Starting a private limited company in India is just the first step. What matters most is meeting mandatory post‑incorporation compliances on time. This blog lays out the top 10 essential duties you must complete after incorporation. It is practical, detailed and avoids jargon so you can stay compliant with confidence.

1. Registered Office and INC‑20A Declaration

Within 30 days of incorporation, your company must establish a registered office and inform the Registrar of Companies (ROC). File Form INC‑22 to confirm the address and display company name, address and CIN prominently on all business communications. Within 180 days, file Form INC‑20A – the declaration by directors that they have paid the agreed share capital and that the company has commenced business. Missing these can delay official correspondence and expose the company to penalties.

2. First Board Meeting and Directors’ Disclosures

Within the first 30 days of incorporation, convene the first board meeting. At this meeting you need to:

• Appoint the first auditor.

• Approve the registered office.

• Make director disclosures in Form MBP‑1, declaring interests in other entities or firms.

Directors must submit MBP‑1 disclosure notices at the initial meeting and then at the first board meeting of every financial year.

3. Appointment of First Statutory Auditor

Within 30 days of the first board meeting, the company must appoint a statutory auditor who will audit accounts till the date of the first AGM. If the board fails, members must appoint the auditor at an EGM within 90 days. File Form ADT‑1 within 15 days of appointment.

4. Issuance and Franking of Share Certificates

Within 60 days of incorporation, share certificates must be issued to all subscribers and shareholders. These should be franked or stamped, indicating stamp duty paid. Keep copies in statutory registers and inform the ROC if needed.

5. Maintenance of Statutory Registers and Seal

Maintain key statutory registers at the registered office. These include registers of members, directors, share transfers, and charges. Though a company seal is no longer legally mandatory, many businesses choose to have one. If used, ensure proper custody and documentation.

6. Opening of a Company Bank Account

A dedicated current bank account must be opened in the company name soon after incorporation. Personal accounts cannot be used for company transactions. This ensures clear financial records and prevents co-mingling of funds. LinkedInboolean.legal

7. PAN, TAN, GST and Other Tax Registrations

Apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) soon after incorporation. If your annual turnover crosses ₹40 lakh (or ₹20 lakh in some states), register for GST. Also consider Professional Tax, Udyam (MSME) registration or shop and establishment licensing depending on location and activity. RegisterKaro

8. Holding Board Meetings and Annual General Meeting (AGM)

After incorporation, hold board meetings at least once every quarter. Annual General Meeting must be held:

• Within six months from end of the financial year.

• And no more than 15 months between two AGMs.

Minutes of all board meetings and AGM must be documented and signed by the chairperson.

9. Annual Filings: AOC‑4, MGT‑7, DIR‑3 KYC

Every company must file the following each year:

• AOC‑4 (financial statements including audited balance sheet and board report) within 30 days of AGM.

• MGT‑7 (annual return containing shareholding, directorship, etc.) within 60 days of AGM.

• DIR‑3 KYC for each director by 30th September every year. Pending KYC causes DIN to become inactive and attracts penalty.

• ADT‑1 when auditors are appointed or reappointed.

• DPT‑3 (return of deposits) if the company accepts loans not treated as deposits.

• MSME‑1 half‑yearly if dues to micro or small enterprises exceed 45 days.

10. Labour, GST, TDS, PF and ESI Compliance

Even as a new company, you need to comply with labour laws and statutory contributions:

• Register in Shram Suvidha portal (Labour Identification Number) for labour laws.

• Ensure Provident Fund (PF) and ESI registration if the employee count meets thresholds.

• Deduct TDS on applicable payments and file periodic TDS returns.

• Submit GST returns and maintain invoices to avoid penalties. WikipediaEbizfilingmysa.io

These are often forgotten but can lead to notices. Building internal workflows helps maintain compliance.

How to Stay on Top of All Compliances

Fulfilling these ten requirements can feel overwhelming, especially for new founders. That is where practical tools and services are helpful:

• A compliance platform such as Trustlink can automate reminder flows for board meetings, AGM deadlines, and annual filings.

• Trustlink also supports document filing, statutory register updates, DIN KYC tracking and tax registration tracking.

This frees leaders from chasing deadlines, and it ensures statutory accuracy. Using a partner like Trustlink helps you focus on growth while staying compliant.

Useful Practices for Smooth Compliance

1. Maintain a compliance calendar from day one. Note all due dates for meetings, filings and registrations.

2. Keep records ready: meeting agendas, chairperson’s signatures, resolutions, audited accounts, KYC forms and statutory registers.

3. Use digital tools or cloud-based ERPs to schedule reminders, share tasks and store documents.

4. Outsource or assign a compliance officer: a company secretary, accountant or trusted provider to handle filings and updates.

5. Stay current with laws: follow updates from MCA, labour reforms, GST amendments and annual changes to the Companies Act. For instance, 2025 amendments introduced real‑time compliance disclosures within seven days for changes in directors or auditors, sharper penalties for repeated non‑compliance and a deadline for dematerialisation of shares by June 2025.

Summary Table: Post Incorporation Compliances

Why these matter

Failing to comply can result in serious consequences:

• Heavy daily penalties without cap for late filing of AOC‑4, MGT‑7.

• Directors may be disqualified if returns are not filed for three years.

• The company may be struck off the ROC register.

• Legal notices or audits from PF, ESI or labour authorities.

• Inactive DINs or rejected filings.  
  A proactive approach will protect reputation, credibility and legal standing, especially when seeking investors or running operations.

FAQs

Q1. What happens if Form INC‑20A is not filed within 180 days?
The company cannot issue share certificates or commence business legally. ROC may impose penalties, and the company’s status could be flagged as non‑compliant.

Q2. Are board meetings mandatory even if there is no business activity?
Yes. A private limited company must hold the first board meeting within 30 days and at least four meetings a year. This includes years with no trading.

Q3. Who must file DIR‑3 KYC and what if they miss the deadline?
Every director with a DIN must file by 30th September annually. Failure leads to the DIN becoming inactive and a penalty of ₹5,000.

Q4. Is a company seal required now under the Companies Act?
The stamp seal is no longer mandatory, but if a company chooses to use one, it must manage it responsibly and maintain records of usage.

Q5. How can a new startup keep track of all these compliances?
Maintain a calendar from day one and use a system like Trustlink which sends reminders, supports digital filing, and keeps statutory records in one place.

By following these ten steps and establishing strong routines, a newly registered private limited company can function smoothly and avoid penalties. A careful approach to board meetings, registrations, tax filings, and statutory records builds credibility from the start. Smart tools and expert support, such as Trustlink, can help streamline the process and keep founders focused on building the business.