{"id":880,"date":"2026-05-02T15:02:47","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T09:32:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tmzon.com\/blog\/?p=880"},"modified":"2026-05-02T15:02:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T09:32:49","slug":"company-incorporation-compliance-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tmzon.com\/blog\/company-incorporation-compliance-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Company Incorporation Compliances India \u2014 Guide (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>After receiving the Certificate of Incorporation (COI) from the MCA, a company must complete several mandatory steps \u2014 the most critical being: hold the <strong>first Board Meeting within 30 days<\/strong>, appoint the <strong>first auditor within 30 days<\/strong>, open a <strong>bank account<\/strong>, file <strong>Form INC-20A (commencement of business certificate) within 180 days<\/strong>, issue <strong>share certificates within 60 days<\/strong>, and file <strong>Form INC-22<\/strong> if the registered office address was not provided during company incorporation. Thereafter, annual filings (AOC-4, MGT-7, DIR-3 KYC) become the ongoing compliance cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id880_452227-a2 .kb-table-of-content-wrap{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id880_452227-a2 .kb-table-of-contents-title-wrap{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id880_452227-a2 .kb-table-of-contents-title{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;}.kb-table-of-content-nav.kb-table-of-content-id880_452227-a2 .kb-table-of-content-wrap .kb-table-of-content-list{font-weight:regular;font-style:normal;margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}<\/style>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Post-Incorporation Compliance Is Not Optional<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Receiving the Certificate of Incorporation is the beginning of your company&#8217;s legal existence \u2014 not the end of your regulatory obligations. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has built a cascading compliance architecture into the Companies Act, 2013 that begins the moment incorporation is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ignoring post-incorporation compliances can disrupt operations, invite fines, and harm the reputation of your business. More specifically, a company that fails to file Form INC-20A cannot commence business operations at all \u2014 legally, every rupee of revenue earned before that filing is revenue earned by a non-compliant company. Directors who default on key post-incorporation steps face personal liability under the Companies Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide covers every mandatory post-incorporation compliance step \u2014 in the order they fall due \u2014 with the exact deadline, the relevant form, the statutory basis, and the penalty for non-compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 1 \u2014 Immediate Steps After Receiving the COI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1 \u2014 Verify PAN, TAN, and GSTIN Allocation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Immediately on receipt of COI<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What happens automatically:<\/strong> PAN and TAN are now allotted automatically through the SPICe+ incorporation form. However, you should verify that both numbers are active and correctly linked to your company on the income tax portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What to check:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Log in to the income tax portal and confirm the company PAN is active and linked to the correct CIN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verify TAN on the TRACES portal \u2014 TAN is essential for deducting TDS on salaries, rent, and professional fees the moment your company begins making payments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If GST registration was applied for during SPICe+ (through Form AGILE-PRO-S), confirm the GSTIN has been issued and activate the GST portal account<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If GST was not applied during SPICe+:<\/strong> Apply for GST registration separately once the company&#8217;s turnover is expected to cross \u20b940 lakh (goods) or \u20b920 lakh (services), or immediately if the business model requires GST registration from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2 \u2014 Hold the First Board Meeting Within 30 Days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Within 30 days of the date of incorporation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legal basis:<\/strong> Section 173(1) of the Companies Act, 2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What must happen at the first Board Meeting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Note the Certificate of Incorporation and CIN<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appoint the first statutory auditor (the Board has 30 days to do this before shareholders are involved at the AGM)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take note of the registered office and confirm its address (or confirm the INC-22 filing if address was not provided)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disclose directors&#8217; interests in other entities through <strong>Form MBP-1<\/strong> (see Step 5 below)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass a resolution to open the company&#8217;s bank account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Authorise signatories for bank operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decide on the company&#8217;s financial year (typically April to March)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass any immediate business resolutions required for operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Notice requirement:<\/strong> Board meeting notice must be sent to all directors at least <strong>7 days before<\/strong> the meeting, in writing, to their registered addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Penalty for missing the 30-day first Board Meeting:<\/strong> Under Section 173(4) \u2014 company fine of \u20b925,000; each officer in default fine of \u20b95,000 per day of default.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3 \u2014 Appoint the First Statutory Auditor Within 30 Days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Within 30 days of incorporation (Board appointment); if Board fails, shareholders must appoint within 90 days at an EGM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legal basis:<\/strong> Section 139(6) of the Companies Act, 2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Board of Directors must appoint the first statutory auditor within 30 days of incorporation. This auditor holds office until the conclusion of the first Annual General Meeting (AGM).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>After appointment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>File <strong>Form ADT-1<\/strong> with the ROC within <strong>15 days<\/strong> of the auditor&#8217;s appointment, reporting the appointment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What happens if no auditor is appointed:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fine on the company: \u20b925,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fine on each officer in default: \u20b925,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The company cannot have its accounts audited, which in turn blocks the AOC-4 filing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important:<\/strong> The first auditor can be appointed by the Board. At the first AGM (held within 9 months of incorporation), shareholders formally ratify or replace the auditor for a 5-year term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4 \u2014 Open the Company&#8217;s Bank Account<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Within 30 days of incorporation (to receive share capital from subscribers)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legal basis:<\/strong> No specific section mandates timing, but share capital received before a bank account is opened creates accounting complications<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Documents required to open a company current account:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Certificate of Incorporation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAN card of the company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Board resolution authorising account opening and identifying authorised signatories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identity and address proof (PAN, Aadhaar) of all authorised signatories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Latest list of directors as per MCA records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Registered office address proof<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Open the bank account immediately after incorporation \u2014 subscribers to the MoA must pay their share capital into the company&#8217;s bank account, not into any personal account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5 \u2014 Directors Disclose Interests \u2014 Form MBP-1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> First Board Meeting after incorporation (or within 30 days if appointed after the first meeting)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legal basis:<\/strong> Section 184(1) of the Companies Act, 2013; Rule 9(1) of the Companies (Meetings of Board and Its Powers) Rules, 2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the most commonly overlooked first-board-meeting compliance \u2014 and one that competitor guides rarely mention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every director must disclose their interest in any other company, firm, body corporate, or association of individuals to the Board at the first meeting they attend each financial year. This disclosure is made through <strong>Form MBP-1<\/strong> \u2014 a prescribed format for disclosure of interests \u2014 which must be signed by the director and maintained in the statutory records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Annual obligation:<\/strong> MBP-1 must be renewed at the first Board Meeting of each financial year \u2014 it is not a one-time disclosure at incorporation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Penalty:<\/strong> Under Section 184(4) \u2014 any contract entered into in contravention of the disclosure requirement is voidable at the option of the company. The defaulting director is also liable for prosecution under Section 188 where applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6 \u2014 Issue Share Certificates Within 60 Days<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Within 60 days of incorporation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legal basis:<\/strong> Section 56(4)(b) of the Companies Act, 2013; Rule 5 of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The share certificate shall be issued to a shareholder within 60 days from the date of incorporation. In case of additional shares being allotted, the time period is taken as 60 days from the date of allotment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Requirements for share certificates:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must be issued on Form SH-1 (the prescribed format for share certificates)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must bear the company&#8217;s common seal (if the company has one) or be signed by two directors and the Company Secretary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must state: company name and CIN, registered office address, shareholder&#8217;s name and address, number of shares, distinctive share numbers, nominal value, amount paid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Penalty for non-issuance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Company: Fine of \u20b925,000 to \u20b95,00,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each officer in default: Fine of \u20b910,000 to \u20b91,00,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 2 \u2014 Within 30 Days (If Applicable)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 7 \u2014 File Form INC-22 (Registered Office Address)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Within 30 days of incorporation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legal basis:<\/strong> Section 12(2) of the Companies Act, 2013; Rule 25 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When this applies:<\/strong> If at the time of SPICe+ incorporation, the company provided a temporary address (permitted for up to 30 days) rather than the permanent registered office address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What INC-22 contains:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The complete registered office address (including PIN code)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of registered office \u2014 utility bill (not older than 2 months) showing the address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NOC from the property owner if the premises are rented or owned by a third party<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of occupation (rent agreement or ownership documents)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Penalty for non-filing within 30 days:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Company: \u20b91,000 per day of default<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Every officer in default: \u20b91,000 per day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> Even if the registered office was provided during SPICe+, verify it is correctly reflected in the MCA21 records. Any discrepancy must be corrected promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 3 \u2014 Within 180 Days \u2014 The Most Critical Post-Incorporation Filing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 8 \u2014 File Form INC-20A (Commencement of Business Certificate)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deadline:<\/strong> Within 180 days of the date of incorporation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legal basis:<\/strong> Section 10A of the Companies Act, 2013 (inserted by the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies with share capital must file Form INC-20A within 180 days of incorporation, declaring that all subscribers have paid their share value and the registered office is verified. Operating a business without filing this form may invalidate the company&#8217;s ability to commence operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What INC-20A declares:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Every subscriber to the MoA has paid the value of shares agreed to be taken by them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The registered office address has been verified<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it requires as attachment:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank statement of the company showing receipt of share capital from all subscribers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>(This means the bank account must be opened and share capital received before INC-20A can be filed)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Penalty for non-filing within 180 days:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Company: \u20b950,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each director in default: \u20b91,000 per day (for each day of continuing default after 180 days)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The company cannot lawfully commence business, exercise borrowing powers, or undertake any business activity until INC-20A is filed<\/strong> \u2014 this is the most severe immediate consequence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A company that commences business without filing INC-20A<\/strong> risks the ROC issuing notice for strike-off under Section 248(1)(c), as the failure to file INC-20A is treated as the company not having commenced business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 4 \u2014 Statutory Registers \u2014 Maintain From Day One<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every company incorporated in India must maintain a set of statutory registers under the Companies Act, 2013. These are not filed with the ROC \u2014 they are maintained at the registered office and must be available for inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Register<\/th><th>Form<\/th><th>Legal Basis<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Register of Members<\/td><td>SH-1 \/ MGT-1<\/td><td>Section 88<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Register of Directors and KMP<\/td><td>Section 170<\/td><td>Section 170<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Register of Contracts and Arrangements<\/td><td>MBP-4<\/td><td>Section 189<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Register of Loans, Guarantees and Investments<\/td><td>MBP-2<\/td><td>Section 186<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Register of Charges<\/td><td>CHG-7<\/td><td>Section 85<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Register of Renewed and Duplicate Share Certificates<\/td><td>SH-2<\/td><td>Rule 6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Minutes of Board Meetings<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>Section 118<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Minutes of General Meetings<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>Section 118<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Register of Directors&#8217; Shareholding<\/td><td>SH-6<\/td><td>Section 79<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These records must be kept up to date and are essential for audits, inspections, and legal compliance. Non-maintenance may attract fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Penalty for not maintaining statutory registers:<\/strong> Under Section 88(5) \u2014 company fine of \u20b950,000 to \u20b93,00,000; each officer in default fine of \u20b950,000 to \u20b93,00,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 5 \u2014 Corporate Identity and Stationery Compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Often overlooked but mandatory under the Companies Act, 2013:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Section 12(3) requires<\/strong> that every company:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Display its name, registered office address, and CIN on a board or nameplate at every office and place of business where it carries on operations \u2014 in legible characters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mention on all business letters, billheads, letter papers, notices, and publications: the company&#8217;s name, registered office address, CIN, telephone number, website URL (if any), and email address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Display the above on its website if it has one<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Penalty:<\/strong> Under Section 12(8) \u2014 company fine up to \u20b91,000 per day of default; each officer in default fine up to \u20b91,000 per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 6 \u2014 Annual Compliance Calendar (Ongoing)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the immediate post-incorporation steps are complete, the company enters the annual compliance cycle. These recurring obligations apply every financial year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Compliance<\/th><th>Form<\/th><th>Due Date<\/th><th>Penalty for Default<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Director KYC<\/td><td>DIR-3 KYC (Web\/e-Form)<\/td><td>30 September (triennial from 2026)<\/td><td>\u20b95,000 per DIN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Return of deposits\/loans<\/td><td>DPT-3<\/td><td>30 June<\/td><td>Up to \u20b910 crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MSME payment report (H1)<\/td><td>MSME-1<\/td><td>30 April<\/td><td>\u20b920,000 + daily fine<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>AGM (first AGM)<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><td>Within 9 months of end of first FY<\/td><td>\u20b91,00,000 + \u20b95,000\/day<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Auditor appointment<\/td><td>ADT-1<\/td><td>Within 15 days of AGM<\/td><td>\u20b925,000 + \u20b9500\/day<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Financial statements<\/td><td>AOC-4<\/td><td>Within 30 days of AGM<\/td><td>\u20b91,000\/day (max \u20b910 lakh)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Annual return<\/td><td>MGT-7 \/ MGT-7A<\/td><td>Within 60 days of AGM<\/td><td>\u20b950,000 + \u20b9100\/day<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Income tax return<\/td><td>ITR-6<\/td><td>31 October (tax audit companies)<\/td><td>Interest + penalty<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>MSME payment report (H2)<\/td><td>MSME-1<\/td><td>31 October<\/td><td>\u20b920,000 + daily fine<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>TDS returns<\/td><td>24Q\/26Q<\/td><td>Quarterly<\/td><td>1.5% per month<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 7 \u2014 Additional Event-Based Compliances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the annual cycle, certain events trigger additional MCA filings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Change of directors<\/strong> \u2014 Form DIR-12 within 30 days of appointment\/resignation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Change of registered office<\/strong> \u2014 Form INC-22 within 15 days of change (within same city); Form INC-23 and special resolution for change to different city\/state<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Increase in authorised capital<\/strong> \u2014 Form SH-7 within 30 days of passing the ordinary resolution<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Allotment of shares<\/strong> \u2014 Form PAS-3 within 30 days of allotment<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Creation or modification of charge<\/strong> \u2014 Form CHG-1 within 30 days of creation (extendable to 60 days with additional fee, and 120 days with ROC condonation)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Satisfaction of charge<\/strong> \u2014 Form CHG-4 within 30 days of satisfaction<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Appointment of Company Secretary<\/strong> (mandatory for companies with paid-up capital \u2265 \u20b910 crore) \u2014 Form MR-1 within 60 days of appointment<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brand Protection \u2014 The Post-Incorporation IP Step Everyone Skips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the compliance step that every legal guide misses \u2014 and one that TMZON specifically addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Incorporating your company does not protect your brand name, your logo, or your product name. A company registration is a corporate identity \u2014 not an intellectual property right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A competitor can register a trademark for your exact company name in the same industry and there is nothing your COI can do to stop them \u2014 unless you have a trademark registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The moment your company is incorporated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>File a trademark application for your company name (in your trading classes) at the Trade Marks Registry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>File a trademark application for your logo or wordmark if you have one<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your trademark registration fee as a company is \u20b99,000 per class \u2014 consider whether filing in the individual director&#8217;s name first (\u20b94,500 per class) and assigning to the company is more cost-effective<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Filing for trademark registration <strong>on the same day as incorporation<\/strong> is ideal \u2014 your trademark priority date is established from the filing date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/trademark-registration\">Start Trademark Registration \u2192 tmzon.com\/trademark-registration<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What is the first thing to do after company incorporation in India?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: The immediate priorities after receiving the Certificate of Incorporation are: verify PAN and TAN activation, hold the first Board Meeting within 30 days, appoint the first statutory auditor within 30 days, open the company&#8217;s bank account, receive share capital from subscribers, and file Form INC-20A within 180 days declaring commencement of business. Directors must also disclose their interests through Form MBP-1 at the first Board Meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What is Form INC-20A and why is it critical?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Form INC-20A is the Declaration for Commencement of Business, filed under Section 10A of the Companies Act, 2013, within 180 days of incorporation. It declares that all subscribers have paid their share capital into the company&#8217;s bank account and the registered office is verified. Without filing INC-20A, the company cannot legally commence business, exercise borrowing powers, or undertake any commercial activity. Penalty: \u20b950,000 on the company plus \u20b91,000 per day per director for continuing default.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: When must the first Board Meeting be held after company incorporation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Within 30 days of the date of incorporation under Section 173(1) of the Companies Act, 2013. At this meeting, the Board must appoint the first auditor, note the registered office, receive Form MBP-1 disclosures from directors, pass a bank account opening resolution, and deal with any immediate business requirements. Board meeting notice must be given at least 7 days in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: When must share certificates be issued after company incorporation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Within 60 days of the date of incorporation under Section 56(4)(b) of the Companies Act, 2013. Share certificates must be issued on Form SH-1 and signed by two directors. Penalty for non-issuance: company fine of \u20b925,000 to \u20b95,00,000 and each officer in default fine of \u20b910,000 to \u20b91,00,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: When must the first AGM be held after incorporation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: The first AGM must be held within nine months from the end of the first financial year under Section 96 of the Companies Act, 2013. For a company incorporated in, say, August 2025 (financial year ending March 2026), the first AGM must be held by 31 December 2026. Subsequent AGMs must be held within 6 months of the financial year end (by 30 September for March year-end companies).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What happens if INC-20A is not filed within 180 days?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: The company is liable to a fine of \u20b950,000 and each director faces \u20b91,000 per day of continuing default. More critically, the company cannot legally commence business operations \u2014 any business activity conducted without filing INC-20A creates legal risk for the company and its directors. The ROC may also initiate strike-off proceedings under Section 248(1)(c) for failure to commence business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does company registration protect my brand name in India?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: No. Company registration with the MCA is a corporate identity registration \u2014 it does not protect the brand name, logo, or product name as intellectual property. A competitor can register a trademark for the same name in the same industry. To protect your brand, file for trademark registration at the Trade Marks Registry separately \u2014 ideally on the same day as or immediately after incorporation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What statutory registers must a company maintain after incorporation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Every company must maintain registers including: Register of Members (SH-1\/MGT-1), Register of Directors and KMP (Section 170), Register of Contracts (MBP-4), Register of Loans and Investments (MBP-2), Register of Charges (CHG-7), Minutes Books for Board and General Meetings, and Register of Share Certificates (SH-2). These are maintained at the registered office and must be available for inspection. Penalty for non-maintenance: company fine of \u20b950,000 to \u20b93,00,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Incorporation Is Day One \u2014 Compliance Is Every Day After<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A company that completes its post-incorporation compliance correctly from the start builds a clean MCA record \u2014 which is exactly what investors check before funding, banks check before lending, and enterprise clients check before onboarding you as a vendor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At TMZON, we help newly incorporated companies navigate the full compliance calendar \u2014 from the first Board Meeting through trademark registration, ROC filings, and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/consultation\">Book a Compliance Consultation \u2192 TMZON<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Protect your brand alongside your incorporation \u2014 file your trademark today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"\/trademark-registration\">Trademark Registration from \u20b9899 \u2192 TMZON<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Manage all MCA filings through the official portal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mca.gov.in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MCA21 Official Portal \u2192 MCA<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This article is written for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For advice specific to your company&#8217;s compliance requirements, please consult a qualified Company Secretary or Chartered Accountant.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Written by Arya Sharma, Advocate, Bombay High Court | Trademark Attorney<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u00a9 2026 TMZON Corporate Services. All rights reserved.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After receiving the Certificate of Incorporation (COI) from the MCA, a company must complete several mandatory steps \u2014 the most critical being: hold the first Board Meeting within 30 days, appoint the first auditor within 30 days, open a bank account, file Form INC-20A (commencement of business certificate) within 180 days, issue share certificates within 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