Startup compliance, stage by stage
Tell us where your startup is. Get the exact MCA filing chain, DPIIT scheme eligibility, and funding-specific obligations for your stage — all cited to the specific Act and rule.
1. How old is your company?
2. Are you DPIIT Startup India recognised?
3. Have you raised external funding?
Central government startup schemes
10 verified central schemes — DPIIT recognition, 80-IAC tax holiday, SISFS seed fund, CGSS loan guarantee, Fund of Funds, GeM procurement access, TIDE 2.0, iDEX, AIM incubation, and National Startup Awards.
View all schemes →Frequently asked
What MCA filings does a new startup need in the first 180 days?
A newly incorporated private limited company must file INC-20A (business commencement declaration) within 180 days of incorporation — failure to file attracts ₹50,000 penalty and director liability. Additional first-year obligations include the first board meeting within 30 days, appointment of first auditor (ADT-1, within 30 days), and DIR-3 KYC for all directors annually.
What does DPIIT Startup India recognition actually give you?
DPIIT recognition (under the Startup India Action Plan) unlocks: eligibility for 80-IAC 3-year income tax holiday, access to the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (grants up to ₹20 L), credit guarantee under CGSS (collateral-free loans up to ₹10 Cr), self-certification under 9 labour laws and 3 environment laws, IPR fast-track with 80% fee rebate, and 90-day fast-track insolvency under IBC.
When does the Companies Act cap table compliance become complex for a startup?
Cap table complexity starts at the first external equity round. Each allotment triggers a PAS-3 return of allotment within 30 days. Foreign investors additionally require FC-GPR reporting to RBI within 30 days of allotment under FEMA (Non-debt Instruments) Rules. SBO (Significant Beneficial Ownership) declarations under s.90 are required once any ultimate beneficial owner holds ≥10% economic interest. Beyond 200 investors/FY (excluding QIBs and ESOP holders), a s.42 private placement is no longer available — the company must move to a rights issue or a public issue.
What triggers the secretarial audit requirement for a startup?
Under Rule 9 of Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014 (as amended), secretarial audit in Form MR-3 is mandatory for every public company with paid-up capital ≥₹50 Cr or turnover ≥₹250 Cr, and for every listed entity. For private companies, the threshold is outstanding loans/borrowings from banks or public financial institutions of ₹100 Cr or more (at any time during the year). Most startups hit this only at growth/pre-IPO stage.