Startups
Compliance Checklist for Startups in India
Quick answer
From incorporation to your first board meetings and annual filings — the compliance steps every Indian startup should plan for.
Table of contents (5 sections)
Compliance is easiest when it is planned from day one. Here is a practical checklist for a newly incorporated private limited company.
Right after incorporation
- Open a current account and deposit the subscription money
- Appoint the first statutory auditor within 30 days
- Issue share certificates and maintain statutory registers
- Obtain PAN and TAN (usually issued with incorporation)
Registrations to consider
- GST registration, if you cross the threshold or sell inter-state or online
- Professional tax, shops & establishment, PF and ESI as applicable
- DPIIT startup recognition, if eligible
Every year
- Board meetings and the annual general meeting
- Audited financial statements
- ROC annual filings and the income tax return
- Director KYC
When you raise funds
Share allotments, valuation reports and FEMA reporting for foreign investment each have strict timelines — plan them with your advisors before the money arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Can a startup handle compliance without a CA?
Some filings can be done in-house, but audits and many certifications must be done by a practising Chartered Accountant.
