Section 255

Section 255: power to inspect registers of companies

Section 255 gives the Assessing Officer and certain related authorities a direct right to inspect - and copy - a company's statutory registers of its members, debenture holders, or mortgagees, which can be useful for verifying ownership and financing details relevant to a tax matter.

This explanation is AI-assisted and pending review by our CA/CS team. It is general information, not professional advice - always cross-check against the bare law text above or talk to our tax team for guidance specific to your situation.

What Section 255 says

"The Assessing Officer, assessment unit, verification unit, the Joint Commissioner or the Joint Commissioner (Appeals) or the Commissioner (Appeals), or any person subordinate thereof and authorised in writing in this behalf by such officer or authority, may inspect, and if necessary, take copies, or cause copies to be taken, of any register of the members, debenture holders or mortgagees of any company or of any entry in such register."

Frequently asked questions

Which registers of a company can be inspected under Section 255?

The register of members, debenture holders, or mortgagees of the company, or any entry in such a register.

Who can exercise this inspection power?

The Assessing Officer, assessment unit, verification unit, Joint Commissioner, Joint Commissioner (Appeals), or Commissioner (Appeals), as well as any subordinate person authorised in writing by such an officer or authority.