INC-20A Filing - Commencement of Business Certificate
File INC-20A with the ROC and get your company operations running legally, fast.
If your company was incorporated on or after November 2, 2018, you can't open bank accounts for business, borrow money, or start trading until you've filed Form INC-20A. It's a legal requirement, not optional, and the clock starts ticking from the day your company was incorporated.
Legalxindia handles the entire INC-20A filing process online, with expert CA and CS support, at just ₹1,499
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Table of Contents
- What is INC-20A and Why Does It Matter
- The Real Cost of Not Filing INC-20A
- How Legalxindia's INC-20A Filing Service Works
- Our Simple 4-Step Filing Process
- INC-20A Filing at a Glance
- Investment and Pricing
- This Service Is Right for You If
- Common Questions About INC-20A Filing
- Ready to Start Your Company Operations Legally
- Related Services
What is INC-20A and Why Does It Matter
a lot of newly incorporated companies think the hard part is over once they receive their Certificate of Incorporation. It isn't.
The Companies Act, 2013, specifically Section 10A, introduced a critical compliance step for every company with share capital that was incorporated on or after November 2, 2018. That step is filing Form INC-20A, also known as the Declaration for Commencement of Business.
Until this form is filed with the Registrar of Companies (ROC), your company legally can't:
- Commence any business operations or exercise borrowing powers
- Take on clients or sign commercial contracts in the company's name
- Make any financial transactions related to business activities
- Exercise the rights to call paid-up share capital from shareholders
Basically, your company exists on paper but isn't allowed to function in the real world. That's why this filing matters so much.
The Legal Basis for INC-20A
Section 10A of the Companies Act, 2013, was inserted by the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, which came into force on November 2, 2018. The accompanying rule is Rule 23A of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.
Together, these provisions say that a company incorporated with a share capital can't start business or exercise borrowing powers unless each subscriber to the memorandum of association has paid up the value of the shares they agreed to take, and there's a catch: the company must declare this payment to the ROC by filing INC-20A within 180 days of the date of incorporation.
That 180-day deadline is firm. Miss it and the penalties kick in immediately.
Who Must File INC-20A
Not every company needs to file this form. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Company Type | Required to File INC-20A? |
|---|---|
| Private Limited Company (incorporated after Nov 2, 2018) | Yes |
| Public Limited Company (incorporated after Nov 2, 2018) | Yes |
| One Person Company (incorporated after Nov 2, 2018) | Yes |
| Company incorporated before Nov 2, 2018 | No |
| LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) | No |
| Section 8 Company (Non-Profit) | No (exempt) |
So if you've recently registered a Private Limited Company, a Public Limited Company, or a One Person Company, you almost certainly need to file INC-20A. Don't skip it.
The Real Cost of Not Filing INC-20A
Let's be direct about this: skipping or delaying your INC-20A filing isn't just a paperwork problem. It's a legal and financial liability that could hurt your company, your directors, and your business operations severely.
Penalties You Could Face
The Companies Act is specific about what happens when you don't file on time. Here's the penalty structure in 2026:
| Who Gets Penalised | Penalty Amount |
|---|---|
| The Company | ₹50,000 (one-time) |
| Each Director/Officer in Default | ₹1,000 per day of default |
Think about what that means. If you're 30 days late, each defaulting director is personally looking at ₹30,000 in penalties. At 60 days late, that's ₹60,000 per director, and the company still owes ₹50,000 on top of that.
It adds up fast, and that's not all. There's also the risk of the ROC taking action to strike off your company from the register under Section 248 of the Companies Act if non-compliance continues. That means your company could be dissolved before it even properly started.
Operational Restrictions Until You File
Beyond the financial penalties, the practical consequences of not filing are just as painful:
- You can't legally conduct any business in your company's name
- Your company can't borrow money from banks or financial institutions
- You can't call on your shareholders to pay up their share capital
- Contracts signed on behalf of the company may be legally questionable
- Investors and banks will flag the non-compliance during due diligence
Real talk: every day you wait costs you more than just money. It costs you opportunities.
The fix? File your INC-20A as soon as possible. Legalxindia can get it done in 3-5 working days.
How Legalxindia's INC-20A Filing Service Works
You shouldn't have to spend hours figuring out MCA portals, filling forms incorrectly, or risking rejection because of a technical error. That's what Legalxindia is here for.
The service is 100% online. You don't need to visit any office or government department. Everything happens through Legalxindia's platform with direct support from qualified Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries.
What's Included in the Service
At ₹1,499, here's exactly what you get:
- Expert review of your incorporation documents to confirm eligibility
- Preparation of Form INC-20A with accurate data
- Verification that the paid-up capital is correctly reflected in your bank statement
- Digital signature coordination (if required)
- Filing of Form INC-20A on the MCA portal by a professional CA or CS
- Follow-up with the ROC until your form is approved
- Delivery of the approved INC-20A acknowledgment to you
- Expert callback within 30 minutes of submitting your inquiry
No surprises. No hidden charges. Transparent pricing from the start.
Documents You'll Need
The document list for INC-20A filing is short. Here's what you'll need to arrange:
| Document | Why It's Needed |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Incorporation | To confirm incorporation date and CIN |
| Bank Account Statement of Company | Must show the deposit of paid-up capital from each subscriber |
| Memorandum of Association (MOA) | To verify subscriber details and share amounts |
| Articles of Association (AOA) | Supporting company documentation |
| DSC of a Director | Required for signing and submitting the form on MCA |
The bank statement is the most critical document here. It must clearly show that the paid-up share capital has been deposited into the company's bank account by each subscriber listed in the MOA. Without this, the filing won't go through.
Pro tip: Open your company's current bank account immediately after incorporation and have all subscribers transfer their share capital amounts as soon as possible. This makes the INC-20A filing process faster and cleaner.
Not sure if your bank statement is in the right format? Legalxindia's experts will review it for you before filing. That's part of the service.
Our Simple 4-Step Filing Process
Legalxindia has handled thousands of INC-20A filings. The process is straightforward, low-effort for you, and designed to avoid delays or rejections.
- Step 1: Submit Your Details and Documents
Fill in the quick online form on Legalxindia's website. Upload your Certificate of Incorporation, bank statement showing paid-up capital, and DSC details. You'll get an expert callback within 30 minutes to confirm everything looks good.
- Step 2: Expert Review and Preparation
A qualified CA or CS from Legalxindia's team reviews your documents carefully. They check that your bank statement shows the correct capital amounts for each subscriber and prepare Form INC-20A with accurate information. If anything is missing or needs correction, they'll let you know right away.
- Step 3: Filing on MCA Portal
Once everything's verified and signed, your Legalxindia CA/CS files the form directly on the MCA V3 portal. You don't need to create an account, figure out the portal, or deal with any technical issues. It's all handled for you.
- Step 4: Approval and Delivery
The ROC processes the filing and issues the acknowledgment for your INC-20A. Legalxindia tracks the status and delivers the final approved document to you digitally. Processing typically takes 3-5 working days from submission.
That's it. Four steps, no government office visits, no confusion about which form goes where.
INC-20A Filing at a Glance
Here's a quick reference table with everything you need to know about the INC-20A requirement in 2026:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Form Name | INC-20A (Declaration for Commencement of Business) |
| Applicable Law | Section 10A, Companies Act, 2013 |
| Who Must File | Companies with share capital, incorporated on/after Nov 2, 2018 |
| Filing Deadline | Within 180 days of the date of incorporation |
| Where to File | MCA V3 portal (Registrar of Companies) |
| Key Document Required | Bank statement showing paid-up capital deposit |
| Company Penalty (Late Filing) | ₹50,000 |
| Director Penalty (Late Filing) | ₹1,000 per day per defaulting director |
| Processing Time with Legalxindia | 3-5 working days |
| Legalxindia Service Fee | ₹1,499 (all-inclusive) |
| Mode of Filing | 100% online |
Keep this table handy. If someone on your team asks about the INC-20A requirement, share it with them.
Investment and Pricing
Let's talk numbers.
Legalxindia's INC-20A filing service is priced at ₹1,499
| Service | What's Included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| INC-20A Filing | Document review, form preparation, MCA filing, ROC follow-up, acknowledgment delivery, expert CA/CS support, 30-min callback | ₹1,499 |
Think about the alternative. If you miss the 180-day deadline by even 30 days, you're looking at ₹50,000 in company penalty plus ₹30,000 per director. That's ₹80,000 or more in penalties for a filing that costs ₹1,499 to get done right.
Honestly, the math is simple.
Legalxindia doesn't believe in surprise charges. The ₹1,499 covers everything. You won't get an invoice halfway through the process asking for more money.
Get Started for ₹1,499
This Service Is Right for You If
Legalxindia's INC-20A filing service is built for a specific kind of client. Here's how to know if that's you:
- Your company was incorporated on or after November 2, 2018
- You've received your Certificate of Incorporation but haven't yet filed INC-20A
- You're approaching the 180-day deadline and need to act fast
- You've already opened your company's bank account and your subscribers have deposited their share capital
- You want a qualified CA or CS to handle the MCA filing for you, not figure it out yourself
- You want transparent, fixed pricing with no hidden fees
- You need the process done quickly, without visiting any government office
If even one or two of those points sounds like your situation, you're in the right place, and if your company already crossed the 180-day deadline without filing, don't panic. Legalxindia can still help you file now, manage the penalty situation, and get your company back into good standing. Reach out and explain your situation during the free consultation call.
Common Questions About INC-20A Filing
What exactly is Form INC-20A?
Form INC-20A is a declaration filed with the Registrar of Companies under Section 10A of the Companies Act, 2013. It's filed by a director of the company to declare that every subscriber to the memorandum of association has paid up the value of shares they agreed to take. Once filed and accepted, the company receives its commencement of business certificate, which allows it to legally start operations and exercise borrowing powers.
Is every newly incorporated company required to file INC-20A?
Not every company, but most of them are. Any company incorporated with share capital on or after November 2, 2018, must file INC-20A. This includes Private Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, and One Person Companies. Companies incorporated before November 2, 2018, are not required to file. LLPs and Section 8 Companies are also exempt.
What's the deadline for filing INC-20A?
You must file Form INC-20A within 180 days from the date of incorporation. Missing this deadline triggers automatic penalties for both the company and its directors, so don't wait. If you're close to the 180-day mark, contact Legalxindia today. With a 3-5 working day processing time, there's still time to file and avoid penalties if you act quickly.
What happens if we miss the 180-day deadline?
The penalties are significant. The company faces a ₹50,000 fine. Each director or officer in default is penalised ₹1,000 for every day the default continues. If non-compliance persists, the ROC can also initiate proceedings to strike off the company from the register under Section 248 of the Companies Act. Filing late is much better than not filing at all, though. Legalxindia can help you file even after the deadline.
What is the most important document needed for INC-20A filing?
The company's bank account statement is the most critical document. It must clearly show that the paid-up share capital, as committed by each subscriber in the memorandum of association, has been deposited into the company's bank account. The bank statement must be recent and clearly reflect these transactions. Without this proof of capital deposit, the form won't be accepted by the ROC.
Can Legalxindia file INC-20A if I haven't opened a company bank account yet?
No, and this is important: you must open a current bank account in your company's name before you can file INC-20A. All subscribers listed in your MOA need to deposit their respective share capital amounts into that account. The bank statement proving this deposit is a mandatory requirement for the filing. Legalxindia recommends opening your company bank account immediately after receiving your Certificate of Incorporation so there's no last-minute rush.
How long does the filing process take with Legalxindia?
Once you submit your documents and make payment, Legalxindia's team reviews and prepares your INC-20A filing within 1-2 working days. The actual ROC processing typically takes another 2-3 working days, making the total process around 3-5 working days. Timelines may vary slightly based on government processing speeds and how quickly you can provide the required documents.
What does Legalxindia's ₹1,499 fee include?
The ₹1,499 fee covers document review by a qualified CA or CS, preparation of Form INC-20A, digital signing, filing on the MCA V3 portal, follow-up with the ROC, and delivery of your approved INC-20A acknowledgment. It also includes the expert consultation call within 30 minutes of you submitting your inquiry. There are no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.
Do I need a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) to file INC-20A?
Yes. Form INC-20A must be digitally signed by a director of the company. If you already have a valid DSC, Legalxindia's team will coordinate with you to use it for signing. If you need help obtaining or renewing your DSC, the team can guide you through that as well. Having an active director DSC before starting the filing process speeds things up considerably.
Can a company start operations before INC-20A is filed?
No. Section 10A of the Companies Act, 2013, is clear on this: a company incorporated with share capital cannot commence any business or exercise any borrowing powers until Form INC-20A has been filed and accepted by the ROC. Starting operations before this filing is technically illegal and puts the company and its directors at personal legal and financial risk. File first, operate after.
Ready to Start Your Company Operations Legally
Your company is incorporated. Now it's time to make it fully operational.
Filing INC-20A isn't complicated when you've got the right support. Legalxindia's team of qualified CAs and CSs will handle the entire process for you, from document review to final approval, all for ₹1,499 with no hidden fees.
The 180-day deadline waits for no one, and every day of delay after the deadline costs your directors ₹1,000 each.
Here's what you get when you choose Legalxindia:
- Expert callback within 30 minutes
- 100% online process, no office visits needed
- Qualified CA/CS handling your filing
- 3-5 working day processing time
- Transparent ₹1,499 pricing, all-inclusive
- Trusted by 50,000+ happy clients
Don't wait until you're staring down a penalty notice.
Get Started with Legalxindia Now
Or call us at +91-9635685435
Related Services
While you're getting your INC-20A sorted, you might also need these compliance services to keep your company fully legal and on track in 2026:
- Annual ROC Filing: File your annual returns and financial statements with the Registrar of Companies on time.
- Director KYC (DIR-3 KYC): Keep your directors' KYC details updated with the MCA to avoid DIN deactivation.
- GST Registration: Get your GSTIN so your company can collect and pay GST on its supplies.
- Private Limited Company Registration: Not incorporated yet? Legalxindia handles the full registration process end-to-end.
- MSME/Udyam Registration: Get your business registered as an MSME to access government benefits and easier credit.
- Income Tax Filing: File your company's income tax returns accurately and on time with professional support.
- Accounting and Bookkeeping: Keep your company's financial records clean and compliant from day one.
- TDS Return Filing: Meet your TDS obligations and avoid interest and penalties with expert assistance.
Legalxindia is a one-stop platform for all your business registration, compliance, and legal documentation needs. Whether you're just starting out or growing fast, the team is equipped to support you at every stage.