shares, and the duty is at 0.25% of the market value prevailing on the date of execution of the transfer deed by the transferee.
Q. Where should I send the shares for transfer?
Registration of Share Transfer is carried out only at the office of our R & T Agent in Mumbai at Bigshare Services Pvt. Ltd., E-2, Ansa Industrial Estate, Saki-Vihar Road, Sakinaka,Mumbai - 400 072.
Q. What is the stamp duty on shares? Where do I get these stamps?
The stamp duty applicable on share transfer is at 0.25% on the market value on the date of execution of the transfer deed. Share Transfer Stamps can be obtained from the authorised stamp vendors. Your sharebroker can also help you in this regard.
Q. How do I ensure that the Transfer Deed is complete before sending it to the company?
Please fill in all the columns of the transfer deed, sign as transferee at appropriate places and affix share transfer stamps at 0.25% of the market value on the date of execution of the transfer deed. Please ensure that the transfer deed is duly filled in and executed as explained, to avoid any discrepancy/objection on lodgement.

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