Frequently Asked Question

a. Who is the Karta in a HUF?
The Karta is the head of a HUF and is typically the eldest coparcener (male or female) in the family.

b. Who qualifies as a coparcener in a HUF?
A coparcener is someone who acquires a legal right to ancestral property by birth within a HUF.

• All children (sons and daughters) of a coparcener are automatically coparceners.
• A woman who marries into the HUF becomes a member but not a coparcener.
• For instance, the Karta’s wife is a member, not a coparcener.

c. How many coparceners are required to open a HUF trading and demat account?
A minimum of two coparceners is mandatory to open a HUF account.

d. Can the Karta also be a coparcener?
Yes, the Karta is considered a coparcener within the HUF.

e. Who can become coparceners in a HUF?
The Karta’s children, regardless of age or gender, can become coparceners.

f. Can the Karta’s wife be a coparcener?
No, the Karta’s wife cannot become a coparcener, but she can be included as a member of the HUF.

g. Can a husband and wife together open a HUF account with Upmove?
No. A husband (as Karta) and wife (as a member) alone are insufficient, since two coparceners are required. The wife does not count as a coparcener.

h. Can a husband, wife, and child open a HUF account?
Yes. The husband can be the Karta (1st coparcener), the child can be the 2nd coparcener, and the wife will be a member of the HUF.

i. Can a woman become a Karta of a HUF?
Yes, the eldest daughter may become the Karta after the demise of her father.

j. Who becomes the Karta after the current one passes away?
The eldest child (son or daughter) usually takes over as Karta. The deceased Karta’s wife remains a member.

k. Can a younger child take on the role of Karta?
Yes, if the eldest child is unwilling to become Karta, a younger child may assume the role, provided a notarized declaration or legal agreement is submitted.

l. Can the Karta’s siblings be coparceners in the HUF?
No, siblings of the Karta cannot be included as coparceners for HUF account opening.

m. Can two siblings start a HUF together?
No. A HUF cannot be formed solely by siblings. It can, however, be created with their father as the Karta. Upon the father's passing, one sibling can continue the HUF as Karta.

n. Can a minor be appointed as Karta?
Yes, if the current Karta passes away, a minor son or daughter can become Karta only if there are at least two minors. One will be the Karta and the other the 2nd coparcener. The mother will act as guardian and have signing authority.

o. What happens if the Karta dies and only one child remains?
The HUF must be dissolved. A minimum of two coparceners is necessary to maintain the HUF structure and continue holding the account.