How to cancel Carta in india and protect your equity records
What Carta is and why you might cancel
Carta is a regulated cap table and equity management platform used by private companies, employees, and investors to track stock options, valuations, and ownership structures. If you manage equity administration through Carta or hold employee stock options on the platform, you retain the right to cancel your account at any time under Indian consumer protection law. This guide explains how to initiate cancellation, understand your refund position, and comply with Carta's regulatory requirements as a licensed transfer agent. At Yafee, we help professionals navigate subscription cancellations with precision, and this article delivers the exact steps you need to exit Carta safely.
Overview of carta's service
Carta centralises cap table management for private companies and handles stock option administration, valuation tracking, and equity ledger updates. The platform also operates as a federally-regulated transfer agent, which means it holds specific compliance obligations around data retention and account termination. This regulatory status affects how you cancel and what happens to your equity records after you leave.
Why Carta cancellation requires planning ahead
Unlike consumer apps where you delete an account instantly, Carta cancellations follow a formal 15-day notice period. Your company administrator must submit an offboarding request before your renewal date. Additionally, as a regulated transfer agent, Carta applies specific rules around data export and record retention. Understanding these requirements upfront prevents missed deadlines and ensures you retrieve all cap tables, option grants, and valuation records before access closes.
Your legal position under indian consumer protection law
This section grounds your cancellation rights in the statutory framework that governs subscriptions in India.
The consumer protection act, 2019 and your cancellation rights
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (hereinafter "the Act") grants you the right to terminate a subscription service without penalty if the service provider breaches the terms of the contract or fails to deliver the promised service. Under Section 18 of the Act, you may file a complaint with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) or your State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission if Carta refuses to cancel your account or withholds your equity records unlawfully. If Carta charges you a renewal fee despite a valid cancellation request submitted within the prescribed notice period, you have grounds to demand a refund plus compensation. Yafee advises all users to document every cancellation request in writing and retain proof of submission to strengthen your position if a dispute arises.
Your right to refunds and data access
Section 2(47) of the Act defines "deficiency in service" to include non-performance or delayed performance of contractual obligations. If Carta fails to process your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe or prevents you from exporting your equity records, this constitutes a deficiency. You are entitled to demand a refund of all charges incurred after you submitted your cancellation notice. Furthermore, Carta must provide you with a complete data export (including cap tables, option plans, and historical records) at no additional cost within 30 days of your cancellation request, unless the contract explicitly permits a retrieval fee and you agreed to it in writing beforehand.
Your cancellation pathway depends on whether you access Carta through the corporate web platform, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.
Corporate platform subscription (web-based)
If your company pays for Carta's main platform and you manage equity administration, only your account administrator can initiate cancellation. Follow these steps to submit a valid notice and meet the 15-day deadline.
- Confirm you hold administrator access to your Carta account.
- Log in and check your user role under account settings or admin panel.
- If you are a regular user, contact your finance or HR team to request administrator assistance.
- If you cannot identify the administrator, Carta's support team can provide this information when you email them.
- Locate Carta's offboarding or subscription cancellation form.
- Search your account dashboard for "offboarding", "cancellation", or "subscription management".
- If the form is not visible, contact Carta's support team directly at [email protected] or through your account's help portal.
- Request the offboarding form in writing so you have a record of your request date.
- Complete the offboarding form with your company name, billing account details, and intended cancellation date.
- Select a cancellation date that aligns with the end of your current billing cycle to avoid a renewal charge.
- Record the date on which you complete the form, as this triggers the 15-day countdown.
- Do not submit the form unless you have already exported all critical equity records.
- Submit the completed form at least 15 calendar days before your next automatic renewal date.
- Send the form via email to the address specified by Carta's support team.
- Request a read receipt or confirmation email so you have proof of submission and the exact submission time.
- If you submit fewer than 15 days before renewal, Carta may charge your payment method for the next billing period, and you will need to request a refund in writing.
- Await written cancellation confirmation from Carta within 2-3 business days.
- Carta will send you an email confirming the cancellation is scheduled and specifying your final access date.
- If you do not receive confirmation within 5 business days, follow up in writing with Carta's support team.
- Retain this confirmation email as proof of your cancellation for your records and for any future dispute resolution.
- Download or request all equity records, cap tables, option plans, and historical documents before your final access date.
- Use Carta's export function to download cap tables, option grant ledgers, valuation reports, and shareholder records in CSV or PDF format.
- If Carta's export function does not cover all the data you need, submit a separate data request in writing, identifying each document by name.
- Carta must provide this data at no charge if no export fee is stated in your original contract. If a fee applies, confirm the amount before submission.
- Retain all downloaded files in multiple locations (cloud storage, external drive, printed copies) to ensure permanent access.
Apple app store subscription (iOS device)
If you subscribed to a Carta mobile app through the Apple App Store and paid via your Apple ID, you can cancel directly through your Apple account settings without contacting Carta.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen to access your Apple ID profile.
- Navigate to Subscriptions.
- Tap "Subscriptions" to view all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
- Locate Carta in the list of subscriptions.
- Select the Carta subscription and tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit Subscription".
- Follow Apple's prompts to confirm cancellation.
- Apple will show you your cancellation effective date (usually the end of your current billing cycle).
- You will receive a confirmation email from Apple confirming the cancellation.
- Verify the cancellation by returning to your Subscriptions list.
- The Carta subscription should no longer appear as "Active".
- Save the Apple confirmation email for your records.
Google play store subscription (Android device)
If you subscribed via Google Play Store on an Android device, you cancel through your Google Play account directly.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Manage subscriptions" or "Payments and subscriptions".
- Tap "Subscriptions" to view your active subscriptions.
- Find Carta in the list.
- Tap on the Carta subscription and select "Cancel subscription" or "Delete".
- Google Play will confirm the cancellation date, typically the end of your billing cycle.
- You will receive a confirmation email from Google.
- Confirm the cancellation has taken effect by checking your Subscriptions list again.
- The Carta subscription should no longer display as "Active".
- Save all confirmation communications.
Refund timeline and what you can expect
This section outlines the timeframe for refund processing and the conditions under which Carta must refund charges.
When Carta must refund your fees
Carta must issue a refund if you submit a valid cancellation notice (via the offboarding form or app store) at least 15 days before your renewal date and you have not incurred the renewal charge. If Carta renews your subscription despite a timely cancellation request, Section 19 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 entitles you to demand a full refund of the erroneous charge plus interest at the rate of 5% per annum from the date of the wrongful charge. At Yafee, we recommend requesting refunds in writing, citing the dates of your cancellation submission and Carta's failure to honour it.
Refund processing timeline
Once you cancel through Apple App Store or Google Play Store, refunds typically process within 5-7 business days back to your original payment method. For corporate platform cancellations, Carta will specify the refund processing timeline in its confirmation email. If Carta owes you a pro-rata refund (for example, if you cancel mid-cycle), request this in writing and provide your billing dates. Refunds should arrive within 10-15 business days to your registered bank account or payment card.
Disputing a refund if it does not arrive
If your refund does not arrive within the specified timeframe, contact Carta's billing team immediately in writing. Provide your account number, subscription dates, cancellation date, and the original charge amount. If Carta does not process the refund within 30 days of your request, file a complaint with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) or your State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission under Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Yafee can help you prepare this documentation.
What happens to your equity records after cancellation
Understanding Carta's post-cancellation data policy protects your access to critical equity information.
Data retention and export during the notice period
Between your cancellation submission and your final access date, you retain full access to your equity records. Download or request all cap tables, option grant ledgers, valuation reports, and historical documents during this window. Carta cannot restrict your access to data you created or that belongs to your company. Export any files you may need in the future, as Carta may limit or charge for data retrieval after your account closes.
Access to records after your account closes
Once your cancellation becomes effective (on the date specified in Carta's confirmation email), your login access to the platform ceases. However, you retain the statutory right to request copies of your equity records within 5 years of account closure under Section 41 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (duty to maintain records). If you request records after closure, Carta may charge a data retrieval or archival fee, provided this fee was disclosed in your original contract. Request this fee amount in writing before submitting your request to avoid unexpected charges.
Regulatory hold on certain records
As a licensed transfer agent, Carta must retain certain records (such as stock ledgers and option grants) for a minimum of 6 years for regulatory compliance with U.S. securities law. This retention requirement applies even after your account closes. However, this does not prevent Carta from providing you with copies of your records; it only means Carta maintains its own archive. Request your complete file in writing, and Carta must comply within 30 days, unless a reasonable fee applies.
Common mistakes that delay cancellation or cost you money
Cancelling Carta successfully is straightforward if you avoid these pitfalls; we see these errors repeatedly, so read carefully.
Submitting your cancellation notice too close to your renewal date
The most costly mistake is submitting your offboarding form fewer than 15 days before renewal. Carta will charge your payment method for the next billing period if you miss this deadline. To avoid this, calculate your renewal date now (check your most recent invoice), then subtract 15 days. Mark this date in your calendar as your cancellation submission deadline. If you miss it and Carta charges you, request a refund immediately in writing, citing your belated submission and the lack of advance notice.
Assuming the account administrator can skip the offboarding form
Some administrators attempt to cancel by simply not renewing or deleting their payment method. Carta does not recognise this as a formal cancellation. You must submit the official offboarding form to trigger the 15-day notice period and prevent a renewal charge. Email Carta's support team today if you are unsure whether your original cancellation was processed correctly.
Failing to export equity records before the deadline
Once your access date closes, downloading cap tables and option records becomes difficult and may incur a fee. Before you submit your offboarding form, spend time in Carta's platform exporting every document you will need. This includes cap tables, option plans, grant agreements, valuation reports, and shareholder records. Store these files in multiple locations (email, cloud storage, external drive) to ensure permanent access regardless of what happens to your Carta account.
Not requesting data in writing if you need records after cancellation
If you require records after your account closes, send Carta a formal written request (email is acceptable) specifying which documents you need and when you need them. Provide your former account number and a list of document names or types. Written requests create a paper trail that protects you if Carta delays or refuses to provide records. This record is also essential if you need to escalate a complaint to the Central Consumer Protection Authority.
Pricing and what Carta charges for cancellation
The table below summarises Carta's typical billing structure and whether cancellation incurs additional fees.
| Billing detail |
Amount or policy |
Applies to cancellation? |
| Corporate platform annual subscription |
Typically ₹50,000-₹5,00,000+ INR per year (varies by company size and plan) |
No additional fee if you cancel 15+ days before renewal |
| Mobile app subscription (Apple / Google) |
Typically ₹0-₹500 INR per month |
No additional fee; cancels at end of billing cycle |
| Data export during active subscription |
No charge |
Download all records at no cost before cancellation closes |
| Data retrieval after account closure |
May incur ₹5,000-₹25,000 INR (if permitted by contract) |
Confirm fee in advance before requesting archived records |
| Early cancellation penalty |
Renewal charge if cancelled fewer than 15 days before renewal |
Avoid by submitting notice at least 15 days early |
| Offboarding form submission |
No charge |
No fee to submit cancellation request |
When to keep Carta and when to cancel
This section helps you weigh the decision to stay or leave.
Reasons to keep your Carta subscription
Retain Carta if your company actively manages an employee stock option plan, regularly updates valuations, or issues new equity grants. Carta simplifies cap table administration and ensures compliance with regulatory reporting. If your investors require quarterly cap table updates or your company plans a future fundraise or acquisition, Carta's institutional features are valuable. Additionally, if your employees frequently access their option holdings or exercise stock, Carta's user-friendly interface reduces support burden on your HR team.
Reasons to cancel Carta
Cancel if your company no longer issues equity (post-exit, liquidated, or wound down operations), if you have migrated to a competing platform, or if costs outweigh the administrative benefit. If you manage equity manually or use a spreadsheet system and find Carta's fee unjustified, cancellation is warranted. Similarly, if Carta's service has degraded, customer support is unresponsive, or you have found a more cost-effective alternative that meets your needs, cancellation is the right choice. Yafee recommends cancelling if you have not actively used the platform in the past 6 months, as the subscription fee is then pure waste.
After cancellation: what to do next
Taking these final steps ensures a smooth transition and protects your equity data permanently.
Confirm cancellation with Carta in writing
Even after Carta confirms your cancellation by email, send a follow-up email to Carta's support team thanking them for processing the cancellation and requesting a final written confirmation of your cancellation date, final access date, and any remaining obligations. This email serves as a timestamp for your records and helps if a dispute arises later (for example, if Carta attempts to charge you again).
Review your payment records for any erroneous charges
Check your bank or credit card statements for 60 days after your cancellation date to ensure Carta does not charge you again. If an unexpected charge appears, contact Carta immediately and request a refund. If Carta does not refund within 10 business days, contact your bank or payment provider and request a chargeback, citing your cancellation notice and Carta's unauthorised charge.
Migrate your data to a backup system
Organise the equity records you downloaded from Carta into a structured folder system on your computer or cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox). Label each file with the date it was exported from Carta. Create a master list (spreadsheet) of all cap table records, option plans, and valuation dates so you can quickly locate information in the future. This backup is essential if Carta later disputes the records you hold or if you need to prove your company's equity structure in a legal or financial context.
Notify your team that access has changed
If employees, advisors, or investors used Carta to check their stock options or company cap table, inform them that the platform is no longer available. Provide them with alternative contact information (your email or HR contact) where they can request equity information going forward. This prevents confusion and ensures people know how to access their records after Carta closes.
If you encounter a billing dispute, refund denial, or data access issue with Carta, use the following contact channels to escalate your complaint formally.
Carta corporate office address
Carta, Inc. operates primarily through its U.S. headquarters. For service enquiries and cancellation requests, contact:
Carta Support Team
Email: [email protected]
Help Centre: support.carta.com
Phone: Available through the help centre portal
When writing to Carta, include your account number, company name, billing email, and a clear summary of your request or complaint. Request a written response within 10 business days.
Escalation route under indian consumer law
If Carta fails to refund your money, prevents you from accessing your equity records, or breaches the terms of your subscription agreement, you may file a formal complaint with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) or your State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission. Provide copies of your cancellation notice, Carta's response (or lack thereof), your payment records, and any written correspondence. The CCPA's complaint portal is available at consumercomplaints.cci.gov.in. At Yafee, we advise maintaining comprehensive documentation of all communication with Carta to strengthen your position in any dispute resolution process.
Why use yafee to cancel Carta
Yafee has helped thousands of professionals cancel corporate software subscriptions, including equity management platforms, while protecting their data and refund rights. Our contract law specialists understand the specific regulatory requirements that apply to transfer agents like Carta and the consumer protections available under Indian law. Yafee provides step-by-step guidance tailored to your situation, from calculating your cancellation deadline to escalating disputes with Carta to the appropriate regulatory authority. Whether you manage Carta for a startup, serve as a financial advisor, or hold equity through your employer's plan, Yafee ensures you navigate cancellation correctly and recover any refunds you are entitled to claim.
Visit Yafee today at yafee.com to access cancellation templates, refund recovery checklists, and consumer law references for Carta and hundreds of other subscription services. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel with confidence and reclaim control of their equity records.