Startup India Scheme
Startup India Scheme
The Startup India Scheme is an initiative by the government of India aimed at encouraging the development and innovation of products and services and the creation of employment opportunities across the country. One of the goals of the scheme has been simplifying how to register a startup in India by reducing regulatory burdens and allowing them to focus on their core business while keeping compliance costs low and also providing multiple benefits, aside from the massive networking opportunities provided by the bi-annual startup festivals held by the Government of India both domestically and internationally.
Benefits of Startup India Scheme
- Income Tax Benefits
Startups are now given an income tax exemption for a period of three years from the date of incorporation provided they are certified as such by the Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification. Also, upon obtaining recognition from the DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), and if the aggregate amount of paid-up share capital and share premium of the startup after the proposed issuing of shares, if any, does not exceed INR 25 Crore, the startup will also be exempt from capital gains tax under Section 56 of the Income-tax Act,1961-2014. - Financial Benefits
Startups are given a rebate on intellectual property rights (IPR) costs of 80% on patents and 50% on trademarks and are actively assisted by government-provided facilitators who aid with protecting and commercializing the IPRs. The examination and disposal of the IPR applications are also fast-tracked. The government will also pay the fees of the facilitators.
- Registration Benefits
Startup registration in India is still extremely complex, with incorporation and registration being considered more difficult than the actual running of a business due to the arduousness of the requirements. Under the scheme, the Startup India Hub, a portal to create networking opportunities and assistance for startups, has been created with a problem-solving window being provided by the government under the scheme. - Regulatory Benefits
Under the Startup India Scheme, startups are allowed to self-certify compliance for six labour laws and three environmental laws through a simple online procedure. For labour laws, no inspections will be conducted for a period of 5 years unless there is a credible and verifiable complaint of violation, filed in writing, and approved by an official who is at least one level senior to the inspecting officer. In the case of environmental laws, startups that fall under the ‘white category’ (as defined by the Central Pollution Control Board) would be able to self-certify compliance, and only random checks would be carried out in such cases
- Public Procurement Benefits
Once your startup is certified by the Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification and a DIPP (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion) number has been issued to you, you can get listed as a seller on the Government of India’s e-procurement portal – Government e-Marketplace – and have the inside track on all Government of India Ministries/Departments/Public Sector undertakings subject to your ability to meet quality and technical requirements. Certified startups will also be entitled to exemptions on the earnest money deposit in your bid as well as in terms of the requirements regarding prior turnover and experience.
- Faster Exit Benefits
The government has initiated provisions making winding down operations easier by appointing an insolvency professional to fast-track the closure of operations and facilitate the sale of goods as well as paying creditors, all while recognising limited liability. Startups with a simple debt structure or those meeting the criteria outlined under this scheme will be able to achieve a complete exit within 90 days.
Company formation and registration has been made easier with Digitronic. You can easily consult a company secretary through us for all of your compliance needs, including foreign income, FDI, PF, and pensions.