Post-incorporation checklist for Indian startups in 2026: bank, INC-20A, tax registrations, IP, governance and compliance — every step to get operational.
Incorporation is a starting line, not a finish line. In 2026, the gap between a SPICe+-issued Certificate of Incorporation and an actually operational, fundable Private Limited Company is filled with about 20 specific steps. Skip any of them and you risk MCA penalties, blocked bank accounts, frozen DINs, or worse — disqualified status during your first fundraise.
Week One: Bank Account, PAN, TAN, GST
Your COI comes with PAN and TAN auto-allotted via MCA V3. In the first week, open a current account using the SPICe+ COI, MOA, AOA, and board resolution. Apply for GST registration if you cross the threshold or want voluntary registration. Activate Udyam (MSME) registration to unlock procurement and credit benefits.
Within 30 Days: Statutory Foundations
- Affix MOA and AOA copies; issue share certificates within 60 days of allotment
- Hold the first board meeting within 30 days of incorporation
- Appoint a statutory auditor within 30 days (ratify in first AGM)
- Maintain statutory registers — members, directors, charges, contracts
- Adopt key board policies — code of conduct, related-party, POSH
Within 180 Days: INC-20A and Beyond
File INC-20A — the declaration of commencement of business — within 180 days, supported by the bank statement evidencing subscription money received. Without INC-20A, the company cannot legally commence operations, borrow money, or exercise borrowing powers. This is a non-negotiable filing.
Tax and Compliance Calendar
Set up TDS deduction infrastructure — payroll, vendor onboarding, monthly deposits, quarterly returns. Plan advance tax payments in four instalments. If applicable, register for professional tax in your state, PF and ESIC once you cross headcount thresholds, and Shops & Establishments under state law.
Intellectual Property and Contracts
File trademark applications for your name and logo. Confirm trademark availability before heavy brand investment. Sign founder agreements with vesting (typically 4 years with a 1-year cliff), ESOP scheme document, employment contracts with IP and confidentiality clauses, and watertight vendor agreements.
Governance, Policies, and Insurance
Adopt a basic governance framework: board meeting cadence (at least four annually, gap not exceeding 120 days), shareholder communication norms, related-party transactions policy, and POSH policy with an Internal Complaints Committee once headcount crosses 10. Buy directors' and officers' liability insurance ahead of external fundraising.
Conclusion
A clean post-incorporation checklist is the foundation of fundability. Open the account, file INC-20A, build the compliance and tax engine, protect IP, sign clean contracts, and adopt governance early. Forty days of discipline now saves four weeks of diligence pain at every later funding round.
