Startup Compliance Checklist India: Every Obligation After Company Registration
A practical checklist of every compliance obligation for Indian startups and new businesses — from post-incorporation filings to ongoing monthly, quarterly, and annual requirements.
Post-Incorporation Immediate Actions (Within 30 Days)
Within 30 days of incorporation: (1) Open company current account with incorporation documents, (2) Apply for company PAN and TAN (usually included in SPICe+ incorporation form), (3) GST registration if you expect turnover above ₹20L in the first year, (4) Register for PF (EPF) and ESI if you have or plan to hire employees, (5) File Form INC-20A (Declaration of Commencement of Business) — mandatory within 180 days of incorporation.
- Open company bank current account
- File Form INC-20A within 180 days
- Apply for PAN and TAN (auto-issued via SPICe+)
- GST registration if applicable
- PF/ESI registration before first payroll
Monthly Compliance Obligations
Monthly tasks for a compliant startup: (1) GST returns — GSTR-1 by 11th, GSTR-3B by 20th (monthly filers), (2) TDS deposit — deduct TDS from vendor/contractor payments and deposit by 7th of next month, (3) PF contribution — deposit EPF (12% employer + 12% employee) by 15th of following month, (4) ESI contribution — deposit by 15th of following month (if applicable), (5) Payroll processing with proper TDS under Section 192.
Quarterly Compliance Obligations
Quarterly deadlines: (1) TDS return filing — Form 26Q (non-salary) by the end of the month after each quarter, (2) Advance tax payment — 15% by Jun 15, 45% by Sep 15, 75% by Dec 15, 100% by Mar 15, (3) Board meeting — minimum one per quarter (mandatory for Pvt Ltd), (4) GST reconciliation — match GSTR-2A/2B with purchase register to maximize ITC.
Annual Compliance Obligations
Annual filings for every Pvt Ltd company: (1) Statutory audit — appoint auditor and get accounts audited, (2) AOC-4 (financial statements) — file with ROC within 60 days of AGM, (3) MGT-7A (annual return) — file within 60 days of AGM, (4) AGM — hold Annual General Meeting within 6 months of financial year end (September 30 for April-March FY), (5) ITR-6 — file income tax return by 31 October (if audit required) or 31 July, (6) Director KYC — DIR-3 KYC for all directors annually.
Startup India Benefits You Must Apply For
DPIIT recognition as a Startup India entity unlocks: (1) Section 80IAC — 100% profit deduction for 3 years (apply within 7 years of incorporation), (2) Angel tax exemption under Section 56(2)(viib) — protects against IT department valuing equity investments above fair market value, (3) Self-certification for 9 labour laws for 5 years, (4) Fast-track IP application with 80% rebate on patent fees, (5) Access to ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds.
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