One Missed Filing Can Cost You Lakhs, Here’s How to Stay 100% Compliant
Starting up in India is exciting, but also full of legal landmines. From ROC filings to GST returns, Indian startups must follow a strict compliance calendar, even if you’re just getting off the ground.
This blog gives you a finished startup compliance checklist of what you must file, when, and why, so you stay focused on growth, not penalties.
Why Compliance Matters for Startups in India
Non-compliance can lead to:
- Heavy fines (₹1,00,000+ for missed ROC filings)
- Business registration suspension
- Problems raising funding or getting loans
- Disqualification of directors
That’s why every founder needs a Business Checklist India tailored to startup legal requirements.
🏢 Company Formation: The First Step in Startup Compliance India
✔️ What You Need for Company Registration in India:
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Director Identification Number (DIN)
- Company Name Approval (SPICe+)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- PAN, TAN, and GST
Once you’re officially registered (usually as a Private Limited Company), the compliance journey begins.
📆 Monthly & Annual Startup Compliance Checklist
Let’s break it down by timeline:
📅 Monthly/Quarterly Compliance
| Compliance | Description | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| GST Filing | GSTR-1, GSTR-3B | Monthly/Quarterly |
| TDS Return (if applicable) | Tax deducted at source | Monthly |
| Payroll Compliance | PF, ESI filings | Monthly |
📅 Annual Compliance
| Compliance | Description | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| ROC Filing (MGT-7 & AOC-4) | Annual return & financials | 30–60 days after AGM |
| Income Tax Return | ITR-6 for companies | 31st October |
| Form DPT-3 | Return of deposits | 30th June |
| MSME Compliance | If applicable | Half-Yearly |
| DIR-3 KYC | Director KYC update | 30th September |
🧾 Key Legal Documents You’ll Need
These are crucial for ongoing compliance:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- GSTIN & PAN
- Board resolutions
- Auditor appointment letter
- MOA & AOA (Memorandum & Articles of Association)
- Financial statements
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Startup Compliance in India)
1. What are the legal compliance requirements for startups in India?
Basic compliance includes ROC filings, GST, income tax returns, TDS, and MSME filings if registered under the Startup India scheme.
2. Which filings are mandatory for startups?
For private limited companies, MGT-7, AOC-4, Form DPT-3, and DIR-3 KYC are all essential, along with regular GST and TDS filings.
3. How often do I need to file returns?
- GST: Monthly/quarterly
- ROC Filings: Annually
- TDS: Monthly if applicable
- Income Tax: Annually
4. Is compliance required even with zero revenue?
Yes! Even if your startup hasn’t made money, ROC and tax filings are still mandatory to avoid penalties.
5. What happens if I skip a filing?
- Late fees
- Penalties
- Legal notices from the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs)
- Director disqualification in serious cases
Pro Tips to Stay Compliant
- Use compliance tools like ClearTax, Zoho Books, or QuickBooks India
- Set up alerts using Google Calendar or Trello
- Hire a CA familiar with startup tax compliance
- Stay updated via the Startup India portal.
Startup Compliance India – File Smart, Grow Fast
Startup founders often ignore legal filings in the early stages, but that’s a costly mistake. By following this Startup Compliance India checklist and understanding your Business Checklist India, you stay ahead of legal trouble, build credibility, and remain fundraising-ready.
Start with your company registration, track monthly GST filings, file ROC documents on time, and keep tax season stress-free.
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