Common questions on starting and registering a business in India — proprietorship vs LLP vs company, GST, Udyam, IEC, FSSAI and more — answered by a practising CA.
Startup & Business RegistrationHow much does it cost and how long does it take to register a private limited company?Bottom line: The MCA fee is nil for authorised capital up to ₹15 lakh, and registration usually takes 7 to 15 days. 1. Government fee SPICe+ charges no…Startup & Business RegistrationWhat is Udyam (MSME) registration and is it free?Bottom line: Udyam registration is completely free on the official portal and unlocks several MSME benefits. 1. Free and paperless Register on udyamregistration.gov.in with Aadhaar and PAN; there…Startup & Business RegistrationDo I need an IEC to export from India?Bottom line: Yes — an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from DGFT is required to import or export, and it costs ₹500. 1. What it is A PAN-based, 10-digit…Startup & Business RegistrationWhich FSSAI licence tier applies to my food business?Bottom line: FSSAI has three tiers by turnover — Basic up to ₹1.5 crore, State ₹1.5 to ₹50 crore, and Central above ₹50 crore. 1. Basic Registration For…Startup & Business RegistrationWhat is DPIIT Startup India recognition and the 80-IAC tax holiday?Bottom line: DPIIT recognition gives startups official status and benefits, while Section 80-IAC offers a 3-year tax holiday. 1. Recognition For an entity up to 10 years old…Startup & Business RegistrationDo freelancers and small online sellers need GST registration?Bottom line: You need GST once you cross ₹20 lakh in services (₹40 lakh goods), or earlier if you sell inter-state or through an e-commerce operator. 1. Thresholds…Startup & Business RegistrationIs Shop & Establishment registration mandatory, and what does it cost?Bottom line: Shop & Establishment registration is mandatory in most states for any commercial premises, and the fee varies by state. 1. What it is A state-specific registration…Startup & Business RegistrationWhat is an NIC code and how do I choose it for company registration?Bottom line: The NIC 2008 code describes your main business activity and must be selected in the SPICe+ form at incorporation. 1. What it is The National Industrial…Startup & Business RegistrationProprietorship, LLP or private limited — which should I choose?Bottom line: A proprietorship is simplest, while an LLP or private limited company gives limited liability and better funding access. 1. Liability A proprietor has unlimited personal liability;…Startup & Business RegistrationWhat registrations do I need to start a business in India?Bottom line: Most businesses need an entity registration and PAN/TAN, then GST, Udyam and a few sector licences depending on activity. 1. Core Register the entity (company, LLP…