Meaning
Procedural acts required to move the legal title of shares occur when the transferor signs the standard instrument of transfer in the presence of witnesses. This stock transfer form execution is the physical act that initiates the administrative process of changing ownership. The document identifies the parties, the number of shares and the price paid for the transaction.
Stamp Duty
Certification that the appropriate tax has been paid must follow the stock transfer form execution before the company can register the change. The buyer is usually responsible for submitting the form to the tax authorities and paying any required duty. A company register cannot be updated with a transfer that has not been properly stamped.
The tax office provides a certificate or a physical stamp on the document to prove compliance with local revenue laws. This step is a prerequisite for the board of directors to accept the transfer as valid.
Director Approval
Board review of the document happens after the stock transfer form execution and before the register is updated. Directors check the form for accuracy and ensure it complies with any restrictions in the shareholders agreement. Once satisfied, the board passes a resolution to approve the transfer and issue a new share certificate.
Physical Signature
Authenticity of the stock transfer form execution depends on the signatures matching the records held by the company. Electronic signatures are increasingly common, but many jurisdictions still require a wet ink signature for certain types of private company transfers. The completed form serves as the company’s permanent record.