5 Compliance Steps Every Startup Must Complete After Incorporation

Incorporating your company or LLP is the easy part — what trips up most founders is what comes right after. Skipping these early compliance steps doesn't just risk penalties later, it can also slow down fundraising and due diligence when investors start asking questions. Here are the five steps to knock out first.

1. PAN, TAN and Bank Account

Your company's PAN is usually allotted alongside incorporation now, but you'll also need a TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number) if you plan to deduct TDS on salaries, rent or professional fees. Open a current account in the company's name as soon as both are in hand — most banks will ask for the incorporation certificate, PAN, and board resolution.

2. GST Registration (If Applicable)

GST registration isn't automatic — you need it once your turnover crosses the threshold (₹20 lakh for services, ₹40 lakh for goods in most states), or immediately if you're selling across state lines or through e-commerce platforms. Many startups register early anyway, since it's often required by B2B clients and marketplaces regardless of turnover.

3. Statutory Registers and Documentation

Every company must maintain statutory registers — of members, directors, share allotments and charges — from day one. These aren't optional paperwork; they're what investors and auditors check first during due diligence, and missing registers are a common reason funding rounds get delayed.

4. First Board Meeting and Auditor Appointment

Companies must hold their first board meeting within 30 days of incorporation and appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days as well. Both are simple to complete but easy to forget in the rush of getting the business running.

5. Annual ROC Filings

Even a company with zero revenue in its first year still has to file its annual return and financial statements with the Registrar of Companies. See our companion guide on annual ROC filing for what that involves.

None of these steps are individually difficult, but missing one usually means scrambling to fix it later under time pressure — often right when an investor or bank asks for it. If you'd rather have this handled end-to-end from day one, our Startup Advisory service covers exactly this.