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).
How to Apply for PAN Card in India: 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 is the significance of How to Apply for PAN Card in India in tax reassessment and scrutiny notices?
Under the Income Tax Act, How to Apply for PAN Card in India often relates to scrutiny assessments or reassessment proceedings. If a notice is received, taxpayers must reconcile their filed ITRs and AIS records immediately.
2. How should a taxpayer respond to a notice regarding How to Apply for PAN Card in India?
For notices involving How to Apply for PAN Card in India, a detailed reply along with supporting documents (bank statements, computations) must be submitted online on the e-filing portal within the specified timeline (usually 15-30 days).
3. What is the time limit for responding to a Section 148A notice?
A taxpayer must submit a detailed reply to the show-cause notice within the time limit specified by the Assessing Officer, which is usually not less than 7 days and not more than 30 days from the date of issue.
4. What is the new time limit for reopening tax assessments?
The standard time limit for reopening assessments is 3 years from the end of the relevant assessment year. It can be extended up to 5 years (previously 10 years) only if the Assessing Officer has evidence that income escaping assessment exceeds ₹50 lakh.
5. What happens if I ignore an Income Tax notice?
Ignoring a notice will lead the Assessing Officer to pass an ex-parte order under Section 144 (Best Judgment Assessment) or Section 148A(d) based on available SFT records, which often results in heavy tax demands, interest u/s 234A/B, and penalties.
6. What is a DIN in tax notices, and why is it mandatory?
DIN stands for Document Identification Number. Every official communication from the Income Tax Department must carry a unique, system-generated DIN. Any notice issued without a DIN is legally invalid.
7. Can a tax assessment be reopened after the audit has been completed?
Yes, if the Assessing Officer has 'information' suggesting income has escaped assessment, they can initiate reassessment u/s 147 even after standard scrutiny under Section 143(3) was completed, subject to time limits.
8. What are the common grounds for issuing a reassessment notice?
Common grounds include mismatches between filed ITR and SFT data (like high-value cash deposits, property transactions, share trading, or foreign remittances shown in AIS), undisclosed capital gains, or foreign asset omissions.
9. Can I file an Updated Return (ITR-U) after receiving a Section 148 notice?
No. Once a notice for assessment, reassessment, or search/seizure is issued for a financial year, you are barred from filing an Updated Return (ITR-U) under Section 139(8A) for that year.
10. What is a Section 143(1) intimation notice?
An intimation u/s 143(1) is an automated processing letter showing whether your filed ITR calculations match the tax department's database. It is not a reassessment notice, but can contain tax demands or refund adjustments.
11. What is a Section 143(2) notice?
A notice u/s 143(2) is issued to select an ITR for detailed scrutiny. It requires the taxpayer to submit supporting evidence for claims, deductions, and income heads before an assessment order u/s 143(3) is passed.
12. What is Section 154 rectification?
Section 154 allows rectifying apparent mistakes in orders or intimations (like incorrect TDS credit, mathematical errors). It cannot be used to introduce new deduction claims or dispute legal interpretations.
13. How do I check notice status on the e-filing portal?
Log in to the income tax portal, go to 'Pending Actions' > 'e-Proceedings', where all active notices, show-cause letters, and response forms are listed.
14. Can I challenge a Section 148 reassessment notice in court?
Yes. If the procedural requirements (like not issuing a 148A notice, not providing sufficient time, or not obtaining prior higher authority approval) are violated, the taxpayer can file a writ petition in the High Court.
15. What is the penalty for underreporting or misreporting income?
Under Section 270A, the penalty for underreporting income is 50% of the tax payable, which rises to 200% of the tax payable if the underreporting is due to misreporting (undisclosed sources, fake invoices, etc.).