The First-Year Compliance Checklist Every Startup Needs

The first year after incorporation is when most startups fall behind on compliance — not out of negligence, but because nobody told them these obligations existed until a penalty notice arrived.

At minimum, expect to handle: opening a current bank account, GST registration (if applicable), your first ROC annual filing, DIR-3 KYC for directors, and Startup India recognition if you want access to tax and funding benefits.

Building a simple compliance calendar in month one saves founders from scrambling later. We set this up for every startup client as part of onboarding.