Annual Compliance Checklist for Indian Startups: ROC, GST, TDS and More

Every Private Limited company and LLP registered in India is subject to mandatory annual compliance requirements. Failure to comply leads to heavy penalties (₹200 per day for each day of default under the Companies Act), disqualification of directors, and in extreme cases, striking off the company's name from the MCA register. The key ROC filings are AOC-4 (financial statements — due within 30 days of AGM) and MGT-7/MGT-7A (annual return — due within 60 days of AGM). The AGM must be held within 6 months of the financial year end (i.e., by September 30 for FY ending March 31).

GST compliance involves monthly or quarterly filings depending on your turnover and registration type. GSTR-1 (outward supplies) is due on the 11th of the following month for monthly filers and on the 13th of the month following the quarter for quarterly filers (under QRMP scheme). GSTR-3B (summary return with tax payment) is due on the 20th for monthly filers. Annual GSTR-9 (and GSTR-9C for turnover above ₹5 crore) is due by December 31. Missing GST filings attracts late fees of ₹50 per day (₹20 for nil returns).

TDS compliance is critical for companies that pay salaries, rent, professional fees, or contract payments above threshold limits. TDS must be deducted at the prescribed rate, deposited by the 7th of the following month (30th April for March), and quarterly TDS returns (Form 24Q and 26Q) must be filed. Failure to deduct or deposit TDS attracts interest at 1-1.5% per month and penalties. Directors can be held personally liable for TDS defaults.

For startups recognised under DPIIT's Startup India programme, there are additional compliances and benefits: the three-year income tax holiday (under Section 80-IAC), exemption from angel tax (Section 56(2)(viib)) for eligible investors, and labour law self-certification. Ensure your DPIIT recognition is renewed and your startup is compliant with the FEMA regulations if you have received foreign investment. OnlineTaxGuru's enterprise package handles all startup annual compliances under one affordable retainer.