Startup India Registration

Overview

Recognition that comes with real, tangible benefits

Startup India registration is DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) recognition — applied for through the Startup India portal after your entity (private limited company, LLP, or registered partnership) is already incorporated. It isn't a separate legal structure; it's a status that unlocks a tax holiday under Section 80-IAC, exemption from angel tax on eligible investments, self-certification for certain labour and environment laws, and access to government funds and faster patent examination.

Three-year income tax holiday

Eligible startups can claim a 100% tax deduction on profits for any three consecutive years within their first ten years, under Section 80-IAC.

Exemption from angel tax

Investments from eligible investors above fair market value aren't taxed as income, removing a common friction point in early fundraising.

Easier compliance and funding access

Self-certification under select labour and environmental laws, faster patent processing at reduced fees, and eligibility for government-backed funds and startup schemes.

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See your estimated tax in seconds

A quick estimate to get you started — for a precise number tailored to your situation, book a consultation

Tax regime

Annual income (₹)

₹

₹0₹25L₹50L+

Estimated tax payable

₹ 97,500

Effective rate 6.5% · new regime on ₹15,00,000

Taxable income₹ 14,25,000

Tax as per slabs₹ 93,750

Health & education cess (4%)+₹ 3,750

The New Regime saves you ₹ 1,59,900 compared to the Old Regime.

Illustrative estimate for FY 2025-26 — assumes salaried income eligible for the standard deduction, and includes the Section 87A rebate and 4% cess. Surcharge is applied at a flat rate without its own marginal relief. Does not account for other deductions or individual circumstances. Book a consultation for an exact figure.

Simple, from start to finish

How it works

Book a consultation

We assess your eligibility against DPIIT's criteria on entity age, turnover, and innovation before applying.

Prepare your documentation

A clear business write-up, pitch deck, and supporting documents are prepared to demonstrate innovation and scalability.

Apply for DPIIT recognition

The application is filed on the Startup India portal along with incorporation and entity documents.

Recognition certificate issued

You receive your DPIIT recognition certificate, and we guide you through claiming Section 80-IAC and angel tax exemption.

Typically 5–10 working days after application, subject to DPIIT review

Questions

Frequently asked

01What are the eligibility criteria for DPIIT recognition?

The entity must be a private limited company, LLP, or registered partnership incorporated less than 10 years ago, with turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year, and working towards innovation, improvement of products/services, or a scalable business model with high employment or wealth creation potential.

02What exactly is the Section 80-IAC tax holiday?

It allows an eligible startup to claim a 100% deduction on profits for any three consecutive assessment years out of its first ten years — effectively paying no income tax on profits during those years, subject to separate approval from the Inter-Ministerial Board.

03How does the angel tax exemption work?

Normally, if a startup raises funds at a valuation above fair market value, the excess can be taxed as income under Section 56(2)(viib). DPIIT-recognized startups meeting the prescribed conditions are exempted from this, removing a significant hurdle in early-stage fundraising.

04Does Startup India registration change my company's legal structure?

No — it's a recognition layered on top of your existing entity (Pvt Ltd, LLP, or partnership), not a separate structure. Your compliance obligations as that entity type continue; DPIIT recognition simply adds specific tax and regulatory benefits.

05Why book a consultation instead of applying myself?

The DPIIT application asks you to justify innovation and scalability in specific terms reviewers look for — vague write-ups are a common reason for rejection or delay. We also make sure you're actually eligible for 80-IAC and angel tax exemption before you count on them, since separate conditions and approvals apply to each.

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