FORM-20A: Declaration of Commencement of Business – File Easily with SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra
Introduction
Starting a new company is an exciting step, but it comes with important legal responsibilities you can’t ignore. At SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, we make the process simple, fast, and affordable. One of the most critical requirements after incorporation is filing Form-20A, also known as the Declaration of Commencement of Business. This document informs the Registrar of Companies (ROC) that your company has officially begun its operations, as required by the Companies Act, 2013. Filing Form-20A on time is not just a formality—it’s your company’s first step in proving its commitment to compliance and responsible business conduct.
Failing to comply can result in heavy daily penalties and even lead to restrictions on your company’s activities. But don’t worry—our experts at SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra handle the entire process for you, saving you time and avoiding costly mistakes. Whether you’re a startup, private limited company, or LLP, we make it easy to meet all legal requirements without hassle.
What is Form-20A?
Form-20A is a statutory declaration filed by the directors of a newly incorporated company under the Companies Act, 2013. It confirms to the ROC that the company has received its subscription money from shareholders and has started business operations. This declaration must be filed within 180 days of incorporation, and it’s essential for companies planning to issue shares or begin transactions.
The requirement was introduced to prevent shell companies and ensure only legitimate businesses operate. Companies that fail to file Form-20A on time are considered non-compliant, which can lead to severe penalties, disqualification of directors, or even removal from the register of companies.
Purpose of Filing Form-20A
The primary purpose of Form-20A is to:
- Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, 2013: It’s a statutory requirement under Section 10A of the Act.
- Confirm that the company has started business activities: The ROC uses this information to verify the genuineness of the company’s operations.
- Protect stakeholders: By confirming that a company is active and genuine, it boosts investor and client confidence.
- Prevent misuse of incorporation process: Discourages incorporation of shell companies intended for illegal activities.
At SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, we help you understand the purpose clearly and guide you through filing accurately to avoid unnecessary complications.
Who Must File Form-20A?
Every company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, must file Form-20A, except:
- One Person Companies (OPCs) and certain Private Limited Companies: OPCs with specific exemptions do not need to file.
- Section 8 Companies: Companies registered for charitable or non-profit objectives.
- Companies incorporated under FEMA: Foreign companies or subsidiaries covered under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
All other newly formed companies, including private limited and public limited companies, must file Form-20A to remain compliant.
Detailed Contents of Form-20A
Form-20A requires you to submit the following details:
- Company Name & Registered Address: Accurately mention as per the incorporation certificate.
- Date of Commencement of Business: The exact date your company started transactions.
- Declaration of Compliance: A statement confirming adherence to all legal requirements under the Companies Act, 2013.
- Details of Subscribers: Confirmation that initial subscribers have paid for their shares.
- Digital Signatures: The form must be digitally signed by two directors of the company or by a director and the company secretary, if available.
Missing or inaccurate details can lead to rejection or delay of your form, making professional assistance essential.
Documents Required for Form-20A Filing
To file Form-20A successfully with SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, you’ll need:
- Copy of Incorporation Certificate
- Bank Statement/Passbook showing the credit of subscription money from shareholders
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of at least one director (two recommended for quick approval)
- PAN Card and Address Proof of directors
We meticulously check every document to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance before submission, so you don’t have to worry about rejections or penalties.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Filing Form-20A within 180 days of incorporation isn’t optional—it’s a legal mandate. Missing the deadline triggers severe penalties that can quickly escalate. The Companies Act, 2013 imposes a fine of ₹5,000 per day of delay, capped at a maximum of ₹1 lakh. This means even a short delay can result in significant financial burden on your startup or small business.
What’s worse, continuous non-compliance doesn’t just lead to monetary penalties. If a company still fails to file Form-20A after repeated notices, the ROC can strike the company’s name off the register, effectively shutting it down. Directors may also face disqualification, barring them from holding office in other companies.
At SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, we understand the critical importance of timely filing. Our team ensures your Form-20A is submitted well within the legal timeline, preventing unnecessary penalties and maintaining your company’s good standing. Remember: timely compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about building a reputation for professionalism and responsibility in the eyes of investors, clients, and regulatory authorities.
Step-by-Step Process to File Form-20A with SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra
At SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, we’ve simplified the Form-20A process so you can focus on growing your business. Here’s how we do it:
- Consultation & Document Collection
- Our experts guide you through the list of required documents.
- We verify details like the incorporation certificate, MOA, DSC, and bank proof of capital receipt.
- Drafting & Preparation
- We prepare the Form-20A with precise, error-free details.
- Our team ensures compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 requirements.
- Digital Signature Verification
- We coordinate with your directors to digitally sign the form securely.
- We also help obtain or renew DSCs if needed.
- Filing with the ROC
- We file the completed form through the MCA portal.
- We track the submission status to avoid delays.
- Delivery of Acknowledgement
- Once the ROC accepts your form, we send you the official acknowledgement.
- You’re now fully compliant, and your business is legally recognized as operational.
Our transparent, end-to-end service ensures you don’t miss deadlines or face last-minute confusion.
Why Choose SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra for Form-20A Filing
When it comes to legal compliance, choosing the right partner makes all the difference. Here’s why SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra is your best choice for Form-20A filing:
✅ Expertise You Can Trust
Our professionals have years of experience handling corporate compliances, ensuring your Form-20A is prepared accurately and efficiently.
✅ Hassle-Free Process
We manage the entire filing process from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork, errors, or delays.
✅ Affordable Pricing
Unlike expensive legal firms, we offer transparent, competitive pricing at ₹1,900 (Govt fee extra)—double our old price but still budget-friendly.
✅ Timely Delivery
We guarantee submission within 12 days, keeping your company well within the 180-day limit.
✅ Personalized Support
Our team is always ready to answer your questions and provide updates, so you’re never left in the dark.
Whether you’re a startup or an established firm, our dedicated service ensures your compliance journey is smooth and stress-free.
Pricing Details
We believe in transparency and affordability. Our Form-20A filing package includes everything you need to stay compliant:
- Service Fee: ₹1,900 (Government fees extra)
- What’s Included:
- Professional drafting of Form-20A
- Verification of all supporting documents
- Filing through the official MCA portal
- Digital Signature assistance
- Post-filing support with the ROC
No hidden charges, no last-minute surprises—just expert service at a fair price.
Timeline for Completion
At SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, we understand time is money—especially for startups and SMEs. That’s why we commit to completing your Form-20A filing within 12 days from the date we receive all required documents. Our efficient workflow and direct coordination with the ROC ensure a quick turnaround, helping you stay compliant well before the 180-day deadline.
This swift service not only saves you from penalties but also lets you confidently move forward with business operations like opening a bank account, hiring employees, or raising funds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Form-20A
Even though Form-20A might seem straightforward, many companies stumble over common mistakes that can lead to rejections, delays, or hefty penalties. At SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, we’ve seen it all—and we make sure you avoid these pitfalls:
🔴 Incorrect or Mismatched Details
A small typo in your company’s name, registered address, or directors’ details can lead to immediate rejection. Always match every field with your incorporation certificate exactly.
🔴 Missing Proof of Share Capital Receipt
One of the most frequent errors is failing to attach a valid bank statement showing that the subscription money has been deposited. Without this, the ROC won’t approve your form.
🔴 Outdated or Invalid DSC
Your directors’ Digital Signature Certificates (DSC) must be valid. Many businesses don’t check the expiry of DSCs, causing unnecessary delays.
🔴 Incorrect Digital Signatures
Form-20A must be signed by either two directors or one director and a company secretary. Signing by an unauthorized person can invalidate the submission.
🔴 Late Filing
Procrastination is a killer. Many founders underestimate the 180-day deadline, only to scramble last minute and miss it altogether—leading to mounting penalties.
Avoid these mistakes by choosing an experienced partner like us. Our experts meticulously review every detail before submission, giving you peace of mind.
Legal Implications of Not Filing Form-20A
Non-compliance with the requirement to file Form-20A can have severe legal consequences beyond just financial penalties. If a company fails to submit Form-20A:
⚖️ The Company Loses Its Right to Do Business Legally
Without Form-20A approval, your company cannot legally commence business activities or exercise any borrowing powers.
⚖️ Directors Face Disqualification Risks
Under Section 164 of the Companies Act, directors of a defaulting company may face disqualification from holding directorships in other companies.
⚖️ Strike-Off Proceedings
The ROC can initiate action to remove the company’s name from the register if it appears inactive, effectively shutting your business down.
⚖️ Impact on Future Funding
Investors and banks demand proof of compliance. Failing to file Form-20A can derail your plans for raising capital or obtaining loans.
At SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, we help you steer clear of these legal risks by filing your Form-20A accurately and on time.
How Form-20A Strengthens Business Compliance
Filing Form-20A isn’t just ticking a box—it’s the first major step in building a culture of compliance and accountability within your organization. Here’s how Form-20A strengthens your company:
✅ Establishes Credibility
A filed Form-20A signals to customers, vendors, and investors that your company is serious, legitimate, and committed to operating within the law.
✅ Facilitates Smooth Business Operations
You can’t open corporate bank accounts, secure loans, or enter into contracts without proof of commencement of business.
✅ Avoids Legal Hassles Later
Timely compliance with Form-20A prevents future complications with the ROC or Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
✅ Builds Investor Confidence
Compliance reassures investors that your company follows legal protocols, making them more likely to fund or partner with you.
At SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, we don’t just help you file a form; we help set your business on the right path from day one.
Conclusion
Form-20A is a critical milestone for any new company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013. Filing this declaration on time ensures your business is legally authorized to start operations, protects you from severe penalties, and builds credibility in the eyes of clients, investors, and regulatory authorities.
At SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra, we simplify the entire process for you—from document collection to filing—so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business. With affordable pricing starting at just ₹1,900 (Govt fee extra), fast service, and expert guidance, we make compliance easy, quick, and hassle-free.
Ready to start your business the right way? Visit SSJ GST Suvidha Kendra’s website today and file your Form-20A with confidence!