Businesses, professionals and charitable organisations face different registration, reporting and advisory obligations depending on their legal structure, activities, location and turnover. This guide brings together the services listed by Businesswonder.com and explains the main legal frameworks that may apply.
Important: GST has largely replaced service tax and VAT for most transactions. Older service-tax, sales-tax and excise matters may still involve assessments, appeals and record reconciliation. Eligibility, statutory deadlines and professional authorisations should be checked against the latest applicable law and notifications.
Business Formation and Registration
Company and entity formation involves registration under the applicable law. Partnerships are governed by the Indian Partnership Act, 1932; limited liability partnerships by the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008; and companies, including not-for-profit Section 8 companies, by the Companies Act, 2013. Trust and society registration depends on the relevant state law and the applicable registration framework.
Accounting and Income Tax
Accounting, income-tax returns, tax deducted at source (TDS), assessments and appeals require attention to statutory records and prescribed deadlines. The Income-tax Act, 1961 and relevant rules govern filings and proceedings for periods to which they apply. Charitable entities may seek registration under sections 12A and 12AB and approval under section 80G, subject to eligibility and conditions.
GST, VAT and Sales Tax
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework generally replaced state VAT and central sales tax for most goods and services from 1 July 2017. The Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 govern core GST obligations. State VAT and the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 continue to be relevant for specified goods outside GST and for legacy assessments and disputes.
Central Excise and Legacy Service Tax
Central excise continues for specified products under applicable law. Service tax registration and return filing are historical services for periods before GST implementation; legacy notices, appeals and reconciliations may still require professional support. New service suppliers ordinarily assess GST registration and compliance rather than apply for fresh service tax registration.
ESIC and Provident Fund
Employee social-security compliance may arise under the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948 and Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, subject to coverage thresholds, notifications and the applicable transition to labour codes. Employers should confirm current registration, contribution and reporting requirements with the responsible authorities.
Registrar of Companies and Corporate Compliance
The Companies Act, 2013 governs annual filings, registered-office changes, company names, alterations to objects, director identification numbers and other corporate compliance. Applicable MCA forms, approvals and time limits vary by transaction.
Investment Advisory and Tax Planning
Investment advice and related financial services can be regulated, including under the SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013. Regulated investment advice should be provided only by appropriately registered or otherwise legally authorised persons. Wealth tax has been abolished for assessment years beginning on or after 1 April 2016; older disputes may remain relevant.
Legal Advisory and Documentation
Legal support can cover civil, criminal, family, corporate, intellectual-property, consumer, cooperative-society, trust and drafting matters. Representation and reserved professional activities must be performed by duly authorised practitioners under applicable law.
Official Government and Regulatory Resources
Use the following official portals to verify applicable legislation, forms, procedures and notifications.
Enquire About Professional Services
For service-related enquiries, email Contact@businesswonder.com. The appropriate scope of work depends on the facts of each case and applicable professional regulations.