Post Incorporation Compliances immediately After Pvt Ltd Registration: Critical Steps Most Startups Skip 

Introduction

Getting your Pvt Ltd company registered is a big milestone; but it’s only the beginning. The real work starts after incorporation. This pvt ltd post incorporation guide outlines the key steps that most startups overlook, which can lead to penalties or operational delays down the line.

Why Is Post-Incorporation Compliance So Important?  

Many founders assume that once the Certificate of Incorporation (CoI) is issued, they’re good to go. But skipping early compliance steps can lead to:

• Penalties from MCA and Income Tax Department

• Delays in bank account operations or fund transfers

• Auditor appointment issues and reporting defaults

• Investor red flags during due diligence

If you’re a startup aiming for smooth operations, set up the basics right away.

What Are the First Actions You Should Take After Registration?  

Here’s a checklist to help you navigate your first few weeks post-registration:

1. Open a Company Bank Account

• Use your Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, and board resolution
• Avoid delays; some banks take up to 7–10 working days for activation
• Use this account for all transactions to ensure clean accounting

2. File Form INC 20A – Business Commencement Certificate

• Mandatory for all companies with share capital before starting operations
• File within 180 days of incorporation on the MCA portal
• Attach a bank statement showing capital receipt and a board resolution

3. Issue Share Certificates to Founders

• Must be issued within 60 days of incorporation
• Needs stamping as per state-specific stamp duty laws
• Maintain records of share allotment and signatures

4. Hold the First Board Meeting

• Ideally within 30 days of incorporation
• Pass resolutions for auditor appointment, share issuance, and registered office confirmation
• Keep signed minutes as part of compliance

5. Virtual CFO

• Hire a Virtual CFO to manage accounting, compliance, and financial planning
• Helps with GST filings, ROC filings, and expense monitoring from Day 1
• Ideal for startups without in-house finance teams looking for cost-effective support

Statutory Registers You Must Maintain from Day One  

Maintaining these registers isn’t optional under the Companies Act, 2013:

Keeping these updated regularly avoids trouble during audits or due diligence rounds.

Set Up a Compliance Calendar

Why It Matters:  

Compliance isn’t once a year. It includes ROC filings, income tax returns, GST, TDS, board meetings, and more.

Tools You Can Use to track your compliances:  

• Excel-based tracker

• Compliance software or professional support

• Take Help from Professional Companies like EbizFiling.com

Key Dates to Include:  

• AOC-4 and MGT-7 ROC filings

• ITR deadlines (based on audit)

• DIR-3 KYC for directors

• Annual board meetings and AGM planning

Apply below Licenses   

Depending on your business type and location, you may need:

• GST registration (especially for eCommerce or interstate sales)

• Shops & Establishment license

• Startup India recognition

• Professional tax

Start these applications early so they don’t hold up hiring, billing, or operations.

Appoint a Statutory Auditor Within 30 Days  

As per the Companies Act:

• The Board must appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation

• If not done, the shareholders must appoint one within 90 days at an EGM

• Delay leads to non-compliance under Section 139

Most startups forget this step and end up scrambling just before the filing season.

Conclusion  

Pvt. Ltd post incorporation steps are just as important as the registration process itself. From bank account setup to auditor appointment and legal registers—handling these tasks early sets a strong foundation. Don’t let missed filings or legal gaps slow down your startup’s journey.

Suggested Read :

Compliance for a Pvt Ltd Company
How to Register Pvt Ltd Company in India?
Startup Company Registration Process in India
Mistakes to avoid during Pvt Ltd Registration

FAQs  on Post Incorporation Steps for a Private Limited Company

1. How soon should a private limited company open its current account after registration?  

It’s best to open your company’s current bank account within 7 days of receiving your Certificate of Incorporation. You’ll need it to deposit the initial share capital and file Form INC-20A for business commencement.

2. Are share certificates compulsory after forming the company?  

Yes. Share certificates must be issued to all shareholders within 60 days of incorporation. It’s a legal requirement, and missing this deadline can result in penalties and complications during investor or due diligence checks.

3. By when should a newly formed company appoint a statutory auditor?  

The Board of Directors must appoint the first statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation. This is a legal requirement under the Companies Act and is crucial for maintaining ROC compliance from the beginning.

4. When should the first board meeting be conducted?  

The first board meeting of a private limited company must be held within 30 days of incorporation. Key decisions like auditor appointment, share allotment, and banking resolutions are usually passed in this meeting.

5. What registers should be maintained by the company from the start?  

Every private limited company must maintain statutory registers such as:

• Register of Members

• Register of Directors and Key Managerial Personnel

• Register of Share Allotments

• Register of Charges (if applicable)

These help ensure smooth ROC inspections and corporate governance.

6. Is GST registration compulsory right after incorporation?  

Not always. GST registration becomes mandatory if your business crosses the threshold turnover (₹40 lakh for goods, ₹20 lakh for services) or deals in interstate trade or online sales. However, voluntary registration is advisable for credibility and input tax credit benefits.

7. Can annual ROC filings be postponed for the first year?  

No. Forms like AOC-4 (financial statements) and MGT-7 (annual return) must be filed after your first Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is due within 9 months of the financial year-end. Delaying these filings leads to heavy late fees.

8. What happens if share certificates are not issued on time?  

Delaying share certificate issuance beyond 60 days can lead to penalties and compliance red flags. It may also create legal hurdles during funding or shareholder disputes.

9. How can startups manage all these post-incorporation compliance tasks?  

Startups can:

• Create a compliance calendar to track deadlines

• Use software tools or Google Sheets

• Or, outsource it to professional firms like Ebizfiling for expert support and peace of mind

10. What is Form INC-20A and why is it important?  

Form INC-20A is the declaration for commencement of business. If your company has share capital, you must file this form within 180 days of incorporation, confirming capital subscription by shareholders. Not filing it can freeze your company’s operations and invite penalties.