Capital of a Company

Capital refers to the amount invested in the company so that it can carry on its activities. In a company capital refers to "share capital". The capital clause in Memorandum of Association must state the amount of capital with which company is registered giving details of number of shares and the type of shares of the company. A company cannot issue share capital in excess of the limit specified in the Capital clause without altering the capital clause of the MA.

The following different terms are used to denote different aspects of share capital: -

1. Nominal authorized or registered capital

Nominal authorized or registered capital means the sum mentioned in the capital clause of Memorandum of Association. It is the maximum amount, which the company raises by issuing the shares and on which the registration fee is paid. This limit is cannot be exceeded unless the Memorandum of Association is altered.

2. Issued capital

Issued capital means that part of the authorized capital, which has been offered for subscription to members and includes shares allotted to members for consideration in kind also.

3. Subscribed capital

Subscribed capital means that part of the issued capital at nominal or face value which has been subscribed or taken up by purchaser of shares in the company and which has been allotted.

4. Called-up capital

Called-up capital means the total amount of called up capital on the shares issued and subscribed by the shareholders on capital account. i.e. if the face value of a share is Rs.10/- but the company requires only Rs.2/- at present, it may call only Rs.2/- now and the balance Rs.8/- at a later date. Rs.2/- is the called up share capital and Rs.8/- is the uncalled share capital.

5. Paid-up capital

Paid-up capital means the total amount of called up share capital, which is actually paid to the company by the members.