Incorporation and Registrations of Business Structures:
Business owners may elect to operate as a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or Company (Private or Public). These business structures treat accounting, assets, debt and taxes differently according to the nature of ownership.
The first step in the business journey is selecting the appropriate business structure includes sole proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Private Limited Company, One Person Company (OPC), and Public Limited Company. Each structure has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Navigating a successful business journey in India extends beyond the initial incorporation phase. To ensure smooth and hassle-free business operations, you must meet the post-incorporation compliances as well. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you dig deeper into a complete list of post-incorporation compliances and mandatory registrations for your business. Understanding and fulfilling these obligations not only ensure legal adherence but also pave the way for a robust and sustainable business growth.
Indian Corporate laws offer a lot of options when it comes to setting up a business in India. These include Sole Proprietorships, Partnership Firms, LLPs, Companies and non-profit businesses. Each of these businesses have their own set of compliances and mandatory registrations to obtain. However, a few of them are common to all. Let’s discuss what these common mandatory registrations are, that every business structure has to take in India.
What are the Mandatory Registrations Applicable to Indian Businesses?
Several mandatory registrations play a pivotal role in ensuring legal adherence, financial transparency, and overall operational robustness of businesses in India. These include foundational registrations like Business PAN and TAN, labour and tax-related compliances such as Shops and Establishment, EPF, ESI, GST, and other registrations based on the business activity. Additionally, specialized registrations like Startup India and MSME cater to the unique needs of emerging enterprises, providing them with distinct advantages and financial support. Below is a comprehensive tabular representation outlining the key mandatory registrations applicable to Indian businesses.
Registration | Applicability |
---|---|
Business PAN | All businesses |
TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number) | Businesses involved in tax deduction / collection at source |
Shops and Establishment | All businesses |
Professional Tax | Applicable to certain specific Indian States |
EPF (Employees' Provident Fund) | Establishments employing 20 or more individuals |
ESI (Employees' State Insurance) | Businesses with more than 10 employees |
GST (Goods and Services Tax) | Entities engaged in the supply of goods and services |
Startup India | Emerging businesses and startups |
MSME | Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises |
IEC | Business wants to export or import goods or services |