Starting a business in India is exciting — but non-compliance can derail your growth. Here is a comprehensive compliance checklist every Indian startup must complete in 2026, from inception to scaling.
? 1. Company / LLP Registration (Day 1)
- Incorporate as Pvt Ltd, OPC, or LLP via MCA21 portal.
- Obtain DIN for directors, DSC, and PAN/TAN for the entity.
- Draft Memorandum (MOA) and Articles (AOA) carefully — include all planned business activities.
- Open a dedicated current account in the company name immediately after incorporation.
? 2. DPIIT Startup Recognition
- Apply for DPIIT recognition on the Startup India portal within the first year.
- Eligible startups: <10 years old, turnover <?100 crore, working towards innovation/scalability.
- Benefits: Self-certify ESIC/EPFO compliance (for 3 years), fast-track patent applications, government tender exemption.
- 80IAC Tax Exemption: Apply separately for 3-year income tax holiday (eligible from date of incorporation).
? 3. GST Registration
- Mandatory if turnover exceeds ?40 lakh (?20 lakh for services) or if selling online through e-commerce operators.
- Advisable to register early even below threshold — required for B2B invoicing and to claim ITC.
- File GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B monthly/quarterly as applicable from Day 1 of registration.
? 4. ROC Annual Compliance (Every Year)
- AOC-4 (Financial Statements): File within 30 days of AGM.
- MGT-7 (Annual Return): File within 60 days of AGM.
- DIR-3 KYC: All directors must complete KYC every year (September deadline).
- DPT-3 (Return of deposits): Due 30th June every year.
- Hold Board Meetings (minimum 4 per year) and maintain minutes.
- Hold AGM within 6 months of year-end.
? 5. Income Tax Compliance
- File ITR annually (by 31st October if audit required; 31st July otherwise).
- Advance Tax payments quarterly (15th June, 15th Sept, 15th Dec, 15th March).
- Maintain proper books of accounts from Day 1.
- Statutory Audit mandatory if turnover exceeds ?1 crore (business) / ?50 lakh (professional).
- Apply for 80IAC exemption early — effective from year of incorporation.
? 6. TDS Compliance
- Obtain TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number) immediately after incorporation.
- Deduct TDS on salary (192), professional fees (194J), rent (194I), contractor payments (194C).
- Deposit TDS by 7th of following month (30th April for March quarter).
- File quarterly TDS returns (24Q for salary, 26Q for others).
- Issue Form 16/16A to deductees within prescribed time.
? 7. MSME / Udyam Registration
- Register on the Udyam portal (free, Aadhaar-based) to be classified as Micro/Small/Medium enterprise.
- Benefits: Priority lending, lower interest rates (MSME loans), government subsidies, 45-day payment protection (MSME Act), CGTMSE guarantee.
- No threshold limit — register from Day 1 if you qualify.
? 8. Other Registrations (As Applicable)
- Professional Tax: Mandatory in Karnataka (?200/month for employees above ?15,000 salary).
- ESI: Mandatory if 10+ employees (salary <?21,000). 3.25% employer + 0.75% employee contribution.
- PF: Mandatory if 20+ employees. 12% employer + 12% employee on basic salary.
- Shop & Establishment Act: Register with local municipal authority within 30 days of starting business.
- Import Export Code (IEC): If you plan to import/export goods or services.
Launch Your Startup the Right Way
KS Raghu Consulting Group provides complete startup support — from incorporation and DPIIT registration to ROC compliance, GST, TDS, and fundraising readiness. Let us handle compliance so you can focus on growth.