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Startup Planning is the advisory and groundwork service that helps founders turn a business idea into a structured, legally registered, and investor-ready venture in India. It covers everything from choosing the right business structure and preparing a business plan to incorporating the entity and obtaining Startup India (DPIIT) recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

This service is meant for first-time entrepreneurs, early-stage founders, and small teams who are launching a new product, process, or service with a scalable model. Proper planning at the outset reduces costly mistakes, ensures the entity is compliant from day one, and positions the startup to access government incentives and funding.

Good startup planning matters because the structure you choose (Private Limited Company, LLP, or registered Partnership), your business plan, and your registrations directly affect liability, taxation, fundraising ability, and eligibility for benefits such as the Section 80-IAC tax holiday and government tender relaxations. Planning it correctly the first time saves time, money, and effort later.

A well-rounded startup plan in India typically addresses the following elements:

• Idea and business model: a clear value proposition and a scalable model with potential for wealth and employment generation.
• Market research and competition: understanding the target market, customers, and competitors, tailored to Indian conditions.
• Business structure: choosing between a Private Limited Company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or registered Partnership Firm based on liability, compliance, and investor needs.
• Business plan: an executive summary, company description, marketing and operations strategy, and a funding requirement.
• Financial projections: realistic income, balance sheet, and cash-flow forecasts based on stated assumptions.
• Registrations and licences: incorporation, PAN/TAN, GST (where applicable), and any industry- or state-specific licences.
• Startup India (DPIIT) recognition: applying for recognition to unlock tax and compliance benefits.

Planning your startup well and obtaining Startup India (DPIIT) recognition can offer several advantages:

• Income tax holiday: eligible startups can claim a deduction of 100% of profits for any 3 consecutive financial years out of their first 10 years under Section 80-IAC (subject to Inter-Ministerial Board certification).
• Self-certification: ability to self-certify compliance under specified labour and environmental laws to reduce regulatory burden.
• Easier public procurement: relaxations such as exemption from prior experience, turnover, and earnest money deposit (EMD) when bidding for government tenders.
• IPR support: rebate on patent and trademark filing fees and access to facilitators.
• Funding access: eligibility for schemes such as the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS).
• Investor readiness: a clear structure and business plan that builds confidence with investors and lenders.

Note: Angel tax under Section 56(2)(viib) has been abolished with effect from FY 2025-26.

The typical startup planning and registration journey involves:

1. Idea and structure: validate the idea, conduct market research, and select the right legal structure.
2. Business plan: prepare the business plan and financial projections.
3. Incorporation: register the entity (Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership) and obtain PAN and TAN.
4. Basic registrations: open a business bank account and obtain GST and any sector-specific licences as required.
5. Startup India profile: create an account on the Startup India portal using PAN and incorporation details.
6. DPIIT recognition: apply for DPIIT recognition through the portal / National Single Window System with details of the entity and its innovation.
7. Recognition certificate: on approval, download the DPIIT recognition certificate and, if needed, apply separately for Section 80-IAC tax exemption.

DPIIT recognition is free and fully online; the entity must generally be under 10 years old with annual turnover within the prescribed limit.

Only PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory; the rest are optional.

• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport-size Photograph
• Address Proof (Utility / Electricity Bill)
• Bank Statement