Guide
Before you spend a rupee, know what you're getting into.
Setup costs, annual running costs, and what to prepare before you incorporate.
- Typical setup cost
- ₹21K – ₹55K
- Annual running cost
- ₹26K – ₹73K
Typical market ranges, not quotes. Government fees are fixed; professional fees vary by firm and city.
One-time setup costs
DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) — per director
Need one per director. Takes 2–3 days — arrange before meeting your CA.
₹2K – ₹3K
DIN (Director Identification Number)
Auto-generated via SPICe+ for up to 3 directors. Often free.
₹0 – ₹500
Name reservation (RUN)
Fixed government fee to reserve your company name on MCA portal.
₹1K
Stamp duty on MOA/AOA (Maharashtra)
One of the lower stamp duty states
₹1K – ₹2K
Government filing fees (SPICe+)
For authorised capital up to ₹10 lakhs. Higher for larger capital.
₹2K
Professional fees (CA/CS)
Basic incorporation service. Premium services with legal drafting go higher.
₹7K – ₹12K
Post-incorporation costs
Company letterhead design & printing
Must include CIN number. Needed before you can open a bank account.
₹2K – ₹5K
Company rubber stamp/seal
Not a legal requirement since 2015, but some banks still ask for one.
₹500 – ₹2K
Current account minimum balance
Varies by bank. Some offer zero-balance accounts for startups.
₹5K – ₹25K
GST registrationOptional
Free to register. ₹1,000–₹3,000 for CA assistance.
Free
DPIIT recognitionOptional
Completely free. Opens the way to a 3-year income tax holiday (approved separately), reduced patent and trademark fees, and Startup India Seed Fund support.
Free
Statutory registers
Registers the Companies Act requires you to keep — members, directors, and others.
₹1K – ₹3K
Trademark registration (per class)Optional
₹4,500 for DPIIT-recognised startups, ₹9,000 otherwise. Add ₹5,000–₹15,000 for professional help.
₹5K – ₹9K
Annual recurring costs
Statutory audit (Chartered Accountant)
Mandatory for all Pvt Ltd companies regardless of revenue.
₹10K – ₹25K
ITR-6 filing (Company Tax Return)
The company income tax return.
₹5K – ₹15K
ROC filings (AOC-4 + MGT-7)
Annual financial statements + annual return to ROC.
₹5K – ₹15K
TDS returns (4 quarters)
Required if you make payments to vendors, contractors, or employees above thresholds.
₹4K – ₹12K
DIR-3 KYC — per director
Per director.
₹500 – ₹1K
DSC renewal — per director
When the certificate expires.
₹800 – ₹2K
DPT-3 (Return of Deposits)
Filed by companies that have taken deposits or loans covered by the deposit rules.
₹1K – ₹3K
MSME-1 (if applicable)Optional
Only if you have MSME suppliers with payments outstanding >45 days.
₹1K – ₹3K