Startup Tax Holiday Certificate (Section 140 / 80-IAC).
A recognised start-up can deduct the profits of its eligible business for any three consecutive years out of its first ten, but only with a certificate of eligible business from the Inter-Ministerial Board (IMB). The deduction sat in section 80-IAC of the Income-tax Act, 1961 and is now section 140 of the Income-tax Act, 2025. We prepare the IMB application and help you claim the deduction correctly.
Typically 1–2 weeks to prepare once documents are ready; the Inter-Ministerial Board's review then usually runs to several weeks and can include rounds of clarification.
A partner — a chartered accountant or company secretary — from the first call to sign-off.
Based on your situation, and fixed in writing before any work starts.
Is this for you?
- DPIIT-recognised private limited companies and LLPs incorporated on or after 1 April 2016 and before 1 April 2030.
- Start-ups approaching profitability that want to plan which three years to claim.
- Companies whose earlier IMB application was rejected or returned for more information.
What you receive at the end.
- 01Eligibility and year-selection note
- 02IMB application with supporting write-up
- 03Responses to IMB clarifications
- 04Certificate of eligible business, if granted
- 05Checklist for claiming the deduction in the return, including the audit report
Startup Tax Holiday Certificate (Section 140 / 80-IAC), step by step.
Typically 1–2 weeks to prepare once documents are ready; the Inter-Ministerial Board's review then usually runs to several weeks and can include rounds of clarification.
- 1
Eligibility check
We confirm DPIIT recognition, entity type and incorporation date, and that the business is not a split-up or reconstruction or built on previously used plant and machinery beyond the permitted limit.
- 2
Application drafting
We prepare the IMB application on the Startup India portal, explaining the innovation and scalability of the business with supporting evidence.
- 3
Supporting documents
We compile the constitution documents, board resolution, and the financial statements and income-tax returns filed so far.
- 4
Board review
We track the application and respond to the Board's clarifications until it reaches a decision.
- 5
Claiming the deduction
If certified, we help you choose the three years and check the turnover limit for each claim year. We also make sure the accounts are audited and the audit report filed by the specified date, which section 140 makes a condition of the deduction.
What we need from you.
Don't have everything yet? We send a short checklist after the first call and work with what you have.
- DPIIT recognition certificate
- Memorandum and articles of association, or LLP agreement
- Board or partners' resolution authorising the application
- Audited financial statements and income-tax returns for up to the last three years
- Description of the product or process, with evidence of innovation such as patents, product documents or customer traction
- Details of plant and machinery and where it came from, where relevant
The fee depends on your situation. After a short call, the partner who will do the work tells you what's involved and gives you a fixed fee in writing — before any work begins.
- Government fees and statutory charges are billed at actuals.
- When you pay — upfront, in stages or on completion — is agreed in writing with the fee.
Questions about Startup Tax Holiday Certificate (Section 140 / 80-IAC).
Ready to discuss Startup Tax Holiday Certificate (Section 140 / 80-IAC)?
30-minute confidential call — no proposal, no commitment. A partner will write back within one business day.