Unified Startup Enablement & Growth Platform

Core Tax Filings & Returns

Tax Type	Private Limited	LLP	OPC	Partnership
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
GST Registration	Mandatory if turnover > ₹40L (₹20L for services)	Mandatory if turnover > ₹40L (₹20L for services)	Mandatory if turnover > ₹40L (₹20L for services)	Mandatory if turnover > ₹40L (₹20L for services)
GSTR-1 (Monthly)	11th of following month	11th of following month	11th of following month	11th of following month
GSTR-3B (Monthly)	20th of following month	20th of following month	20th of following month	20th of following month
GSTR-9 (Annual)	December 31st of following FY	December 31st of following FY	December 31st of following FY	December 31st of following FY
E-Invoicing	Mandatory if turnover > ₹5 crores	Mandatory if turnover > ₹5 crores	Mandatory if turnover > ₹5 crores	Mandatory if turnover > ₹5 crores
Income Tax
Corporate Tax Rate	25% (22% under 115BAA)	Taxed as partnership	25% (22% under 115BAA)	Individual slab rates
ITR Filing	ITR-6 by Nov 30th (with audit)	ITR-5 by Nov 30th (with audit)	ITR-6 by Nov 30th (with audit)	ITR-5 by Nov 30th (with audit)
Advance Tax (Quarterly)	Jun 15: 15%, Sep 15: 45%, Dec 15: 75%, Mar 15: 100%
Tax Audit	Required if turnover > ₹1 crore	Required if turnover > ₹1 crore	Required if turnover > ₹1 crore	Required if turnover > ₹1 crore
TDS on Salaries	Form 24Q - Quarterly by Jul 31, Oct 31, Jan 31, May 31
TDS on Non-Salary	Form 26Q - Quarterly by Jul 31, Oct 31, Jan 31, May 31
TDS Payment	7th of following month
Form 16 Issuance	By June 15th for preceding FY

MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) Compliance

Compliance Type	Private Limited	LLP	OPC	Partnership
Annual Filings
Annual Return	Form MGT-7 within 60 days of AGM	Form 11 within 60 days from FY end	Form MGT-7A within 60 days of AGM	Not Applicable
Financial Statements	Form AOC-4 within 30 days of AGM	Form 8 within 30 days of filing with RoC	Form AOC-4 within 180 days of FY end	Not Applicable
Annual General Meeting	Within 6 months of FY end	Not Required	Within 6 months of FY end	Not Required
DIR-3 KYC	All directors by Sep 30th annually	All partners by Sep 30th annually	All directors by Sep 30th annually	Not Applicable
Event-Based Filings
Director Appointment	Form DIR-12 within 30 days	Form 4 within 30 days	Form DIR-12 within 30 days	Not Applicable
Director Resignation	Form DIR-11 within 30 days	Form 4 within 30 days	Form DIR-11 within 30 days	Not Applicable
Share Allotment	Form PAS-3 within 30 days	Not Applicable	Form PAS-3 within 30 days	Not Applicable
Address Change	Form INC-22 within 30 days	Form 15 within 30 days	Form INC-22 within 30 days	Not Applicable
Board Meetings	Minimum 4 per year (120-day gap)	As per LLP Agreement	Minimum 2 per year	Not Required

Employment & Payroll Compliance

Compliance Area	Applicability	Frequency	Due Date	Forms/Returns
Provident Fund (EPF)
Registration	20+ employees (10 in some states)	One-time	Within 1 month of applicability	Online via EPFO portal
Monthly Contribution	12% employee + 13.61% employer	Monthly	15th of following month	ECR (Electronic Challan cum Return)
Annual Return	All registered establishments	Annual	April 30th	Form 5 & 10
Employees' State Insurance (ESI)
Registration	10+ employees earning ≤ ₹21,000/month	One-time	Within 15 days of applicability	Online via ESIC portal
Monthly Contribution	0.75% employee + 3.25% employer	Monthly	15th of following month	ESI Return via portal
Professional Tax
Registration	State-specific (varies)	One-time	Before first deduction	State-specific forms
Payment & Return	All salaried employees above threshold	Monthly/Quarterly	Varies by state (typically month-end)	State-specific returns
Other Labor Compliance
Shops & Establishments	All businesses	Annual renewal	State-specific	State-specific forms
Gratuity	10+ employees	On completion of 5 years	Within 30 days of eligibility	Form I (Notice of opening)
Minimum Wages	All employers	Ongoing	As per state notification	Register maintenance

DPIIT Recognition & Startup Benefits

Benefit Category	Requirement	Benefit Details	Filing/Compliance
DPIIT Registration	• Incorporated < 10 years • Turnover < ₹100 crores • Working on innovation	Access to tax benefits, funding, and government schemes	Online registration via Startup India portal
Income Tax Exemption (Section 80-IAC)	DPIIT-recognized + IMB approval	100% tax exemption for 3 consecutive years (out of first 10 years)	Application to Inter-Ministerial Board
Angel Tax Exemption (Section 56(2)(viib))	DPIIT-recognized + capital ≤ ₹25 crores	Exemption from angel tax on investments	Declaration in ITR
Capital Gains Exemption (Section 54GB)	Investment in DPIIT-recognized startup	Capital gains tax exemption on investments	Claim in ITR with supporting documents
Patent Fee Rebate	DPIIT-recognized	80% rebate on patent application fees	Apply with DPIIT certificate
Self-Certification	DPIIT-recognized (first 5 years)	Self-certification for 6 labor laws & 3 environmental laws	Self-declaration, reduced inspections

Automated Compliance Alert Schedule

Frequency	Compliance Items	Due Dates
DAILY	• TDS/TCS payment monitoring (avoid daily interest) • GST e-way bill generation for goods movement • Payment gateway reconciliation	Daily monitoring
MONTHLY	• GST GSTR-1 filing • GST GSTR-3B filing • EPF ECR filing & payment • ESI return & payment • Professional Tax payment • TDS/TCS challan payment • Board meeting reminder (quarterly minimum)	11th (GSTR-1) 20th (GSTR-3B) 15th (EPF/ESI) 7th (TDS/TCS) State-specific (PT)
QUARTERLY	• TDS return filing (Form 24Q, 26Q) • Advance tax payment • GST GSTR-9C reconciliation (turnover > ₹5 crores) • Board meetings • Financial review	Q1: Jul 31 (TDS), Jun 15 (Advance Tax) Q2: Oct 31 (TDS), Sep 15 (Advance Tax) Q3: Jan 31 (TDS), Dec 15 (Advance Tax) Q4: May 31 (TDS), Mar 15 (Advance Tax)
ANNUAL	• Income Tax Return filing • Tax audit report (if applicable) • GST annual return (GSTR-9) • MCA annual return (MGT-7/Form 11) • Financial statements filing (AOC-4/Form 8) • DIR-3 KYC for directors • Form 16 issuance • FEMA FLA return (if FDI received) • AGM (within 6 months of FY end) • Statutory audit completion • License renewals • Insurance policy renewals	Sep 30 (Tax Audit) Oct 31/Nov 30 (ITR) Dec 31 (GSTR-9) 60 days from AGM (MCA filings) Sep 30 (DIR-3 KYC) Jun 15 (Form 16) Jul 15 (FEMA FLA)
EVENT-BASED	• Director appointment/resignation (DIR-12/DIR-11) • Share allotment (PAS-3) • Registered office change (INC-22) • ROC late fee payment • New employee onboarding (EPF, ESI, Form 11) • Foreign investment reporting (FC-GPR) • Related party transaction disclosure • Board resolutions for banking, loans, investments	Within 30 days of event (specific forms as applicable)

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Compliance Area	Late Filing Penalty	Interest Charges	Other Consequences
GST Returns	₹50/day per return (₹20 for nil returns), max ₹5,000	18% per annum on unpaid tax	Penalty up to 100% of tax for evasion, GST registration cancellation
Income Tax Return	Up to ₹10,000 under Section 234F	1% per month under Section 234A (late filing), 234B (advance tax shortfall), 234C (deferment)	Prosecution for willful default, loss of deductions
TDS Returns	₹200/day (min ₹10,000, max TDS amount)	1-1.5% per month for delayed deduction/payment	Disallowance of expense, penalty under Section 271H
MCA Filings	₹100/day (increases for prolonged delays)	Not applicable	Director disqualification, company strike-off, loss of limited liability
EPF/ESI	Not applicable	12% per annum (damages) for delayed payment	Criminal prosecution, imprisonment up to 3 years
Professional Tax	State-specific penalties	Interest as per state rules	Registration cancellation, business closure orders

Industry-Specific Compliance Requirements

Industry	Key Licenses/Registrations	Compliance Authority	Renewal Period
Technology & Digital
Data Privacy	Digital Personal Data Protection Act compliance (once rules notified)	Data Protection Board (upcoming)	Ongoing compliance
Payment Gateway	Payment Aggregator License	Reserve Bank of India (RBI)	Not applicable (one-time)
Software/IT	Copyright registration, Software license compliance	Copyright Office	Lifetime (copyright)
E-commerce
E-commerce Entity	E-commerce registration, Grievance Officer appointment	Consumer Affairs Ministry	Ongoing compliance
Online Seller	Legal Metrology registration for packaged goods	State Legal Metrology Department	Annual
Food & Beverages
Food Business	FSSAI Registration/License (based on turnover)	Food Safety and Standards Authority	1-5 years (based on type)
Restaurant/Cafe	Health/Trade License, Fire NOC, Eating House License	Municipal Corporation, Fire Department	Annual
Healthcare & Pharma
Drug Manufacturing	Drug License (Manufacturing)	State Drug Controller	3-5 years
Drug Distribution	Drug License (Wholesale/Retail)	State Drug Controller	3-5 years
Clinical Establishment	Clinical Establishment Registration	State Health Department	5 years
Financial Services
NBFC	NBFC Registration	Reserve Bank of India	Not applicable
Insurance	Insurance Broker/Agent License	IRDAI	3 years
Manufacturing
Factory	Factory License, Pollution Control NOC	State Labour Dept, Pollution Control Board	Annual
Import/Export	IEC (Import Export Code)	DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade)	Lifetime

FEMA Compliance for Foreign Investment

Compliance Type	Applicability	Form Required	Timeline
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Reporting	Companies receiving foreign investment	Form FC-GPR (Foreign Currency - Gross Provisional Return)	Within 30 days of receipt/allotment
Annual Return on FDI	Companies with foreign investment	Form FC-GPR (Annual)	By July 15th annually
Foreign Liabilities & Assets	Companies with FDI, ECB, or foreign assets	FLA Return	By July 15th annually
Overseas Direct Investment (ODI)	Companies investing abroad	Form ODI (various parts)	Before investment & annually
External Commercial Borrowing (ECB)	Companies taking foreign loans	Form ECB, ECB-2 Return	Within 7 days of drawdown & quarterly
Transfer of Shares to NRI/Foreign Nationals	Share transfers involving foreign residents	Form FC-TRS	Within 60 days of transfer

Audit Requirements & Certifications

Audit Type	Applicability Threshold	Conducted By	Report/Form
Statutory Audit	Mandatory for all companies (Pvt Ltd, OPC)	Chartered Accountant	Audited Financial Statements
Tax Audit	Business turnover > ₹1 crore (₹10 crores if 95%+ digital)	Chartered Accountant	Form 3CD, Form 3CB
Cost Audit	Specific sectors with turnover > ₹35 crores (manufacturing) or ₹50 crores (utilities)	Cost Accountant	Form CRA-3, CRA-4
Internal Audit	• Turnover > ₹200 crores, OR • Outstanding loans > ₹100 crores	Chartered Accountant / Cost Accountant	Internal Audit Report
Secretarial Audit	• Paid-up capital ≥ ₹50 crores, OR • Turnover ≥ ₹250 crores	Company Secretary	Form MR-3
GST Audit	Annual turnover > ₹5 crores	Chartered Accountant / Cost Accountant	Form GSTR-9C (Reconciliation Statement)
Transfer Pricing Audit	International transactions > ₹1 crore	Chartered Accountant	Form 3CEB

Intellectual Property Registration & Maintenance

IP Type	Registration Authority	Validity Period	Renewal Requirements
Trademark	Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks	10 years from registration	Renewable every 10 years indefinitely
Patent	Indian Patent Office	20 years from filing date	Annual maintenance fees from 3rd year onwards
Copyright	Copyright Office (Ministry of Education)	Lifetime + 60 years (for literary, artistic works)	No renewal required
Design Registration	Design Wing, Patent Office	10 years (extendable by 5 years)	One-time extension possible
Trade Secret Protection	Not registered (protected through contracts)	As long as kept confidential	Maintain NDAs, employment agreements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly due date for filing the GST return GSTR-3B? +

The due date for GSTR-3B filing is the 20th of the following month.

What are the quarterly payment dates for Advance Tax? +

The deadlines are: Jun 15 (15%), Sep 15 (45%), Dec 15 (75%), and Mar 15 (100%).

What is the penalty for delayed MCA filings (e.g., Annual Return)? +

The penalty for delayed MCA filings is typically ₹100 per day, which can increase for prolonged delays.

What is the minimum employee strength that mandates EPF registration? +

EPF registration is mandatory for businesses with 20 or more employees (10 in some states).

What is the Tax Audit turnover threshold for a business? +

A Tax Audit is generally required if the turnover is greater than ₹1 crore (or ₹10 crores if 95%+ of transactions are digital).

What tax benefit is available to a DPIIT-recognized startup under Section 80-IAC? +

100% tax exemption for 3 consecutive years (out of the first 10 years), provided the startup has IMB approval.

When must a company report Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the RBI? +

The company must file Form FC-GPR within 30 days of receiving the funds or allotting the shares.

How long is a Trademark valid, and how often must it be renewed? +

A Trademark is valid for 10 years from registration and is renewable every 10 years indefinitely.

Key Compliance Recommendations

Implement Compliance Calendar: Use automated reminder systems for all monthly, quarterly, and annual filings
Engage Professional Services: Partner with qualified CAs, CSs, and legal advisors for complex compliance areas
Maintain Proper Documentation: Keep all invoices, contracts, board minutes, and registers updated and accessible
Digital Record Keeping: Use cloud-based accounting and compliance management software
Regular Internal Audits: Conduct quarterly internal reviews to identify and fix compliance gaps
Stay Updated: Monitor changes in tax rates, filing procedures, and regulatory requirements
Separate Business & Personal: Maintain clear separation between personal and business finances
Timely Payments: Never delay statutory payments to avoid interest and penalties
Leverage Startup Benefits: Apply for DPIIT recognition to access tax exemptions and benefits
Plan for Scale: Understand compliance requirements that kick in at different revenue/employee thresholds

Key Takeaways for Tax & Compliance

Register for GST Before You Cross the Threshold — Not After:

GST registration is mandatory once turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states). Register proactively — waiting until you cross the threshold and then scrambling risks invoicing without GSTIN, which creates compliance gaps in your customer's books and damages B2B relationships. Registration takes 7–10 working days.

Separate Business and Personal Finances from Day One:

Commingled finances are the root cause of most Indian startup tax complications. Open a dedicated current account for the business immediately on incorporation, route all revenue and expenses through it, and never use personal accounts for business transactions. This one practice eliminates 80% of reconciliation headaches at year-end.

TDS Deduction Deadlines Are Non-Negotiable:

TDS must be deducted at source and deposited with the government by the 7th of the following month (April–February) or 30 April for March deductions. Late payment attracts interest at 1.5% per month from the date of deduction to the date of payment. For a startup with ₹50 lakh in vendor payments per month, one month's delay costs ₹75,000 in avoidable interest.

DPIIT Recognition Unlocks Significant Tax Benefits:

DPIIT recognition exempts startups from angel tax (Section 56(2)(viib)) on investments from resident investors up to ₹25 crore. Combined with Section 80-IAC (IMB approval required), eligible startups can claim 100% tax deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive years within the first 10 years of incorporation. These benefits can represent crores of rupees in tax savings — apply for both as early as possible.

Advance Tax Is Required Even for Growing Startups:

If total tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 in a financial year, advance tax must be paid in four instalments: 15% by June 15, 45% by September 15, 75% by December 15, and 100% by March 15. Missing these payments triggers interest under Sections 234B and 234C. Budget for advance tax in your quarterly cash flow plan from Year 1.

A CA on Monthly Retainer Pays for Itself Many Times Over:

Early-stage founders who handle compliance themselves — filing incorrect GSTR-1, missing TDS due dates, or not reconciling ITC — typically accumulate penalties and interest that far exceed a CA's annual retainer (₹15,000–₹40,000/month for a startup). Engage a CA with startup experience from the month of incorporation, not the month of your first GST audit.

Inside Corpfy Tax Compliance

Corpfy's Tax Compliance dashboard tracks every GST, TDS, advance tax, and ROC filing deadline for your company — with document upload, status tracking, and save-to-vault functionality. You never miss a deadline, and your CA always has what they need from a shared dashboard rather than WhatsApp.

What you get in the dashboard

Filing	What Corpfy tracks	Output
GST Filings	GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, GSTR-9 deadlines with status and document upload	GST compliance calendar with evidence for each return
TDS Returns	Quarterly TDS return deadlines (24Q, 26Q) with challan upload and Form 16 generation	TDS compliance tracker for TRACES portal reconciliation
Advance Tax	4 quarterly advance tax instalment deadlines with liability computation	Payment evidence for income tax return
ROC Filings	MCA annual return (MGT-7), financial statement filing (AOC-4), and event-based filings	MCA compliance evidence with filing dates
Document Vault	Save filed returns, challans, and acknowledgements directly to Corpfy Vault	Organised tax document archive accessible anytime