INC-20A: the declaration for commencement of business
Every company with a share capital must file Form INC-20A within 180 days of incorporation, declaring that its subscribers have paid for their shares. Until it is filed, the company cannot start business or borrow.
Updated 8 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
What INC-20A is
INC-20A is the declaration required by Section 10A of the Companies Act, 2013. It confirms that every subscriber to the memorandum has paid the value of the shares they agreed to take, and it is filed with the Registrar of Companies on the MCA portal. It applies to companies incorporated on or after 2 November 2018 that have a share capital.
The due date
The form is due within 180 days of the date of incorporation. Count from the date printed on the certificate of incorporation, not from the date the company opened its bank account or started trading.
How many companies are working toward the deadline
Companies registered in the months below have their INC-20A deadlines falling in these windows. For example, the 24,325 companies registered in September 2026 must file from 28 Feb 2027 to 29 Mar 2027.
| Registered in | Companies | INC-20A due |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | 26,407 | 28 Dec 2026 to 27 Jan 2027 |
| August 2026 | 21,528 | 28 Jan 2027 to 27 Feb 2027 |
| September 2026 | 24,325 | 28 Feb 2027 to 29 Mar 2027 |
The same table for a single state is on each state page, for example Maharashtra or Karnataka.
What you need to file it
- Proof that each subscriber has paid for their shares, usually the company's bank statement showing the subscription money.
- The registered office in place and verified with the Registrar.
- A director's digital signature, and certification by a practising CA, CS or cost accountant.
- The filing fee, which depends on the company's authorised capital.
Penalty for missing it
The company is liable to a penalty of Rs 50,000, and every officer in default to Rs 1,000 per day while the default continues, up to Rs 1,00,000. Where the Registrar has reason to believe the company is not carrying on any business, it may also begin proceedings to remove the company's name from the register.
Missed the deadline? The form can still be filed late with additional fees, but the penalty under Section 10A may also apply. Speak to your CA or CS before filing.
Where INC-20A sits in the first 180 days
It is the last of the early deadlines. The first board meeting and the first auditor come within 30 days. See the full post-incorporation checklist.
Common questions
What is the due date for INC-20A?
Within 180 days of the date of incorporation shown on the certificate of incorporation. A company incorporated on 1 October must file by 30 March.
Which companies must file INC-20A?
Every company incorporated on or after 2 November 2018 that has a share capital. LLPs do not file INC-20A, and companies without a share capital, such as many Section 8 companies limited by guarantee, are outside it.
What is the penalty for not filing INC-20A?
Under Section 10A, the company is liable to a penalty of Rs 50,000, and every officer in default to Rs 1,000 for each day of default, up to Rs 1,00,000. If the Registrar believes the company is not carrying on business, it may also start proceedings to strike the company off.
Can a company do business before filing INC-20A?
No. A company with a share capital cannot commence business or exercise its borrowing powers until the INC-20A declaration has been filed.
Who certifies INC-20A?
The form is signed by a director and certified by a practising chartered accountant, company secretary or cost accountant.
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