Chartered Accountant · ICAI M.No. 153926 · FRN 136869W · Reviewed on 7 October 2026
The process, step by step
Incorporate first (Pvt Ltd, LLP or registered partnership). Create the Startup India profile, then file the recognition application with: certificate of incorporation, PAN, directors’ details, and — the part that decides speed — a crisp brief on what is innovative or scalable about the business (problem, solution, differentiation, revenue model; a deck or website link helps). Clean applications clear in days; vague “we will do trading of various products” write-ups invite queries or rejection.
Eligibility recap before you file
Under 10 years from incorporation; turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year; working towards innovation/improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable model with employment/wealth-creation potential; and not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business. All three entity forms qualify — but only companies and LLPs can later use the 80-IAC holiday.
What recognition actually unlocks
Self-certification under six labour and three environmental laws; 80% patent-fee rebate and fast-tracking with facilitator support; relaxed norms in public procurement; easier winding-up; access to the Fund of Funds ecosystem. The section 80-IAC three-year tax holiday needs a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board — budget weeks-to-months for that, with real scrutiny of financials. (The old “angel tax” worry is gone — section 56(2)(viib) was abolished from AY 2025-26.) Our startup practice drafts the innovation brief and runs both applications.