Staying compliant is one of the biggest challenges for Indian startups. In 2025, founders must keep track of MCA filings, GST returns, TDS deposits, and PF/ESI deadlines. Here’s a clear compliance calendar with due dates and smart filing tips.
India Snapshot
- MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs)
- AOC-4 (Financials): 30th Oct.
- MGT-7 (Annual Return): 29th Nov.
- GST Returns
- GSTR-1: 11th (monthly) / 13th (QRMP).
- GSTR-3B: 20th of next month.
- Annual GSTR-9: 31st Dec (if turnover >₹2 cr).
- TDS (Tax Deducted at Source)
- Monthly deposit: 7th of next month.
- Quarterly TDS return: 31st Jul, 31st Oct, 31st Jan, 31st May.
- PF/ESI (Payroll Compliance)
- PF deposit: 15th of next month.
- ESI deposit: 15th of next month.
- Costs (2025):
- DIY via govt portals = free.
- CA/agent filing = ₹500–₹2,000 per return.
- All-in-one subscription (ClearTax/Vakilsearch) = ₹4,000–₹10,000/month.
Stay compliant with expert help:
ClearTax Compliance | Vakilsearch Compliance
Startup Compliance Calendar (2025)
| Compliance Type | Form / Return | Frequency | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCA Filing | AOC-4 | Annual | 30th Oct |
| MGT-7 | Annual | 29th Nov | |
| GST | GSTR-1 | Monthly / Quarterly | 11th / 13th |
| GSTR-3B | Monthly | 20th | |
| GSTR-9 | Annual | 31st Dec | |
| TDS | Deposit | Monthly | 7th of next month |
| Return | Quarterly | 31st Jul, 31st Oct, 31st Jan, 31st May | |
| PF / ESI | Deposit | Monthly | 15th of next month |
Pros and Cons
Pros
Builds credibility with investors.
Avoids heavy penalties.
Easier to claim tax benefits.
Cons
High compliance load for small teams.
Penalties escalate fast.
Manual filing = prone to errors.
Smart Tips for Startups in 2025
- Use CA-as-a-Service plans for monthly GST + TDS filings.
- Automate payroll compliance via RazorpayX Payroll or Zoho Payroll.
- Sync invoices to Zoho Books/Tally for GST filing.
- Keep a compliance calendar dashboard visible to founders.
- File nil returns too—avoid penalties.
Simplify startup compliance today:
ClearTax Plans | Vakilsearch Plans
In 2025, compliance is no longer optional for Indian startups. From MCA filings to GST, TDS, and PF/ESI, missing deadlines can cost lakhs in penalties. Using online platforms like ClearTax and Vakilsearch ensures peace of mind, timely filings, and investor-ready compliance.
