Startup India (DPIIT) Recognition
Secure DPIIT recognition so your venture can access tax holidays, tender relaxations and government startup schemes.
DPIIT recognition under the Startup India initiative is what converts the word "startup" from a description into a legal status. It is granted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, and it is the gateway to a set of concessions that are not otherwise available.
Recognition itself costs nothing and takes little time. The value lies in what it unlocks — particularly the income tax exemption, which is a separate application with a much higher bar.
What this costs
Registration
₹4,654 plus GST
- Business Consultation
- Pitch Deck
- Application filed with the department
- DPIIT Recognition
- Startup India Certificate
Eligibility
- Incorporated as a private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm
- Not more than ten years since incorporation
- Annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year since incorporation
- Working towards innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services
- Or a scalable business model with high potential for employment or wealth creation
- Not formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business
What recognition gives you
- Self-certification under nine labour and three environmental laws, with no inspection for a set period
- Fast-tracked patent and trademark applications, with a substantial rebate on patent fees
- Relaxation of prior turnover and experience criteria in government tenders
- Access to the Fund of Funds, through participating alternative investment funds
- A simpler winding-up process
- Eligibility to apply separately for income tax exemption under Sections 80-IAC and 56
The tax exemptions are separate, and harder
Recognition alone does not give you a tax holiday. Exemption under Section 80-IAC — three consecutive years of profits exempt out of the first ten — requires a further application to an inter-ministerial board, and approval rates are considerably lower than for recognition itself.
The Section 56 exemption, dealing with the so-called angel tax on share premium received above fair value, is a separate declaration with its own conditions on how the funds may be deployed.
How we handle it
- 1 Checking eligibility We test the entity against the age, turnover and structure criteria before anything is filed.
- 2 Framing the innovation case The written description is the substance of the application. We frame what makes the business innovative or scalable in the terms the department assesses.
- 3 Filing The application is filed on the Startup India portal with the supporting material.
- 4 Recognition certificate The DPIIT recognition number and certificate are issued and sent to you.
- 5 Tax exemption, where wanted Where you want the 80-IAC or Section 56 benefit, we prepare and file those separate applications.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee for DPIIT recognition?
No. The application is free. What you pay us is a professional fee for framing and filing it properly, since the written description is what the assessment turns on.
Does recognition mean I pay no tax?
No. Recognition and tax exemption are separate. The three-year exemption under Section 80-IAC requires a further application to an inter-ministerial board, and most applicants are not approved.
Can a proprietorship register?
No. Only a private limited company, LLP or registered partnership firm is eligible. A proprietorship would need to convert first.
How long does recognition last?
Up to ten years from incorporation, provided turnover stays within ₹100 crore. It lapses when either limit is crossed.
What is the angel tax exemption?
The exemption under Section 56 from tax on share premium received above fair market value. It is a separate declaration with conditions on how the money may be used.
What is not included. Government fees, statutory charges, stamp duty, court and registry fees, digital signature costs and any third-party professional charges are separate and payable at actuals. GST applies on professional fees where indicated. Prices shown are indicative and may change without notice; we confirm the total in writing before any work begins — see our terms on pricing.
Talk to us about Startup India (DPIIT) Recognition
Share your requirement and our team will confirm the documents needed, the exact charges and a realistic timeline — usually the same working day.
- Expert document checking before submission
- Regular status updates on WhatsApp
- Transparent professional charges
- Assistance in Marathi & English
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