Staying on top of regulatory compliance is one of the biggest challenges for startups. Missing a deadline can mean penalties, prosecution, or even disqualification of directors. This month-by-month compliance calendar for 2026 covers all major regulatory deadlines that Indian startups (registered as private limited companies) need to track.
January – March (Q4 FY 2025-26)
January: GST monthly returns (GSTR-1 by 11th, GSTR-3B by 20th), TDS return for Q3 (by Jan 31), advance tax 3rd installment (by Dec 15 — ensure this was paid). February: GST monthly returns, board meeting (at least 1 per quarter required). March: GST monthly returns, advance tax 4th installment (by March 15), ensure all statutory registers are updated for year-end, plan for year-end closing of books, check if any DIR-3 KYC updates are pending.
April – June (Q1 FY 2026-27)
April: GST annual return GSTR-9 for FY 2024-25 (due by Dec 31 — verify completion), begin statutory audit process for FY 2025-26, first board meeting of the new quarter. May: GST monthly returns, TDS return for Q4 FY 2025-26 (by May 31), Form PAS-6 due for H2 (September-March) within 60 days — by May 30. June: GST monthly returns, advance tax 1st installment for FY 2026-27 (by June 15), begin preparation for AGM.
July – September (Q2 FY 2026-27)
July: GST monthly returns, FLA Return due by July 15 (for companies with FDI), TDS return for Q1 (by July 31), board meeting for the quarter. August: GST monthly returns, finalize statutory audit, prepare Board’s Report and Directors’ Report. September: Annual General Meeting (AGM) by September 30, advance tax 2nd installment (by September 15), DIR-3 KYC due by September 30 for all directors.
October – December (Q3 FY 2026-27)
October: Form AOC-4 (Financial Statements) due within 30 days of AGM, Income Tax Return due by October 31 (for companies requiring audit), TDS return for Q2 (by October 31), board meeting for the quarter. November: Form MGT-7/MGT-7A (Annual Return) due within 60 days of AGM, GST monthly returns, Form PAS-6 due for H1 (April-September) within 60 days — by November 29. December: GST monthly returns, GSTR-9 Annual Return due by December 31, advance tax 3rd installment (by December 15), plan for next year’s compliance calendar.
Ongoing Monthly Obligations
Throughout the year, startups must comply with: GST returns (GSTR-1 by 11th, GSTR-3B by 20th of each month), TDS deposit (by 7th of following month), PF and ESI contributions (by 15th of following month for companies with employees), professional tax as applicable by state, and maintaining statutory registers updated in real-time (Register of Members, Register of Directors, Register of Charges, etc.).
Pro Tips for Startups
Set up automated reminders for all deadlines at least 15 days in advance. Designate a compliance officer or engage a Company Secretary to track all filings. Create a shared compliance tracker accessible to founders and the finance team. Conduct quarterly compliance reviews with your CS/CA to identify any gaps. Remember that many penalties are per-day, so even short delays can become expensive quickly.
Want a customized compliance calendar for your startup? Reach out for a free consultation and we will help you set up a compliance framework from day one.