Startup Compliance Master Calendar for CAs
The complete compliance deadline calendar for CA firms advising startups — Income Tax, GST, MCA, FEMA, labour, and SEBI obligations with filing names and penalty callouts.
Deadlines are for the financial year Apr–Mar. Some dates shift when they fall on a public holiday — verify at the relevant portal. Quarterly GSTR-1 filers (QRMP scheme) have different deadlines. Consult your CA for entity-specific obligations.
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Frequently asked questions
What are all the annual compliance deadlines for a DPIIT-recognised private limited company?
Key annual deadlines: Sep 30 — AGM, DIR-3 KYC for all directors; Oct 29 — AOC-4 (Financial Statements); Nov 28 — MGT-7A (Annual Return for small companies); Jul 31 — ITR filing (non-audit cases); Oct 31 — ITR filing (audit cases); Sep 30 — Tax audit report (Form 3CB/3CD); Mar 31 — DPIIT annual declaration (if applicable); Jul 15 — RBI FLA return (if FDI received); May 31 — TDS return for Q4; Dec 31 — GSTR-9 annual return (if turnover > ₹2Cr).
What is MGT-7A and how is it different from MGT-7?
MGT-7A is a simplified annual return form introduced for small companies (paid-up capital ≤ ₹2 crore and turnover ≤ ₹20 crore) and OPCs. Larger companies continue to file MGT-7. Most early-stage startups qualify for MGT-7A, which has fewer disclosure requirements. Both are due within 60 days of the AGM.
What is the due date for the RBI FLA return and who must file it?
The Annual Return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) must be filed by July 15 each year on the RBI FLAIR portal (flair.rbi.org.in). Any Indian company that has received FDI or made overseas investments in any year — even if the investment was fully exited — must file FLA. Non-filing attracts FEMA penalties. A nil FLA is required even if there are no outstanding balances.
What are the quarterly compliance deadlines for startups under Income Tax?
Quarterly deadlines: Apr 30 — TDS/TCS return for Q4 of previous year (Forms 24Q/26Q/27Q); Jun 15 — Advance tax first instalment (15% of annual tax); Jul 15 — TDS/TCS return for Q1; Jul 31 — ITR (non-audit); Sep 15 — Advance tax second instalment (45% cumulative); Oct 15 — TDS/TCS return for Q2; Dec 15 — Advance tax third instalment (75%); Jan 15 — TDS/TCS return for Q3; Mar 15 — Advance tax final instalment (100%).
What SEBI compliance obligations apply to startups that have raised from SEBI-registered AIFs?
If your startup has investors who are SEBI-registered AIFs (Alternative Investment Funds), the AIF has compliance obligations — not directly the startup. However, startups should: maintain a current cap table with AIF investor details for annual reporting; provide audited financials to investors annually; comply with information rights in SHA; and be aware that AIF exit may trigger FEMA/RBI reporting if the AIF has foreign LPs.