Startup Registrations, FSSAI & GEM Slabs
Starting and operating a business in India requires several basic licenses, registrations, and certifications depending on the industry.
| Registration category | Current verified position | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| FSSAI Registration | Mandatory food safety license for food business operators (FBOs). | Basic registration for turnover < 12L; State license for 12L-20Cr; Central license for >20Cr. |
| GEM Portal Registration | Government e-Marketplace registration to bid for government contracts. | Requires PAN, Aadhaar, bank details, and active company/proprietorship KYC. |
| ISO Certification | Standardization certificate verifying internal quality and processes (e.g. ISO 9001). | Increases brand value, tender eligibility, and process controls. |
| PAN & TAN Registration | Mandatory tax identification numbers for individuals/entities. | TAN is required for all entities responsible for deducting TDS. |
What a serious business consultant should verify
- Trade License: Issued by local municipal corporations to authorize commercial operations in a specific location.
- Barcode Registration: Required for retail products to track inventory and display pricing; issued by GS1 India.
- Proprietorship Setup: Easiest business form, requires only two business registrations (like GST and MSME Udyam) to open a current bank account.
- FSSAI compliance: Food safety license must be printed on all packaging labels with the FSSAI logo.
Documents for general business setup
- PAN Card and Aadhaar card of promoters.
- Office address proof (rent agreement or electricity bill with NOC).
- Bank account details (cancelled cheque).
- Business constitution certificates (if company/LLP).
CA and Accounting Services for NGOs and Trusts: year and source check
Last fact-checked: 18 June 2026.
Direct and indirect tax laws, corporate filings, and compliance rules are subject to change by CBIC, MCA, EPFO, and RBI notifications. Always verify circulars before executing a transaction.
Use official government portals (such as GST portal, MCA V3, e-filing portal, and TRACES) first. Articles and competitor calculators should be treated as guidance, not legal advice.
FAQs
What is the FSSAI license threshold for a central license?
FSSAI Central License is mandatory for food business operators with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 20 Crore, or for importers, exporters, and large-scale manufacturers.
When is a TAN registration mandatory?
A TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) is mandatory under Section 203A for all individuals and business entities who are responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source (TDS/TCS).
What is the difference between an ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certificate?
ISO 9001 certifies the Quality Management System (QMS) of a business, while ISO 27001 certifies the Information Security Management System (ISMS) to protect digital data.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key registration and compliance requirements for an NGO or trust involved in CA and Accounting Services for NGOs and Trusts?
Charitable trusts or societies working on CA and Accounting Services for NGOs and Trusts must obtain registrations under Section 12AB (for income tax exemption) and Section 80G (for donor tax deductions) from the Income Tax Department.
2. What annual filings are mandatory for trusts working with CA and Accounting Services for NGOs and Trusts?
NGOs dealing with CA and Accounting Services for NGOs and Trusts must file their annual statement of donations in Form 10BD by May 31st, submit audit reports in Form 10B/10BB, and file their annual return in Form ITR-7 by October 31st.
3. What is the validity period of Section 12AB and 80G registrations?
Both Section 12AB and 80G registrations are granted for a block of 5 years. NGOs must apply for renewal of registrations at least 6 months before the expiry of the 5-year period. Provisional registrations are granted for 3 years.
4. What is Form 10BD, and when is it filed?
Form 10BD is the annual statement of donations that registered NGOs must file on the e-filing portal. It lists details of all donors (PAN, name, donation amount) and must be filed on or before May 31 of the following financial year.
5. What is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organization incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, to promote art, science, sports, education, charity, or environment. Its profits must be applied solely to its objectives, and no dividends can be paid to members.
6. What is FCRA registration, and who needs it?
FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration is mandatory for any NGO that intends to receive foreign donations or contributions. It is regulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is valid for 5 years.
7. What are the conditions for tax exemption under Section 11 & 12?
To claim exemption, the NGO must apply at least 85% of its income toward charitable or religious purposes in India during the financial year. If it cannot apply 85%, it can accumulate the income for up to 5 years by filing Form 10 online.
8. What is the CSR spend obligation under the Companies Act?
Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, companies with a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or a net profit of ₹5 crore or more must spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the preceding 3 years on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
9. Can an NGO carry out commercial or business activities?
Yes, under the proviso to Section 2(15), an NGO can carry out activities in the nature of trade or business, provided the activities are incidental to the main objectives, and the aggregate receipts from such business do not exceed 20% of the total receipts of the NGO in that FY.
10. What is the due date for filing ITR for trusts and NGOs?
Trusts and NGOs registered under Section 12AB must file their ITR in Form ITR-7 by October 31 of the Assessment Year. If audit is required, the audit report in Form 10B/10BB must be submitted by September 30.
11. What is the difference between Form 10B and Form 10BB audit reports?
Form 10B is the audit report required if the trust's total income exceeds ₹5 crore, or if it receives foreign contributions, or if it applies income outside India. Form 10BB is used by other trusts that do not meet these conditions.
12. What is the tax rate on anonymous donations received by a trust?
Under Section 115BBC, anonymous donations received by a religious or charitable trust are taxed at a flat rate of 30% on amounts exceeding ₹1 lakh or 5% of total donations received, whichever is higher.
13. Can an NGO make donations to another NGO?
Yes, an NGO can donate to another registered NGO out of its current year's income. However, such donations cannot be made out of accumulated funds, and donations towards corpus funds of another trust are not allowed as application of income.
14. What is NGO Darpan registration?
NGO Darpan is a portal maintained by NITI Aayog. It provides a unique ID to NGOs, which is mandatory to apply for government grants, schemes, and to file for FCRA registrations.
15. What happens if an NGO fails to file its ITR on time?
If the ITR-7 is not filed before the due date, the NGO loses its tax exemption under Section 11 & 12 for that financial year, and its entire income will be taxed at maximum marginal rates. Late filing fees and interest also apply.