Statutory Registration Services

Q: Is GST registration mandatory for all businesses?

No — mandatory only if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh, for inter-state supplies, e-commerce operators, reverse charge payers, and other prescribed categories. Voluntary registration is available below threshold for ITC benefits.

Q: When must a business register for PF (EPFO)?

Mandatory from the date of reaching 20 employees. Employer contribution: 12% of basic + DA (3.67% to EPF, 8.33% to EPS). Employee contribution: 12% to EPF. Voluntary registration available below 20 employees.

Q: What is the difference between PTRC and PTEC?

PTRC: obtained by employers to deduct and remit professional tax from employee salaries. PTEC: obtained by individuals in profession/self-employment (proprietors, partners, directors) for their own professional tax. Both required by a proprietor who also employs staff.

Q: What is Udyam Registration and who is eligible?

MSME registration on udyamregistration.gov.in. Micro: investment ≤ ₹1 crore, turnover ≤ ₹5 crore. Small: ≤ ₹10 crore, ≤ ₹50 crore. Medium: ≤ ₹50 crore, ≤ ₹250 crore. Benefits: priority sector lending, government tenders, MSME Act payment protection.

Q: Is Shop and Establishment registration mandatory for all businesses?

Most states require registration for all commercial establishments — shops, offices, hotels, restaurants. Governs working hours, rest days, and employment conditions. Required by banks and landlords. Requirements, fees, and renewal vary by state.

All Mandatory Business Registrations Under Labour, Tax, and Regulatory Laws — Obtained Correctly and On Time

Starting and running a business in India requires obtaining a number of statutory registrations under various central and state laws — each triggered by different thresholds of turnover, employee count, or business activity. These registrations are legally mandatory and non-compliance attracts penalties, prosecution, and in some cases, business closure. Identifying which registrations apply to your business and obtaining them promptly is a critical part of business setup compliance.

Our statutory registration services cover the complete range of mandatory and commonly required business registrations — from GST and PAN through EPFO, ESIC, professional tax, MSME/Udyam, Shop Act, and import-export code. For related services, see our compliance services, OPC compliance, proprietorship compliance, and partnership compliance.

Our Statutory Registration Services

GST Registration

Registering for GST — mandatory if aggregate annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh in special category states) or for inter-state supplies regardless of turnover. Includes multi-state GST registration where required.

EPFO Registration (PF)

Registering with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation — mandatory for all establishments with 20 or more employees. Includes PF code allotment, ECR portal setup, and monthly contribution compliance.

ESIC Registration

Registering under the Employees' State Insurance Act — mandatory for establishments with 10 or more employees drawing wages below ₹21,000 per month. Includes ESIC code allotment and monthly return setup.

Professional Tax Registration

Obtaining PTRC (Professional Tax Registration Certificate) for the employer and PTEC (Professional Tax Enrolment Certificate) for the proprietor/partners — in states where professional tax applies.

MSME / Udyam Registration

Registering as a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise on the Udyam portal — providing access to priority lending, government tender preferences, and credit guarantee scheme benefits.

Shop & Establishment Registration

Registering under the applicable state Shops and Establishments Act — mandatory for most commercial premises and required by banks for current account opening and by most landlords.

Common Statutory Registrations and When They Apply

PAN — every business entity must obtain PAN; companies receive it through SPICe+; others apply online
TAN — required when TDS obligations arise; obtained with PAN for companies through SPICe+
GST — mandatory above ₹20 lakh turnover or for inter-state/e-commerce supplies; register before commencing taxable supplies
EPFO (PF) — mandatory from the date of reaching 20 employees; voluntary registration available before that
ESIC — mandatory from the date of reaching 10 employees with wages below ₹21,000; extends to all future employees
Professional Tax — applicable in Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and several other states
Import Export Code (IEC) — mandatory for any business importing or exporting goods or services from India

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GST registration mandatory for all businesses?

No. GST registration is mandatory only if: (a) aggregate annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (₹10 lakh for specified special category states); (b) the business makes inter-state taxable supplies regardless of turnover; (c) the business supplies through e-commerce platforms; (d) the business is liable to pay tax under reverse charge mechanism; or (e) certain other prescribed categories apply. Businesses below the threshold with only intra-state exempt supplies need not register. However, voluntary registration is available even below the threshold — useful for claiming input tax credit on purchases.

When must a business register for PF (EPFO)?

Every establishment employing 20 or more persons is mandatorily required to register with EPFO and contribute to the Employees' Provident Fund under the EPF & MP Act, 1952. Registration must be obtained from the date the establishment reaches 20 employees — and contributions must be made from that date. Establishments below 20 employees can voluntarily register. PF contribution is 12% of basic salary + DA from both employer and employee — employer also contributes 3.67% to EPF and 8.33% to EPS (Employee Pension Scheme).

What is the difference between PTRC and PTEC?

PTRC (Professional Tax Registration Certificate) is obtained by an employer — it authorises the employer to deduct professional tax from the salaries of employees and remit it to the state government. PTEC (Professional Tax Enrolment Certificate) is obtained by an individual engaged in a profession or self-employment — sole proprietors, partners, and directors must enrol and pay professional tax on their own professional income. An employer who is also a proprietor or partner needs both PTRC (for deducting employee PT) and PTEC (for their own PT). Applicable states include Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat, and others.

What is Udyam Registration and who is eligible?

Udyam Registration is the online registration process for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the Udyam portal (udyamregistration.gov.in). Eligibility is based on the enterprise's investment in plant and machinery/equipment and annual turnover: Micro (investment up to ₹1 crore and turnover up to ₹5 crore); Small (investment up to ₹10 crore and turnover up to ₹50 crore); and Medium (investment up to ₹50 crore and turnover up to ₹250 crore). Benefits include priority sector lending, government tender preferences, and protection under the MSME Act for delayed payments.

Is Shop and Establishment registration mandatory for all businesses?

Most states require every commercial establishment — including offices, shops, hotels, restaurants, and service establishments — to register under the applicable state Shop and Establishment Act. The registration governs working hours, rest days, overtime, employment conditions, and related matters. Registration is typically obtained from the local municipal authority or labour department. Banks and landlords generally require a Shop Act certificate as part of their documentation for current account opening or commercial lease agreements. Registration requirements, fees, and renewal timelines vary by state.