Choosing a business structure
Proprietorship, LLP and private limited company differ in tax, liability and funding. See the comparison.
First-year compliance map
PAN, TAN, GST, bookkeeping, TDS, ROC, payroll. Follow the first-year checklist.
DPIIT recognition and tax benefits
Eligible startups can access benefits such as section 80-IAC after approval. Read DPIIT guide.
By startup type
Tax issues vary for SaaS, D2C, fintech, agritech, edtech, healthtech, manufacturing and agency startups. See startup types.
Freelancers and professionals
Presumptive taxation, GST and advance tax for independent professionals: tax filing by profession.
Free tools for this topic
GST Registration Eligibility Checker
Check if you must register for GST based on turnover, state, inter-state supply and e-commerce.
Learn more →GST Invoice Generator
Create a GST tax invoice with CGST/SGST/IGST, amount in words and print or save it as PDF.
Learn more →Income Tax Calculator (Old vs New Regime)
Compare old and new tax regime for salaried individuals and see which saves more tax.
Learn more →All articles in this guide (37)
DPIIT Startup Recognition and Tax Benefits: Is It Worth It?
Eligibility, benefits such as section 80-IAC and how to apply for Startup India recognition.
Freelancer Tax Guide India: GST, ITR, Advance Tax and Foreign Clients
Tax obligations for freelancers and consultants, including export of services, LUT and presumptive taxation.
GST Registration Simplified for Startups
A practical walk-through of who needs GST registration, the documents required and the steps from application to GSTIN.
Corporate Tax Filing for a Private Limited Company: ITR-6, Audit and ROC
End-to-end annual compliance for private limited companies: books, audit, ITR-6, AOC-4, MGT-7 and TDS.
Build vs Buy: Financial Automation Software for Growing Businesses
When to use off-the-shelf accounting software and when custom financial automation makes sense.
Auto-Component and Engineering Suppliers in Chennai: ITC, Job Work and E-Way Bill
Chennai's auto and engineering supply chain depends on timely GST invoices and job-work movement.
GST Compliance for Startups: A Step-by-Step Guide
Build a simple, repeatable GST compliance routine from registration and invoicing to returns and records.
Proprietorship vs LLP vs Private Limited: Tax and Compliance Compared
Which business structure is best? Compare tax rates, compliance cost, funding and liability.
Chennai Startups: Tax, GST and ESOP Compliance Guide
Chennai's SaaS, hardware and fintech startups often sell across India and abroad.
Company and LLP Registration in Bengaluru: Process and Costs
Bengaluru founders file through the MCA portal and the Registrar of Companies at Bengaluru.
Startup Tax and Compliance Checklist for the First Year (India)
Incorporation to GST, TDS, ROC and payroll: a practical first-year compliance map for Indian startups.
GST for E-commerce Startups: A Comprehensive Overview
Registration, TCS, place of supply, returns and records for online sellers on marketplaces and their own stores.
UL Cyberpark and Kozhikode Startups: GST, TDS and ESOP Basics
UL Cyberpark and local incubators are building a tech and services ecosystem in Kozhikode.
ESOP Taxation for Bengaluru Startups: Perquisite and Capital Gains Basics
Bengaluru startups use ESOPs to hire talent, and employees face tax at exercise and sale.
US LLC Tax Filing for Indian Founders: Form 5472, EIN and State Filings
Key US tax and compliance obligations for foreign-owned LLCs, including Form 5472 and state annual reports.
Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and Tax: A Founder's Guide
Kerala's startup ecosystem is supported by KSUM, incubators and parks. Founders should pair these resources with solid tax and compliance planning.
Choosing the Right GST Scheme for Your Startup
Regular scheme or composition scheme? Compare the trade-offs to pick what fits your business model.
StartupTN and Tamil Nadu Startups: Tax and Compliance Guide
StartupTN and local incubators support Tamil Nadu founders; tax planning still needs professional attention.
Private Limited and LLP Registration in Kochi: Step-by-Step
Kochi attracts founders, traders and NRI-backed ventures. Registering the right entity upfront avoids conversion costs later.
Hosur Industrial Suppliers: GST Across the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka Border
Hosur's industrial belt serves Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu customers, so suppliers deal with inter-state supplies often.
Presumptive Taxation (44AD, 44ADA): Who Can Use It and How It Works
A simple tax route for small businesses and professionals. Limits, deemed profit rates and trade-offs.
Infopark and Kochi Startups: Tax, ESOP and Export Compliance
Kochi's startup scene around Infopark and Startup Village produces SaaS, fintech and services companies selling globally.
Handloom and Handicraft Businesses in Kannur: GST, Udyam and Exports
Kannur's handloom and handicraft clusters are small, cooperative and export-oriented.
Engineering Suppliers and Traders in Tiruchirappalli: GST and Income Tax Basics
Tiruchirappalli's engineering suppliers serve large manufacturers and PSUs.
Karnataka Startups: Elevate, Incubators and Tax Compliance
Karnataka's startup policy and Elevate-type programmes support founders; tax planning remains the founder's job.
Job Work Units in Tiruppur: GST on Dyeing, Printing and Packing
Tiruppur's ecosystem depends on job-work units for dyeing, printing, embroidery and packing.
Company, LLP and Proprietorship Registration in Thiruvananthapuram
Founders in Thiruvananthapuram choose between a proprietorship, LLP and private limited company depending on funding and risk. Kerala companies fall under...
Foundries and Engineering Units in Belagavi: GST, ITC and E-Way Bill
Belagavi's foundry and engineering cluster supplies auto and machinery makers.
Company, LLP and MSME Registration in Coimbatore
Family-run Coimbatore units are converting to LLPs or companies to raise credit and bring in partners.
Coir Manufacturers in Kollam and Alappuzha: GST, MSME and Export Tips
The coir sector is made up of many small manufacturers and cooperatives across Kollam and Alappuzha.
Pump, Motor and Engineering MSMEs in Coimbatore: GST and Cash-Flow Planning
Coimbatore's pump and engineering MSMEs run on tight working capital and depend on supplier payment cycles.
Textile and Spinning Mills in Coimbatore: GST, ITC and Compliance
Coimbatore's textile and spinning mills face inverted-duty questions, job work and seasonal volatility.
Mysuru IT and Startup Founders: Tax and Compliance Guide
Mysuru is building a smaller tech and startup ecosystem alongside Bengaluru.
Technopark Startups: Tax, GST and Export Compliance Guide
Technopark is Kerala's flagship IT hub, so many Thiruvananthapuram startups invoice overseas customers and hire developers early. That makes export GST, TDS...
Company and LLP Registration in Thrissur for Family Businesses
Many family businesses in Thrissur are moving from partnerships to LLPs or private limited companies for liability and continuity.
Silk, Handicraft and Small Manufacturers in Mysuru: GST and Compliance
Mysuru's silk and handicraft makers are small units serving tourists and exporters.
Private Limited and LLP Registration in Chennai: Step-by-Step
Chennai founders can register companies and LLPs online; the Registrar of Companies at Chennai handles filings for much of the state.
Frequently asked questions
What compliance does a new startup need in the first year?
PAN/TAN, GST (if applicable), bookkeeping, TDS, auditor appointment, ROC filings, payroll registrations and ITR. See our startup checklist.
Which business structure is best for a startup?
Proprietorship for small low-risk businesses, LLP for professionals, private limited for investment and ESOPs.
What is DPIIT recognition?
Recognition under Startup India that can unlock tax benefits (such as section 80-IAC after approval) and other schemes.
What is the corporate tax rate for a private limited company?
Companies can choose the concessional 22% regime (plus surcharge and cess) or the regular regime depending on exemptions.
Do startups need GST registration?
If turnover crosses the threshold or if mandatory triggers apply (for example inter-state supply of goods or e-commerce). Voluntary registration is also common to claim ITC.
Do I need a tax audit?
If turnover or receipts exceed the limits under section 44AB or in specified presumptive cases.