Starting a new company is an exciting milestone. Founders focus on building products, acquiring clients, and raising capital. However, one critical aspect often overlooked is post-incorporation compliance.
Missing statutory deadlines after incorporation can lead to ROC penalties, bank account restrictions, audit issues, and investor red flags.
At Aplite Advisors, we regularly advise newly incorporated startups, SMEs, and private limited companies. One of the most common questions we receive is:
“What compliances are mandatory immediately after company incorporation in India?”
This guide explains the 7 most important post-incorporation compliance requirements every new company must complete on time.
Post-Incorporation Compliance Timeline (Quick Overview)
| Compliance | Due Date |
| Appointment of First Auditor | Within 30 days |
| First Board Meeting | Within 30 days |
| Opening Company Bank Account | Immediately |
| Share Capital Deposit & Share Certificates | Within 60 days |
| INC-20A Filing | Within 180 days |
| GST Registration (if applicable) | Before taxable supply |
| Statutory Registers & Books | From Day 1 |
1. Appointment of First Auditor (Within 30 Days of Incorporation)
As per the Companies Act, 2013, every company must appoint its first statutory auditor within 30 days from the date of incorporation.
Why this is important:
- Ensures proper accounting discipline
- Mandatory for year-end audit
- Required during ROC scrutiny and due diligence
Non-compliance may result in:
- Penalties on directors
- Shareholder intervention in auditor appointment
- ROC notices for default
2. Opening a Company Bank Account (Immediately After Incorporation)
Every company must operate through a separate bank account in its own name.
Documents typically required:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- MOA & AOA
- Director KYC
- Board Resolution
Delay can impact:
- Paid-up capital deposit
- INC-20A filing
- GST registration
- Vendor and client onboarding
3. Deposit of Paid-Up Capital & Issue of Share Certificates (Within 60 Days)
Once the bank account is operational, shareholders must deposit their capital contribution and share certificates must be issued within 60 days.
Mandatory actions:
- Receipt of share capital
- Preparation & signing of share certificates
- Updating Register of Members
This step is critical during:
- Fundraising
- Statutory audit
- ROC inspection
- Share transfer or restructuring
4. Filing INC-20A: Declaration of Commencement of Business (Within 180 Days)
INC-20A is mandatory under Section 10A of the Companies Act, 2013.
It confirms that:
- Paid-up capital has been received
- The company has commenced business
- Directors have completed verification
Penalties for non-filing:
- ₹50,000 penalty on company
- ₹1,000 per day penalty on directors
- Bank account freeze
- Risk of company strike-off
5. GST Registration for New Companies (If Applicable)
GST registration becomes mandatory if:
- Interstate supply is involved
- Turnover exceeds prescribed threshold
- E-commerce sales are made
- Clients require GST invoices
GST registration must be obtained before issuing the first taxable invoice, where applicable.
Benefits of early GST registration:
- Input Tax Credit eligibility
- Smooth client onboarding
- Fully compliant invoicing
6. Maintenance of Statutory Registers & Books (From Day 1)
Companies are legally required to maintain statutory records, including:
- Register of Members
- Register of Directors & KMP
- Register of Share Transfers
- Books of Accounts
- Board & AGM minutes
These registers may be maintained digitally, provided they comply with MCA norms.
Essential for:
- Compliance audits
- Investor due diligence
- Bank funding
- ROC inspections
7. First Board Meeting (Within 30 Days)
Every company must conduct its first Board Meeting within 30 days of incorporation.
Typical agenda:
- Appointment of first auditor
- Opening bank account
- Allotment of shares
- Approval of preliminary expenses
- Adoption of compliance calendar
Quarterly board meetings are mandatory thereafter.
Why Post-Incorporation Compliance Matters
Proper compliance ensures:
- Smooth business operations
- Clean ROC track record
- Strong investor confidence
- Better creditworthiness
- Zero penalties or notices
Early compliance failures often surface later during funding, audits, or mergers.
Case Study: Compliance Regularization by Aplite Advisors
A digital services company approached Aplite Advisors after receiving an ROC notice for:
- Non-filing of INC-20A
- Delay in share certificate issuance
Our action:
- Regularised all pending ROC filings within 10 working days
- Issued share certificates
- Updated statutory registers
Result:
- No penalties
- No strike-off action
- Clean compliance status
- Ready for investor on boarding
How Aplite Advisors Helps New Companies Stay Compliant
We provide end-to-end post-incorporation compliance support, including:
- Auditor appointment & documentation
- Board meeting minutes & resolutions
- Share certificate issuance
- INC-20A filing
- GST registration
- Statutory register maintenance
- Annual compliance calendar
Conclusion: Strong Compliance Builds a Strong Company
Post-incorporation compliance is not a formality—it is the foundation of your company’s legal and financial stability.
By tracking and completing these seven mandatory compliances on time, businesses avoid penalties, build credibility, and remain investor-ready.
Need Help With Post-Incorporation Compliance?
📞 +91-9015036021
📧 info@apliteadvisors.com
👉 Contact Aplite Advisors for a free first-year compliance checklist.
