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Startup tax holiday certificate from the Inter-Ministerial Board, Sec 80-IAC (Sec 140, Income-tax Act 2025)
What this means, checked by a CA
This is the separate certificate that lets a recognised startup company or LLP pay no regular income tax on its business profits for any 3 consecutive years out of its first 10. We check eligibility, build the scored application with financials, CA certificates and evidence of innovation, jobs and funding, file it on Startup India and handle Board queries.
₹4,999
One time, + 18% GST
- Delivered in 5 to 7 working days to prepare after documents; IMB decision reported at about 120 days for complete applications, practitioners see 3 to 12 months
- Due: Any time after DPIIT recognition and before the first tax year of the chosen 3-year block; the certificate must be held when the deduction is claimed
How we do it: IDFD
Every case runs through the same four steps: Information, Discussion, Forms, Deliverables. You see each one ticked as it happens.
InformationWhat we need from you · 10 items
DPIIT recognition certificate
Precondition for applying
MoA or LLP deed
Uploaded in Step 1
Board or partners resolution
Approves the application
Shareholding pattern with DIN or DPIN
Ownership and control check
Audited financial statements and ITR acknowledgements
Scored on revenue, growth, profit
CA certificates on formation and scalability
No split or reconstruction
Pitch deck, website and video link
Video link is mandatory
HR declaration and employee data
Scored on jobs and diversity
IPR, awards and funding proofOptional
Scored on innovation and funding
Credit rating, if anyOptional
Optional scorecard item
DiscussionWhat we discuss · 6 items
Company or LLP, and date of incorporation?
Must be between 1 Apr 2016 and 31 Mar 2030
Has the company opted, or does it plan to opt, for Sec 200 (old Sec 115BAA)?
Sec 200 (old 115BAA) blocks this deduction
Which 3 consecutive years are likely to be profitable?
Choose the block that saves most tax
Turnover now and projected in the claim years?
Turnover cap in each claim year
Was any old business, machinery or team moved in?
Split, reconstruction or 20% machinery test
What IP, awards, funding and hiring can you prove?
These drive the IMB score
FormsForms we file · 7 items
Eligibility and tax planning note: entity, incorporation window, turnover cap, Sec 200 (old Sec 115BAA) status, likely 3-year block, MAT or AMT still payable
Tax saved = normal tax on eligible profits in the 3 years minus MAT (company) or AMT (LLP) still payable
Where: Internal working. Due: Before filing
Collect CA certificates (formation and scalability), HR declarations in portal formats and funding proofs
Where: Formats on the Startup India 80-IAC form. Due: Before filing
Startup India login > Claim tax exemption (Sec 140, old Sec 80-IAC) > Step 1 documents and details, Step 2 verify pre-filled recognition data
Where: https://www.startupindia.gov.in. Due: After DPIIT recognition
Step 3 and 4: fill the scorecard (accounts, CA certification, credit rating, innovation, wealth creation, employment) and upload evidence
Where: https://www.startupindia.gov.in. Due: Same application
Step 5: declarations by board resolution or CA-attested declaration, submit and note reference
Where: https://www.startupindia.gov.in. Due: Same application
Reply to clarifications logged in the application; track Application Status
Where: https://www.startupindia.gov.in. Due: Within the time given in the query
If rejected or deferred, refine the case and resubmit
Where: https://www.startupindia.gov.in. Due: After IMB decision
DeliverablesWhat you get · 3 items
IMB certificate of eligible business
When: About 120 days after a complete application, often longer
3-year block and MAT or AMT plan
When: With the application
Application pack and evidence index
When: On filing
Questions people ask
Can a partnership or proprietorship get the tax holiday?
No. Only private limited companies and LLPs can apply for the certificate.
Which years can we choose?
Any 3 consecutive tax years out of the first 10 years from incorporation.
Our company was formed in 2027. Are we eligible?
Yes, if incorporated before 1 April 2030 and other conditions are met.
How long does approval take?
DPIIT said complete applications are assessed within 120 days under the revised framework; practitioners report 3 to 12 months.
Is the section still 80-IAC?
From tax year 2026-27 the deduction is in Sec 140 of the Income-tax Act 2025; 80-IAC governs earlier years.
Do we pay any tax in the holiday years?
Yes. MAT for companies or AMT for LLPs still applies.
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