Company Registration
Post-Incorporation Compliance for a Private Limited Company
Incorporation is day one — the compliance clock starts immediately. Here is the first-year checklist every Private Limited Company must follow: INC-20A, auditor, share certificates, KYC and annual filings.
On this page
Getting your Certificate of Incorporation feels like the finish line. It's actually the starting line — several mandatory filings now have tight deadlines, and missing them is expensive.
Quick answer
In the first few months a Private Limited Company must: file INC-20A (commencement) within 180 days after capital is paid in, appoint the first auditor (ADT-1) within 30 days, issue share certificates within 60 days, maintain statutory registers, and complete director DIR-3 KYC. Then come the annual filings — AOC-4 and MGT-7 — plus board meetings and the AGM.
The first-year checklist
| Filing | Deadline | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| First auditor (ADT-1) | 30 days of incorporation | Audits the accounts; mandatory |
| Share certificates | 60 days | Proof of ownership to shareholders |
| INC-20A (commencement) | 180 days, after capital paid in | Can't start business or borrow without it |
| DIR-3 KYC | Annually | Keeps director DINs active |
| AOC-4 & MGT-7 | Annually after AGM | Financials and annual return |
Why this matters
INC-20A is the one founders most often miss — and the penalty is steep, plus the company legally cannot commence business or borrow until it's filed. Late annual filings attract per-day additional fees and, over time, risk director disqualification.
Don't forget the recurring cycle
Compliance is annual, not one-time: board meetings, the AGM, AOC-4, MGT-7 and KYC every year — even in a year with no business activity.
Common mistakes
- Missing INC-20A within 180 days
- Not appointing the first auditor within 30 days
- Skipping DIR-3 KYC and deactivating the DIN
- Treating a no-activity year as no-compliance
Set up a compliance calendar from day one. Clean compliance also matters at fundraising — investors check it in due diligence.
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Frequently asked questions
What compliance is required after incorporating a Pvt Ltd?
INC-20A (commencement) within 180 days, first auditor (ADT-1) within 30 days, share certificates within 60 days, statutory registers, DIR-3 KYC, and annual AOC-4 and MGT-7 filings.
What is INC-20A and why is it critical?
It's the declaration of commencement of business, filed within 180 days after subscribers pay in capital. Until it's filed, the company cannot start business or borrow — and the penalty for missing it is steep.
When must the first auditor be appointed?
Within 30 days of incorporation, via Form ADT-1.
What is DIR-3 KYC?
An annual KYC each director with a DIN must complete to keep the DIN active. Missing it deactivates the DIN and attracts a fee.
Do I need to file annual returns even with no business?
Yes. AOC-4, MGT-7, board meetings and the AGM are mandatory every year regardless of activity.
What happens if I miss these deadlines?
Per-day penalties accumulate, the company faces restrictions (e.g. can't commence business without INC-20A), and prolonged default can disqualify directors.
Related MFA services
If you want this handled rather than done yourself, these are the matching services.
Written by
MyFinancialAdvisory Editorial
Editorial guidance prepared for business owners and reviewed before production publication.
Reviewed by MyFinancialAdvisory Compliance Team
Written against official sources, with the governing rule named wherever a figure or deadline is given. General guidance — not advice on your specific case.
Ready to act?
Never miss a company deadline
We handle INC-20A, auditor appointment, KYC and annual filings, and keep a live calendar so nothing slips.
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