If you’re launching a venture in Andhra Pradesh or anywhere in India, the compliance checklist can look scary. The good news? Most of the heavy lifting can be broken down into a few clear steps. Below you’ll find the must‑know rules – from GST refunds to Startup India eligibility – plus simple actions you can take right now.
GST refunds. Not every business qualifies, but if you export goods, provide services to SEZs, or have excess input tax, you can claim a refund. First, register for GST, keep all invoices digit ‑ the portal won’t accept handwritten copies ‑ and file Form GSTR‑1 on time. Then submit a refund application (Form GST RFD‑01) within two years of the tax period. Missing any document or filing late can stall the refund for months.
Business tax deductions. In 2025 the Income Tax Act still lets small firms write off expenses like rent, salaries, utilities, and even certain marketing costs. To protect yourself, maintain a dedicated bank account, log every receipt, and attach the relevant GST invoice when you file your return. Remember, personal expenses mixed with business spend can trigger an audit.
Startup India eligibility. The scheme offers tax holidays, funding support, and easier patent filing, but you must meet three basic tests: (1) be incorporated after Jan 1, 2016, (2) have an innovative product or service, and (3) have an annual turnover under ₹100 crore. Keep a copy of your certificate of incorporation, a brief tech white‑paper, and your latest profit‑and‑loss statement ready for the portal.
NRI money transfer limits. Non‑resident Indians can send up to ₹2 million per financial year abroad under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). The RBI requires a Form A2 and a declaration of the purpose of the transfer. If you’re moving funds for education, property purchase, or investment, attach the relevant supporting documents – otherwise, the transaction may be blocked.
Business licenses and permits. Depending on your sector, you might need a factory licence, food safety certificate, or professional tax registration. Check the state portal for Andhra Pradesh to see which specific approvals apply to your activity. Most licences are issued within 30 days if you submit a complete application and pay the fee online.
Set up a compliance calendar. Mark dates for GST filing (usually the 20th of the following month), income‑tax returns (July 31 for individuals, September 30 for companies), and any sector‑specific deadlines. A simple Google Calendar reminder saves you from costly penalties.
Use accounting software that integrates with the GST portal. Tools like Tally or Zoho Books auto‑populate GST returns, flag mismatched invoices, and generate audit‑ready reports. The initial cost pays off the moment you avoid a manual error.
Hire a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) if you’re unsure about any filing. Even a few hours of expert advice can prevent a 10‑percent penalty that would otherwise eat into your profit.
Keep all physical documents for at least seven years. The Income Tax Department can call for them anytime, and digital backups alone may not satisfy an audit request.
Finally, stay updated. The Indian tax code changes every budget, and new compliance rules often appear at the start of the fiscal year (April 1). Subscribe to a reliable finance newsletter or follow the official Ministry of Corporate Affairs Twitter handle for real‑time alerts.
Compliance doesn't have to be a nightmare. Break it down, automate what you can, and get professional help when needed. Follow these steps and you’ll keep the taxman happy while focusing on growing your startup.
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