Startup India / DPIIT Recognition
DPIIT recognition is the gateway to the Startup India initiative. It unlocks a set of significant benefits for early-stage Pvt Ltd / LLPs: tax exemption u/s 80-IAC for 3 of 10 years, Section 56 exemption on share premium (no 'angel tax'), fast-track patent processing, and exemption from labour-law inspections.
What this filing does
DPIIT recognition is the gateway to the Startup India initiative. It unlocks a set of significant benefits for early-stage Pvt Ltd / LLPs: tax exemption u/s 80-IAC for 3 of 10 years, Section 56 exemption on share premium (no 'angel tax'), fast-track patent processing, and exemption from labour-law inspections.
We prepare the recognition application, write the supporting innovation/scalability narrative, and file it on the Startup India portal.
Common reasons founders file this
- Your entity is a Pvt Ltd or LLP, less than 10 years old, with turnover under ₹100 crore.
- You are working on innovation or improvement of products, processes, or services.
- You want to claim the 80-IAC tax exemption for 3 years.
- You are raising angel funding and want Section 56 exemption on share premium.
- An investor or government tender requires DPIIT recognition.
Documents we will need
Most of these you can scan or photograph from your phone. We list everything in your engagement letter so nothing is collected later as a surprise.
- Certificate of Incorporation (we have it on file if we incorporated you).
- PAN of the entity.
- Brief description of the product, service, or process — what's new about it.
- Pitch deck or product walkthrough (helps the recognition narrative).
- Names and roles of founders and key team.
- Website URL or app link, if any.
Stage by stage
- 01.
Briefing & narrative
Day 1–3We talk to you about your product or process and write the recognition narrative — the 'innovation/scalability' explanation that DPIIT actually reads.
- 02.
Application filed
Day 4Filed on the Startup India portal with all supporting documents.
- 03.
DPIIT review
Day 5–14DPIIT reviews and either grants recognition or asks for clarification. Clarifications are typically about the innovation narrative — we respond within 24 hours.
Our fee — from ₹3,500
Excludes any subsequent applications (80-IAC, Section 56) which are filed separately after recognition.
What you receive
- DPIIT Recognition certificate.
- Narrative kept on file for any subsequent benefit application.
- Note on 80-IAC and Section 56 follow-on filings, with timing.
Frequently asked
Is DPIIT recognition the same as the 80-IAC tax exemption?+
No — DPIIT recognition is the prerequisite. After recognition, you file a separate application to the Inter-Ministerial Board for 80-IAC tax exemption. The IMB approves only a subset of recognised startups (the ones it considers genuinely innovative). We can quote the IMB application separately.
What is 'angel tax' and how does Section 56 exemption work?+
Section 56(2)(viib) taxes share premium received above 'fair market value' as income for closely-held companies. DPIIT-recognised startups can claim exemption on premium received from accredited investors and Indian VCs by filing a self-declaration. This protects equity rounds from being taxed as income.
Are LLPs eligible?+
Yes. LLPs registered under the LLP Act, 2008 are eligible for DPIIT recognition and Section 56 exemption (the 80-IAC tax exemption is structured for both companies and LLPs).
What disqualifies a startup?+
Entities that are over 10 years old, have crossed ₹100 crore turnover in any year, or are formed by splitting up an existing business are not eligible. Trading-only businesses without any innovation angle struggle to clear the narrative review.
Begin your startup india / dpiit recognition.
The online form takes a few minutes. Save and resume anytime. No payment is taken until the full fee, including any pass-through items, has been shown alongside the engagement letter.