Startup India: Eligibility, Tax Exemptions and Incentives

The DPIIT Tax Exemption under Section 80-IAC is a benefit provided to eligible startups in India as part of the Startup India initiative. This exemption allows startups to avail of a 100% tax deduction on profits for a specified period, thereby reducing their tax burden and allowing them to focus on business growth.

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What is Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act?

Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, 1961 is a provision introduced by the Indian government to promote entrepreneurship and innovation by offering income tax exemptions to eligible startups. This tax exemption allows startups to focus on growth and development by reducing their tax liabilities during the initial stages of their operations.

Eligibility for Section 80-IAC Exemption

Benefits of Section 80-IAC for Startups

  • It is simple to claim deductions under the Income Tax Act of 1961 Section 80-IAC. Startups don’t have to pay any government fees to file an uncomplicated online application. More startups are encouraged to take advantage of this tax exemption as a result of the ease with which the compliance procedure can be streamlined. 

  • For each of the three consecutive assessment years, the total of the deductions allowed by Section 80-IAC of the Income-tax Act, 1961 is 100% of the earnings and gains realised by the qualified business. 

  • Since there would be no tax due for that year, there is no need to pay advance tax. This section’s deductions enable entrepreneurs to address the tax burden they often face in their early stages of business. The act eases startup financial strain by lowering taxable income, allowing them to use resources more wisely.

 
 

Step-by-Step Process to Claim Deduction under Section 80IAC

The qualified assessee must apply for the certificate from the Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification to be able to claim the deduction under Section 80-IAC. The procedures for requesting the certificate are as follows:

Step 1: To begin with, you must sign into the Startup India website. You next need to apply for the DPIIT recognition certificate by going through the Startup India registration process step-by-step on the screen. 

 

Step 2: Choose “claim tax exemption” and provide the following information on the form:

 
  • Startup name

  • Nature of business (Limited Liability Partnership) or Private Limited Company)

  • Address and location 

  • Contact details (PAN, E-mail ID, and phone number of entity)

  • Incorporation/registration number

  • Date of incorporation

  • DIPP number

Step 3: A startup that chooses to take advantage of 80IAC deductions must provide the necessary paperwork in PDF format: 

  • Memorandum of association if PLC

  • Limited liability partnership deed if LLP

  • Board Resolution (if any)

  • Financial statements covering the last three years or every year since the company’s founding

  • Profit and loss statements and a balance sheet approved by CA

  • Filed income tax returns from the date of incorporation or for the previous three years

  • Provide a link to the startup’s video pitch and PDF pitch deck

 

If a startup additionally possesses an angel tax exemption certificate, it must submit that certificate along with the previously specified documentation. 

 

You must wait for approval after submitting the form for the section 80 IAC tax exemption. The department will review all of the documents and information you submitted as part of the procedure and deliver a suitable result. Because of this, it takes between three and nine months to receive an answer or clearance from the DPIIT. 

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