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A Complete Tax Guide for Startups in India

A startup Tax guide for India provides information on tax exemptions, deductions and compliance that are applicable for eligible startups. Knowing about the income tax for startups in India can aid founders in structuring their tax liabilities and recognise the tax advantages they can avail from the Startup India initiative. 

Here are some of the tax-related benefits for eligible startups, including a 100% deduction under Section 80-IAC for three years, with certain conditions and approval criteria. This article discusses the 5 major tax benefits for startups in India such as Section 80-IAC tax holiday, provisions for carrying forward of losses, tax benefits for capital gains for investors and other applicable benefits. 

Also, there has been some significant modification in angel tax. The provisions of Section 56(2) (viib) the angel tax are not applicable from Assessment Year 2025-26. This change eliminates an important tax factor in regard to certain share issuances by closely held companies.  

What are startups?

A startup is a business that is created to pursue ideas of new products, processes or services or to run a scalable business model that can create employment and wealth. The existing DPIIT scheme allows an eligible startup to be identified for a maximum period of 10 years from the date of incorporation/registration. This time can be extended up to 20 years for recognised DeepTech startups.  

In case of regular start-ups, the turnover should not exceed ₹200 crore during any financial year from the date of incorporation. The applicable turnover limit for recognised DeepTech startups is ₹300 crore. The entity should also not be a result of the splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business.  

The entity should be in an eligible legal structure (in accordance with applicable recognition requirements) including a private limited company, a registered partnership firm, LLP or a cooperative society. There is a significance of the recognition by DPIIT as several benefits are provided under the Startup India framework which are subject to these recognitions.

Eligible startup

TThe term "eligible startup" can have different meanings depending on the tax provision being considered. The criteria for DPIIT recognition are broader than the conditions applicable specifically to the Section 80-IAC tax deduction.

The following table provides a quick comparison:

Criteria DPIIT-recognised startup Startup eligible for Section 80-IAC

Entity type

Private limited company, registered partnership firm, LLP or cooperative society

Private limited company or LLP

Incorporation period

Up to 10 years; 20 years for eligible DeepTech startups

Incorporated on or after 1 April 2016 and before 1 April 2030

Turnover limit

Up to ₹200 crore; ₹300 crore for DeepTech startups

₹100 crore

Innovation/business model

Innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable business model

Innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable business model

Existing business

Should not be formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business

Should not be formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business, subject to specified provisions

DPIIT recognition

Required for recognition under Startup India

Required

Additional approval

Recognition application through the prescribed process

Separate eligibility/application process for the tax deduction

 

The Section 80-IAC provisions allow an eligible startup to claim a 100% deduction of profits and gains for three consecutive assessment years out of the first ten years from incorporation or registration, provided all prescribed conditions are met.

Therefore, founders should distinguish between being a DPIIT-recognised startup and being eligible for a particular startup India tax exemption. DPIIT recognition is an important first step, but it does not by itself activate the Section 80-IAC deduction.

Taxation for Startups in India

Let us glance through the important tax regulations that govern eligible startups.

Tax Holiday: Any startup company incorporated in the period from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2022, extended to March 31, 2023, as per finance act 2022, is eligible for this benefit. It can avail itself of a 100% tax exemption on the profits earned for a block of three years in the first ten years of incorporation. It should have also not crossed Rs. 25 crores as turnover in any financial year reckoned above.

This provision called a tax holiday is provided to help them meet their working capital requirements in the initial years of incorporation.

Angel Tax: Domestic companies have to issue their shares at a fair market value. It is determined based on the net asset value or discounted cash flow determined by the respective merchant banker.

If the company receives investment from an angel investor or any other fund from residents in India, then the startup is liable to pay the Angel Tax.

Tax exemptions to Individuals/Hindu Undivided Family: According to the tax laws, any long-term capital gain made from the sale of a residential property invested on a startup will qualify for income tax exemption provided these conditions are met:

  1. The capital gain is used to subscribe to 50 per cent or more equity shares in the startup.

  2. The shares purchased are not transferred or sold out within five years since the acquisition.

  3. If the startup uses that share of money to purchase an asset, it cannot be transferred for five years since its purchase.

  4. It is a way to contribute towards business expansion and growth.

Exemption from Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG): According to the Income Tax Act, if long-term capital gain amounts are used to purchase shares in a registered and recognized startup within six months from the transfer of an asset, such amounts are considered for tax exemption.

The maximum amount that can be invested in the assets is Rs. 50 Lakh. The amount can be invested in a fund for three years. If the fund is withdrawn within three years, then the tax exemption is revoked.

Relaxation for set off and carry forward of losses incurred: The Income Tax Act provides for set-off and carries forward losses incurred in India's startup businesses. If the private company has a 50 per cent or more change in the shareholding set up of the company from the year of loss, then the set-off is denied. However, this condition is not for eligible startups incurring losses in the first seven years of incorporation. Instead, it is provided, the shareholders hold their respective shares in the company in the year of loss and continue next year to set off.

Relaxation in the taxation of Employee Stock Options (ESOP) for the startups’ employees: If the eligible startup issues ESOP to the employees on or after April 1, 2020, there is a tax deduction applicable, however as per the finance act the same has been deferred subject to fulfilment of conditions.

These tax benefits, along with other incentives, have nurtured the growth prospects in startups. Some of the prominent provisions are:

  • Easy steps to register a startup,

  • Simple patent application and easy tracking process to support innovation,

  • Relaxed norms for External Commercial Borrowing, and

  • Access to funds through Alternate Investment Funds.

Startups can insist the employees purchase a life insurance policy with term insurance benefits to protect their family's financial security and get tax benefits on their income.

TATA AIA's Life Insurance term plan returns are quite attractive, and TATA AIA Life Insurance online provides an easy approach to insurance purchases. Employers can also check out the group term insurance plans from Tata AIA Life.

Conclusion

Having seen the eligibility criteria for a startup, tax implications and benefits, we must abide by the regulations to have a smooth growth pattern.

Tax benefits ensure government support to enhance the growth prospects. Learn the provisions in detail and incorporate them to save tax in India. Ensure success when you have a distinct pathway towards innovation and moral purpose.

Key Takeaways

  • Eligible startups can claim a 100% tax deduction for three years under Section 80-IAC.
  • DPIIT-recognised startups may access tax benefits, investment incentives, and compliance-related relaxations
  • Understanding startup tax provisions helps optimise tax savings and support long-term business growth

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1.

What is the Section 80-IAC tax exemption for startups?

Eligible startups can claim a 100% deduction on profits for 3 consecutive assessment years out of 10 years, subject to prescribed conditions. 

2.

Is angel tax still applicable to startups in India?

No. Section 56(2) (viib), commonly known as angel tax, is no longer applicable from Assessment Year 2025-26.

3.

How do startups get DPIIT recognition in India?

Startups can apply for DPIIT recognition through the Startup India portal by submitting incorporation and business-related details and required documents.

4.

What is Section 80-IAC for startups?

Section 80-IAC provides eligible startups with a 100% profit deduction for three consecutive assessment years within the first ten years of incorporation. 

5.

How do startups get DPIIT recognition?

The startup must apply through the prescribed Startup India process and meet the applicable eligibility criteria for recognition.

6.

Do startups have to pay income tax in India?

Yes, startups are generally liable to pay income tax on taxable profits. However, eligible startups may claim specific deductions or exemptions subject to conditions.

7.

What is the eligibility for startup India tax exemption?

Eligibility depends on the relevant tax benefit. For Section 80-IAC, the startup must meet prescribed conditions, including DPIIT recognition and other requirements.

8.

How to claim 80-IAC tax exemption step by step?

Obtain DPIIT recognition, satisfy Section 80-IAC conditions, complete the required certification/approval process, and claim the deduction while filing the applicable income tax return.

 

  • This blog is for information and illustrative purposes only and does not purport to any financial or investment services and do not offer or form part of any offer or recommendation. The information is not and should not be regarded as investment advice or as a recommendation regarding any particular security or course of action.

  • Every effort is made to ensure that all information contained in this blog is accurate at the date of publication, however, the Tata AIA Life shall not have any liability for any damages of any kind (including but not limited to errors and omissions) whatsoever relating to this material.