# Startup Accounting & Compliance

> A startup company must keep proper books from day one, get its accounts audited every year, hold an AGM and file AOC-4 and MGT-7 with the ROC, and file its income-tax return. GST registration is needed once turnover crosses the threshold or for inter-state goods supplies, TDS returns are quarterly once you pay salaries or vendors, and PF and ESIC apply as headcount grows.

Practice: Startup Funding, ESOP & Valuation — https://www.industax.com/services/startup-funding/

We keep monthly books investor-ready — revenue recognised correctly, ESOP and convertible instruments accounted for, and reconciliations done — and run the statutory calendar so nothing is missed.

Monthly MIS shows burn, runway and unit economics, and the same numbers flow into investor updates and the next round's data room.

## Key facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| ROC | AOC-4 within 30 days and MGT-7 within 60 days of the AGM |
| Audit | Statutory audit for every company |
| GST | Threshold-based; mandatory for inter-state goods supplies |
| TDS returns | Quarterly (Forms 138 and 140 from 1 April 2026) |
| Payroll | PF and ESIC as headcount thresholds are crossed |

## Who needs this

- Newly incorporated startups
- Funded startups needing investor-grade books
- Founders without an in-house finance team

## What's included

- Monthly bookkeeping and reconciliations
- GST, TDS and payroll compliance
- ROC and income-tax filings
- Monthly MIS

## Documents

- Bank statements and invoices
- Payroll data
- Contracts and investment documents

## Process

1. **Set up** — Chart of accounts and compliance calendar.
2. **Run** — Monthly close and filings.
3. **Report** — MIS and investor updates.

## Also covers

- **Startup accounting** — Monthly books and reconciliations.
- **Startup compliance** — ROC, GST, TDS, payroll and tax calendar.

## FAQs

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

Yes, every company needs a statutory audit regardless of turnover.

### When should a startup register for GST?

When turnover crosses the threshold, or earlier if it makes inter-state supplies of goods, sells through marketplaces or wants input tax credit.

### Can you work with our existing accounting software?

Yes — we work on Tally, Zoho Books and other common platforms.

## Official sources

- Ministry of Corporate Affairs — MCA21: https://www.mca.gov.in/
- Income Tax e-Filing portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in/

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Canonical page: https://www.industax.com/services/startup-funding/startup-accounting-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.