Starting without a founders' agreement
Roles, equity and exits are easy to agree early and painful to argue about later.
Free tools and know-how for founders in India.
Compare business structures, check your MSME category, test your readiness, plan your runway and keep track of compliance dates. Use them as often as you like.
Choose well
Which business structure suits you?
The structure you pick affects liability, funding and paperwork for years. Here is a plain comparison.
| Proprietorship | Partnership | LLP | One Person Co. | Private Limited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owners | 1 | 2 or more | 2 or more partners | 1 member plus a nominee | 2 or more directors and shareholders |
| Separate legal entity | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Owner liability | Unlimited | Unlimited | Limited to agreed contribution | Limited to share capital | Limited to share capital |
| Ongoing paperwork | Light | Light | Moderate | Moderate to high | Highest |
| Raising equity funding | Not possible | Not possible | Difficult | Difficult | Best suited |
| Often chosen for | Small trade or freelance work | Family or small partner-run firms | Professional and service firms | Solo founders who want limited liability | Startups and growth-focused companies |
A general guide only. The right choice also depends on tax, funding plans and your sector. We help you decide before you register.
Know your category
MSME category checker
Enter your plant and machinery or equipment investment and your annual turnover, in rupees crore.
Enter both values to see your category.Limits used: Micro up to 2.5 and 10, Small up to 25 and 100, Medium up to 125 and 500 (investment and turnover, Rs crore).
Based on the revised MSME classification that applies from 1 April 2025. Limits are set by the government and can change, so we confirm the current position before you register on Udyam.
Launch checklist
How ready is your business?
Tick what you have already done. Your score updates as you go.
Plan your cash
Runway calculator
How many months can your business run before cash runs out?
Enter your figures to see your runway.Runway = cash in hand divided by monthly net burn (expenses minus income).
Stay compliant
Compliance dates to keep in view
Common recurring dates for Indian businesses. Missing them can mean late fees, so put them in your calendar.
7thMonthly
Deposit TDS deducted in the previous month.
11thMonthly
GSTR-1, outward supplies, for regular monthly filers.
20thMonthly
GSTR-3B summary return and tax payment, for regular monthly filers.
30 SepYearly
Usual last date for a company's AGM, and DIR-3 KYC for directors.
30 OctYearly
LLP annual Form 8, statement of account and solvency.
31 OctYearly
Income tax return for companies and others not needing audit. Dates vary by case.
30 MayYearly
LLP annual Form 11, annual return.
Within 30 and 60 daysAfter AGM
Company filings AOC-4 (financial statements) and MGT-7 (annual return).
Indicative only. Due dates are changed by notification, differ by taxpayer type and can be extended. We confirm the dates that apply to you.
Learn early
Seven mistakes founders can avoid
Mixing personal and business money
A separate account keeps your books clean and makes funding and tax work simpler.
Choosing a structure by habit
Pick it for your funding and liability needs, not because a friend did.
Ignoring brand protection
Check the name before you spend on printing, a website and advertising.
Missing scheme benefits
Many founders never apply for support they qualify for. Check before you spend your own money.
Letting small filings slip
Late fees and notices add up. A simple calendar and a reminder avoid most of them.
Waiting too long to be visible online
Customers check you out before they call. A clear website and profile build trust.
Plain words
Glossary for first-time founders
Udyam registration
The government's online registration for micro, small and medium enterprises. It gives your business an MSME identity used for several schemes and benefits.
DPIIT recognition
Recognition as a startup under the Startup India initiative. It is the gateway to certain tax and other benefits, subject to eligibility.
ROC
The Registrar of Companies, the authority where companies and LLPs are registered and file their annual documents.
GSTIN
The 15-character GST identification number given to a registered taxpayer.
Collateral-free loan
A loan that does not need you to pledge property or assets, often backed by a government credit guarantee.
Burn rate
The amount of cash a business spends each month. Net burn is expenses minus income.
Cap table
A record of who owns how much of the company, including founders and investors.
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