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).
Transfer Pricing Study & Documentation: 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. How do DTAA provisions and NRI tax compliance apply to income from Transfer Pricing Study & Documentation?
Under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA), NRIs can claim lower withholding tax (TDS) rates on income from Transfer Pricing Study & Documentation by submitting a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) and Form 10F online.
2. What are the reporting requirements for residents holding foreign assets related to Transfer Pricing Study & Documentation?
Resident taxpayers holding foreign shares, bank accounts, or investments related to Transfer Pricing Study & Documentation must disclose them in Schedule FA (Foreign Assets) of their ITR to avoid heavy Black Money Act penalties.
3. What is the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)?
DTAA is a bilateral treaty signed between India and a foreign country to prevent double taxation of the same income in both countries by capping withholding tax rates or providing tax credits.
4. What documents are mandatory to claim DTAA treaty benefits?
Taxpayers must submit: (1) A Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) issued by the tax authority of their country of residence. (2) Form 10F filled out online. (3) A valid Indian PAN.
5. Is interest earned on NRE and NRO accounts taxable?
Interest earned on NRE (Non-Resident External) and FCNB accounts is fully tax-free in India. Interest earned on NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) accounts is taxable at your slab rate, and subject to 30% TDS.
6. How does Form 10F work, and how is it filed?
Form 10F is a self-declaration filed by non-residents containing details like nationality, tax identification number, and address. It must be filed online on the Income Tax e-filing portal using a digital signature or net banking verification.
7. What is the TDS rate on payments made to NRIs?
TDS on payments to NRIs is governed by Section 195. It is deducted at the maximum rate applicable to the type of income (e.g. 30% on rent/NRO interest, 12.5% on long-term capital gains, 20% on dividends), subject to lower rates under DTAA.
8. Can an NRI claim the Section 87A tax rebate?
No. The Section 87A rebate (which makes tax zero up to ₹12 lakh under the New Regime) is only available to resident individuals. NRIs do not qualify for this rebate and must pay tax on taxable income exceeding basic limits.
9. Which ITR form should an NRI file for FY 2025-26?
NRIs must file ITR-2 (for capital gains, salary, or property income) or ITR-3 (if they have business/professional income). NRIs cannot file ITR-1 (Sahaj).
10. Do NRIs need to declare foreign bank accounts in their Indian ITR?
No. NRIs do not need to report foreign bank accounts, foreign stocks, or assets in Schedule FA. Only resident taxpayers are mandatory to report foreign assets.
11. What is Schedule FA and who must file it?
Schedule FA (Foreign Assets) is a mandatory schedule in ITR-2/ITR-3 for resident taxpayers. It requires reporting details of all foreign assets (shares, mutual funds, bank accounts, property) held at any time during the calendar year.
12. What is the penalty for failing to file Schedule FA?
Under the Black Money Act, resident taxpayers who fail to disclose foreign assets in Schedule FA or underreport value face a flat penalty of ₹10 lakh per year, plus interest and potential prosecution.
13. How do I claim Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) in India?
To claim credit for taxes paid in a foreign country on double-taxed income, you must file Form 67 online on the e-filing portal along with proof of tax payment/withholding before filing your ITR.
14. Are capital gains on Indian mutual funds taxable for NRIs?
Yes, capital gains are taxable for NRIs. Equity LTCG is taxed at 12.5% (>12 months), STCG at 20%. Debt mutual fund gains are taxed at slab rates. The fund house will deduct TDS on redemptions.
15. Can an NRI buy agricultural land in India?
Under FEMA regulations, an NRI or OCI cannot purchase agricultural land, plantation property, or farmhouse in India. They can, however, inherit such properties or buy commercial/residential properties.