START-UP INDIA REGISTRATION FOR COMPANY

1. Introduction

Start-up India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to support innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic development. Companies that meet eligibility criteria can register as Start-ups and avail various benefits such as tax exemptions, funding support, simplified compliance, and access to government schemes.

2. Eligible Entities

A company may register under Start-up India if it is:

1. Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.),or
2. Registered Partnership Firm,or
3. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

3. Basic Eligibility Criteria

To be recognized as a Start-up:

1. The entity must be less than 10 years old from the date of incorporation.
2. Annual turnover must not exceed INR 100 crore in any financial year.
3. The company must be working towards innovation, development, or improvement of products/processes/services.
4. The entity should be scalable with potential for wealth creation or employment.
5. The business must be original, not formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business.

4. Key Benefits of Start-up India Recognition

A. Financial Benefits

• 80 IAC Tax Exemption for 3 consecutive financial years
• Rebate on patent filing fees (up to 80% reduction)
• Protection & fast-tracking of IP filings
• Access to Fund of Funds managed by SIDBI
• Collateral-free loans through CGTMSE

B. Administrative Benefits

• Self-certification for Start-up compliance under 6 labour laws & 3 environmental laws
• Faster exit under Insolvency laws
• Easy public procurement norms

C. Other Benefits

• Networking opportunities through Startup India Hub
• Access to government tenders marked for Start-ups
• Participation in national and state-level innovation challenges

5. Documents Required for Start-up India Registration

1. Certificate of Incorporation (Company/LLP/Partnership)
2. PAN of the company and PAN of directors/partners
3. Brief description of business activities
4. Details of innovation—unique product/service or process
5. Website / App link (if available)
6. Pitch Deck or Business Plan (recommended)
7. Annual Financials (if applicable)
8. Authorized representative’s details

6. Criteria for Innovation Description

The company must submit a write-up explaining:

• Problem the product/service solves
• Innovation or uniqueness
• Market potential and scalability
• Business model feasibility
• Revenue plan and employment generation potential

7. Post-Recognition Compliances

• Annual filing of returns for Company/LLP
• Maintaining updated business profile on Startup India Portal
• Compliance for tax exemption (Form 80-IAC application)

8. Common Errors Leading to Rejection

• Weak or unclear innovation explanation
• Generic business models (e.g., resale, trading)
• Incomplete documents
• Copy-paste content without proper justification
• Business formed by splitting/reconstruction

9. Conclusion

Start-up India Registration is highly beneficial for new companies with innovative business ideas. It offers tax benefits, funding support, regulatory relaxations, and national-level branding. With proper documentation and strong innovation justification, companies can easily obtain DPIIT recognition.