Compliance Checklist for Startups explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Running Startups in India means staying on top of several registrations and ongoing compliances. This is a complete, practical compliance checklist for Startups — from setup registrations to GST, income tax, TDS and sector licences.
Registrations to set up
- Business entity registration (proprietorship / partnership / LLP / company) with the relevant authority
- PAN and TAN for the business
- GST registration (once turnover crosses the threshold or for inter-state / e-commerce supply)
- Shop & Establishment registration for the premises and staff
- A business current bank account
Sector-specific licences for Startups
- Udyam (MSME) registration for benefits
- Sector-specific licences as applicable
Ongoing tax compliance
- GST: GST registration is required once turnover crosses the applicable threshold (₹40 lakh goods / ₹20 lakh services) or for inter-state/e-commerce supply.
- Income tax: file the ITR annually; Income is taxed under the appropriate head; presumptive schemes may apply.
- TDS: deduct and deposit TDS on salaries, rent, contractor and professional payments, and file quarterly TDS returns
- Bookkeeping: Maintain day-to-day books — sales, purchases, expenses, cash and bank and get accounts audited where turnover crosses the limit
Annual compliance calendar (typical)
- Monthly/quarterly: GST returns (GSTR-1 & 3B) and TDS payments
- Quarterly: TDS returns (24Q/26Q) and advance tax instalments
- Annually: income-tax return, GST annual return (if applicable), and ROC filings for companies/LLPs
Key due dates & penalties to remember
Missing deadlines is the most common — and most avoidable — compliance failure for Startups. Keep these in view:
- GST returns: GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B by their monthly/quarterly due dates; late filing attracts fees and interest
- TDS: deposit by the 7th of the next month and file returns quarterly; delays attract interest under Section 201
- Income tax: pay advance tax in four instalments and file the ITR by the due date to avoid 234A/234B/234C interest
- ROC (companies/LLPs): file annual returns and financials on time to avoid heavy per-day penalties
More guides for Startups
- GST Applicability & Compliance for Startups
- Income Tax & Accounting Guide for Startups
- Accounting & Bookkeeping Guide for Startups
- TDS Applicability & Rates for Startups
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