Startup compliance checklist: what to file, and when

Before and at incorporation

• Founders agreement signed, covering equity, vesting and IP.
• Company incorporated, with a registered office address.
• PAN and TAN, and a company bank account.

In the first 90 days

• Deposit subscribed capital and file the commencement of business declaration within the prescribed time.
• Appoint the first auditor, generally within 30 days of incorporation.
• Hold the first board meeting, generally within 30 days.
• GST and Udyam registration where applicable.
• Startup India recognition if you qualify. See Startup India registration.
• Set up accounting. See accounting and bookkeeping.

Every month

• GST returns, TDS deposit, PF and ESI where applicable.
• Payroll and professional tax.
• Bookkeeping and bank reconciliation.

Every quarter

• TDS returns and advance tax instalments.
• Board meetings as required by law.

Every year

• AGM, generally by 30 September for a March year-end.
• AOC-4 and MGT-7 filings, generally within 30 and 60 days of the AGM.
• Director KYC by 30 September.
• Income tax return and, where applicable, tax audit.

When you raise money or issue shares

• Board and shareholder approvals.
• Share allotment return filed within the prescribed time, generally 30 days.
• Reporting for any foreign investment, within its own deadlines.
• Updated registers, share certificates and cap table.