# Startup Compliance Checklist Tool

> A newly incorporated private company must file INC-20A within 180 days, appoint its first auditor within 30 days, hold board meetings, keep statutory registers, and file AOC-4 and MGT-7 after its AGM — on top of GST, TDS and income tax. Labour registrations follow headcount: ESIC from 10 employees and PF from 20.

Interactive calculator: https://www.industax.com/calculators/startup-compliance

- **Commencement (INC-20A):** Within 180 days
- **PF applies at:** 20 employees
- **ESIC applies at:** 10 employees

## First-year compliance for a private limited company

| Compliance | When |
| --- | --- |
| First board meeting | Within 30 days of incorporation |
| First auditor appointed by the board | Within 30 days of incorporation |
| Declaration of commencement (INC-20A) | Within 180 days of incorporation |
| Share certificates issued | Within 60 days of incorporation |
| Board meetings | 4 a year, gap ≤ 120 days (2 for small companies/OPCs) |
| AGM | Within 9 months of the first year-end, then by 30 September |
| AOC-4 / MGT-7 (or 7A) | 30 / 60 days after the AGM |
| ITR-6 | 31 October (audited) |

## Recurring compliance by trigger

- GST returns: monthly or quarterly once registered
- TDS: monthly deposit, quarterly returns
- ESIC: 10+ employees earning up to ₹21,000 a month
- PF: 20+ employees
- MSME-1: half-yearly if dues to micro/small suppliers are over 45 days
- DPT-3: by 30 June for loans and deposits
- Tax audit: turnover above ₹1 crore (₹10 crore if cash ≤ 5%)
- Director KYC: once every three years by 30 June, plus updates within 30 days of changes

## DPIIT recognition benefits

DPIIT-recognised startups (incorporated within 10 years, turnover up to ₹200 crore) get self-certification under several labour and environment laws, faster patent examination with fee rebates, public procurement relaxations and eligibility for the 80-IAC tax holiday if incorporated before 1 April 2030.

## FAQs

### What happens if INC-20A isn't filed in 180 days?

The company and directors face penalties, and the Registrar can initiate strike-off if it believes the company isn't carrying on business. File it as soon as share capital is received.

### Does a startup with no revenue need an audit?

Yes. Every company must have its accounts audited and file annual returns, regardless of revenue.

### When does a startup need GST registration?

Once turnover crosses ₹20 lakh for services or ₹40 lakh for goods, or from day one for inter-state goods sales, most e-commerce sales and exports without IGST.

## Official sources

- Ministry of Corporate Affairs: https://www.mca.gov.in/

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/calculators/startup-compliance
Publisher: Indus Tax — CA-led tax and compliance firm (https://www.industax.com). Contact: info@industax.com, 9059139258.
This is general information, not advice for your specific facts.