Frequently asked questions

Questions, answered.

Everything you might want to know before handing us the paperwork, on pricing, process, and every service we run.

General

6 questions
Who actually does my filing?

Every filing is prepared, reviewed and signed off by an ICAI-registered Expert, never an unsupervised bot or an untrained junior. Your Expert is assigned by specialty and is available by call or WhatsApp throughout the engagement.

How does pricing work?

Every service shows a 'Starts from ₹X' price. Your final professional fee is confirmed in writing after a quick scope conversation, before any work begins. Government fees, stamp duty, and statutory levies are charged separately at actuals, they are never bundled into the quoted fee.

Is the first consultation really free?

Yes. You get a no-cost 15-minute call or WhatsApp session with an Expert, with no obligation to proceed. We'll map your compliance needs and recommend exactly what you need, and nothing you don't.

How do you keep my documents secure?

Every document you share is encrypted in transit and at rest using 256-bit AES encryption and stored on ISO-certified cloud infrastructure. Access is restricted to the Expert handling your engagement. We never share your data with third parties.

Will I miss a statutory deadline?

We track every due date that applies to your filings and send you a reminder well ahead of time. Since we started, our clients have not missed a single GST, MCA or Income Tax deadline, and if we ever do through our error, you receive a full refund of the professional fee.

Which business types do you serve?

Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLPs, OPCs, and private limited companies, across registrations, GST and income-tax filings, ROC compliance, accounting and trade licences. If you're unsure which structure suits your situation, our free consultation will clarify it.

GST

9 questions
When am I required to register for GST?

You must register for GST if your aggregate turnover in a financial year exceeds ₹40 lakh for goods suppliers (₹20 lakh for service providers, ₹10 lakh in special-category states). Registration is mandatory from day one if you sell inter-state, supply through e-commerce operators, or are subject to reverse charge, regardless of turnover.

GST Registration
What is the difference between GSTR-1, GSTR-3B, and GSTR-9?

GSTR-1 reports your outward supplies (sales), filed monthly by the 11th or quarterly under QRMP. GSTR-3B is a summary return where you declare net tax liability and pay it, filed monthly by the 20th or quarterly. GSTR-9 is the annual GST return due by 31 December, reconciling your full-year supplies, ITC and taxes paid.

GST Return Filing
Can I claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on all my business purchases?

ITC can be claimed on purchases used for taxable business activities, provided the supplier has filed GSTR-1 and the credit appears in your GSTR-2B. ITC is blocked on certain categories, motor vehicles (with exceptions), food and beverages, personal expenses, and club memberships.

GST Return Filing
What is the Composition Scheme and should I opt for it?

The Composition Scheme is a simplified GST option for businesses with turnover below ₹1.5 crore (₹75 lakh for service providers). You pay tax at a flat rate on turnover (1 to 6% depending on business type), file quarterly returns instead of monthly ones, but cannot charge GST on invoices, cannot claim ITC, and cannot make inter-state supplies. It suits small brick-and-mortar traders with low input credit.

GST Registration
I missed a GST return deadline. What are the penalties?

Late fees apply for each day of delay: ₹50/day for returns with tax liability (₹25 CGST + ₹25 SGST) and ₹20/day for NIL returns, capped at ₹10,000 per return. Interest at 18% per annum is levied on unpaid tax. Filing is still required after the deadline, unpaid late fees accumulate and block future filings.

GST Return Filing
What is an e-way bill and when is it required?

An e-way bill is an electronic document required for the movement of goods worth more than ₹50,000 by road, rail, air, or waterways. It must be generated on the e-way bill portal by the supplier, transporter, or recipient before movement begins. Some states have lower thresholds for intra-state movement.

GST Return Filing
How long does GST registration take?

Once all documents are submitted, the GST portal typically processes registration within 7 to 10 working days. If the application is flagged for physical verification, it can take up to 30 days. We track your ARN (Application Reference Number) and follow up proactively on your behalf.

GST Registration
What is a Letter of Undertaking (LUT) and who needs it?

An LUT is a declaration filed on the GST portal that allows exporters of goods or services to export without paying IGST, instead of paying first and claiming a refund later. It must be filed at the beginning of each financial year and is mandatory for any GST-registered business that exports.

GST Return Filing
Can I cancel my GST registration?

Yes, you can apply for voluntary cancellation if your turnover falls below the threshold or if you cease business. The department can also cancel registration for non-compliance (e.g., not filing returns for 6 consecutive months). Before cancellation, all pending returns and dues must be cleared.

GST Registration

Income Tax

9 questions
Which ITR form should I file?

The right ITR form depends on your income sources. ITR-1 is for salaried individuals with total income up to ₹50 lakh. ITR-2 covers capital gains, foreign income, or multiple properties. ITR-3 is for business and professional income with regular accounts. ITR-4 (Sugam) applies to presumptive-basis income under sections 44AD, 44ADA, and 44AE. Businesses file ITR-5, ITR-6, or ITR-7 depending on structure.

ITR Filing
What is the difference between the old and new tax regime?

The old regime allows deductions under sections 80C, 80D, HRA, and others, reducing taxable income. The new regime (default from FY 2023-24 onwards) has lower slab rates but disallows most deductions and exemptions. Individuals with significant deductions, home loan interest, ELSS, insurance premiums, often benefit more under the old regime, while those with fewer deductions prefer the new.

ITR Filing
When is a tax audit mandatory under section 44AB?

A tax audit is mandatory if your business turnover exceeds ₹1 crore in a year (₹10 crore if 95% of transactions are digital) or if your professional receipts exceed ₹50 lakh. It is also required if you opt out of presumptive taxation (44AD/44ADA) and your income is below the presumptive threshold. The audit report must be filed by 30 September.

Tax Audit
What is TDS and when must I deduct it?

TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is income tax withheld by the payer before making specified payments, salaries, rent above ₹50,000/month, professional fees above ₹30,000 per year, contractor payments, and more. Businesses with a TAN must deduct TDS at the applicable rate, deposit it by the 7th of the following month, and file quarterly TDS returns.

TDS Filing
Can I revise an ITR after filing?

Yes, you can file a revised ITR if you discover an error or omission. A revised return can be filed before 31 December of the assessment year (for FY 2024-25, revisions are allowed until 31 December 2025). You can revise as many times as needed within this window.

ITR Filing
I have freelance income from foreign clients. How is it taxed?

Foreign freelance income is taxable in India as business or professional income under your normal ITR. You can deduct allowable business expenses from it. If services are exported, you can raise invoices without GST (zero-rated) and file an LUT to avoid blocking IGST. You may need to declare foreign assets and foreign remittances in Schedule FA and Schedule FSI of your ITR.

ITR Filing
What is advance tax and who must pay it?

If your total tax liability for the year exceeds ₹10,000 after TDS, you must pay advance tax in four instalments: 15% by 15 June, 45% by 15 September, 75% by 15 December, and 100% by 15 March. Failure to pay attracts interest under sections 234B and 234C. Salaried employees whose employer deducts sufficient TDS generally don't need to pay advance tax separately.

ITR Filing
I missed the ITR filing deadline. What happens?

You can still file a belated return up to 31 December of the assessment year with a late fee of ₹5,000 (₹1,000 if income is below ₹5 lakh). In addition, you cannot carry forward most business losses, and interest under section 234A accrues on any unpaid tax. Filing as early as possible after the deadline minimises the penalty.

ITR Filing
What is Form 26AS and AIS?

Form 26AS is a consolidated statement on the Income Tax portal showing all TDS deducted on your PAN, advance tax paid, and self-assessment tax. AIS (Annual Information Statement) is more comprehensive, it covers securities transactions, dividends, interest, mutual funds, and property deals linked to your PAN. Both should be reviewed before filing your ITR to ensure all income is reported accurately.

ITR Filing

ROC / Company

8 questions
What is the difference between an LLP and a Private Limited Company?

A Private Limited Company has shareholders, directors, and mandatory annual ROC filings (AOC-4, MGT-7). It can raise equity investment and carries stronger credibility with banks and investors. An LLP has designated partners, simpler annual filings (LLP-8, LLP-11), and lower compliance costs, but cannot issue equity or invite public investment. Pvt Ltd suits startups seeking funding; LLP suits consultants and service firms.

Company Incorporation
How long does company incorporation take?

A Private Limited Company is typically incorporated within 7 to 10 working days after all documents are submitted and DSCs are ready. This includes name reservation, DIN allotment, PAN and TAN application, and the SPICe+ form filing. MCA processing times can vary, we track and follow up proactively.

Company Incorporation
What annual filings does a Private Limited Company have to make?

A Pvt Ltd must file: AOC-4 (financial statements) within 30 days of the AGM; MGT-7 (annual return) within 60 days of the AGM; DIR-3 KYC for each director by 30 September; DPT-3 (outstanding loans) by 30 June; and income tax return by 31 October. GST returns and TDS returns also apply if the company is registered under those acts.

Annual ROC Filing
What happens if a company misses its Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

An AGM must be held within 6 months of the financial year end, by 30 September for a March year-end. Missing it without an extension from the ROC attracts a penalty of ₹1 lakh plus ₹5,000 per day of default for the company and its officers. An extension of up to 3 months can be applied for in advance from the ROC.

Annual ROC Filing
What is DIR-3 KYC and who must file it?

DIR-3 KYC is an annual KYC filing required for every person who holds a Director Identification Number (DIN), even if they are not currently serving as a director. It must be filed by 30 September each year. Non-filing deactivates the DIN, which blocks all MCA filings for any company the person is associated with.

Annual ROC Filing
Can a Private Limited Company have just one shareholder?

No. A Pvt Ltd requires a minimum of 2 shareholders and 2 directors. If you want a single-founder structure with limited liability, consider a One Person Company (OPC), which allows one promoter as the sole shareholder and director, though OPCs have restrictions such as mandatory nominee appointment and mandatory conversion upon exceeding thresholds.

Company Incorporation
What is the minimum capital required to incorporate a company?

There is no statutory minimum paid-up capital requirement for incorporating a Private Limited Company or LLP in India. The Authorised Capital, the maximum share capital you intend to issue, is typically set at ₹1 lakh at incorporation for cost efficiency, since government fees scale with authorised capital. It can be increased later as the business grows.

Company Incorporation
What documents are needed for company incorporation?

For each director and shareholder: PAN card, Aadhaar, passport-size photo, and address proof (utility bill or bank statement not older than 2 months). For the registered office: an electricity or utility bill for the premises, plus a No-Objection Certificate from the owner if rented. All documents must be current and clearly legible.

Company Incorporation

Registrations

8 questions
Do I need a trademark if I am a small business?

Yes, trademark protection is especially important for small businesses because brand names are the most commonly stolen assets. Registering gives you the exclusive right to use the mark in India, lets you take legal action against copiers, and adds tangible value to the business if you ever sell or franchise it. The ® symbol can only be used after the mark is officially registered.

Trademark Registration
What is Udyam / MSME registration and who is eligible?

Udyam registration is the official online MSME classification for businesses with investment in plant and machinery below ₹50 crore and annual turnover below ₹250 crore. It is free, and gives access to priority-sector lending, government tender preferences, collateral-free loans, and faster dispute resolution. Any proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company can register.

MSME / Udyam
What is an IEC code and when is it mandatory?

An Import Export Code (IEC) is a 10-digit identifier issued by DGFT that is mandatory for any business importing goods into India or exporting goods or services from India. It must be obtained before the first export or import transaction and linked to your GST registration and bank account. Services exported without IGST (under LUT) also require a valid IEC.

IEC Code
How do I get an FSSAI licence and what type do I need?

FSSAI Basic Registration covers food businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh. A State Licence covers turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore. A Central Licence is required for turnover above ₹20 crore, multi-state operations, and categories like imports or food served in airports. We assess your scale and recommend the correct level before filing.

FSSAI Licence
How long does trademark registration take in India?

We complete the trademark search and application within 1 to 2 business days. The Registry typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete examination, publication in the Trade Marks Journal, and final registration. However, the TM symbol is legally valid from your filing date, you can use TM on your packaging and marketing immediately after we file.

Trademark Registration
What is the difference between TM, ®, and ©?

TM can be used as soon as you file a trademark application, it signals your claim but carries no registered status. ® can only be used after the trademark is officially registered by the Trade Marks Registry; using it before registration is a legal offence. © (copyright) is different entirely, it protects original creative works (designs, music, writing) and arises automatically at creation without formal registration.

Trademark Registration
How long is a trademark valid and how do I renew it?

A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the date of application and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year blocks by filing a renewal application within 6 months before expiry. If you miss the renewal window, a 6-month grace period is available with a surcharge. Letting a trademark lapse means losing the registration and potentially allowing others to claim the name.

Trademark Registration
Can a trademark application be rejected?

Yes. Common grounds for refusal include: the mark is descriptive or generic (e.g., 'Fresh Juice' for a juice brand), it conflicts with an already-registered mark in the same class, it is deceptive, or it violates public order. An examination objection is not a final refusal, it can be countered with legal arguments, and we handle all responses and hearings on your behalf.

Trademark Registration

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