Section 80-IAC Tax
Exemption for Startups
in India
Section 80-IAC allows eligible DPIIT-recognised startups to claim a 100% deduction of eligible business profits for 3 consecutive assessment years, subject to the applicable conditions and Inter-Ministerial Board approval.
100% Profit Deduction
- For 3 consecutive assessment years
- DPIIT-Recognised Startup
- Incorporated from 1 Apr 2016 to 31 Mar 2030
- Private Limited Company or LLP
- Turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore
- Innovation, improvement or scalable business model
- The Basics
What Is Section 80-IAC Tax Exemption?
Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act allows an eligible startup to claim a 100% deduction of profits and gains from its eligible business for 3 consecutive assessment years, chosen from the first 10 years beginning from the year of incorporation. The startup must meet the conditions prescribed under Section 80-IAC, including holding a certificate of eligible business from the Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification.
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- Who Qualifies
Who Can Claim the Section 80-IAC Tax Benefit?
Private Limited Companies that are recognised as eligible startups by DPIIT and meet the conditions prescribed under Section 80-IAC.
LLPs can qualify for the Section 80-IAC deduction if they meet the applicable eligibility conditions. Sole proprietorships and partnership firms do not qualify for this deduction.
The business should be engaged in innovation, development, or improvement of products, processes, or services or have a scalable business model with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation. It should also meet the other conditions under Section 80-IAC, including the requirement relating to an existing business.
- The Five Gates
Eligibility Criteria for Section 80-IAC
01
The startup must be recognised by DPIIT and meet the applicable conditions for Section 80-IAC.
02
The entity must be a Private Limited Company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
03
Incorporation Period
The startup must be incorporated on or after 1 April 2016 and before 1 April 2030.
04
Turnover Limit
The startup’s total turnover must not exceed ₹100 crore in the previous year relevant to the assessment year for which the deduction is claimed.
05
Innovation or Scalability
The startup should be working towards innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable business model with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation.
- What You Actually Get
Benefits of Section 80-IAC Tax Exemption
100% Profit Deduction
Eligible startups can claim a 100% deduction of profits and gains from the eligible business for 3 consecutive assessment years, subject to the conditions of Section 80-IAC.
Choose the Three Consecutive Years
The deduction can be claimed for any 3 consecutive assessment years out of the 10-year period beginning from the year of incorporation, subject to the applicable conditions.
Tax Savings on Eligible Business Profits
The deduction can reduce the taxable income attributable to the eligible business during the assessment years for which the Section 80-IAC deduction is claimed
Reinvestment Opportunity
The tax benefit may allow an eligible startup to retain more of its post-tax business earnings for business operations, expansion or other permitted uses.
Subject to Eligibility Conditions
The benefit is available only when the startup satisfies the conditions prescribed under Section 80-IAC, including the applicable incorporation, turnover, and Inter-Ministerial Board certification requirements.
- Before You Apply
Documents Required for Section 80-IAC
Technology / Innovation Dossier, where applicable
Supporting Documents for the 80-IAC Application
- How It Actually Works
Step-by-Step Process to Claim Section 80-IAC
1
Confirm DPIIT Recognition
Ensure your startup has valid DPIIT recognition and meets the applicable eligibility conditions for Section 80-IAC.
2
Complete the 80-IAC Application
Submit the Section 80-IAC application through the Startup India portal with the required startup details, financial information, and supporting documents.
3
Submit Financial & Supporting Documents
Provide the required financial statements and other documents, including CA-certified financial statements where required, along with the startup’s pitch deck, website details and other information requested in the application.
4
Inter-Ministerial Board Assessment
The application is assessed against the applicable Section 80-IAC criteria, including innovation, improvement, scalability, employment or wealth-creation potential and other prescribed parameters.
5
Obtain the Certificate of Eligible Business
An eligible startup must hold the required Certificate of Eligible Business from the Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification to qualify for the Section 80-IAC deduction.
6
Claim the Deduction in Your Income Tax Return
After meeting the applicable conditions, claim the eligible deduction for the relevant assessment year while filing the income tax return.
- Learn From Others' Mistakes
Common Issues That Can Affect Section 80-IAC Eligibility
Business formed by splitting or reconstruction.
A startup formed by splitting up or reconstructing an existing business may not satisfy the eligibility conditions under Section 80-IAC.
Ineligible entity type.
Section 80-IAC defines an eligible startup as a company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) that meets the prescribed conditions.
Turnover exceeds the prescribed limit.
The startup must meet the applicable ₹100 crore turnover condition for the year in which the deduction is claimed.
Certificate of eligible business not obtained.
The startup must hold a certificate of eligible business from the Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification to qualify under Section 80-IAC.
Business does not meet the eligible-business criteria.
The business must involve innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services, or a scalable business model with high potential for employment generation or wealth creation.
Previously used machinery or plant.
Section 80-IAC contains conditions relating to machinery or plant previously used for another purpose, including a specific provision where such used machinery does not exceed 20% of the total value of machinery used in the business.
- Our Role
How Sharda Associates Helps Startups
80-IAC Eligibility Assessment
We review your startup’s eligibility under Section 80-IAC, including DPIIT recognition, entity type, incorporation period, turnover and eligible-business conditions.
Application & Documentation Support
We assist with preparing the required information and supporting documents for the Section 80-IAC application and approval process.
Innovation & Business Documentation
We help organise your business, innovation, product/process improvement and scalability information in a clear format for the application.
Deduction & Compliance Support
We provide support on the applicable conditions for claiming the Section 80-IAC deduction and help you maintain relevant records for ongoing compliance.
- Explore More
Related Startup Services
- Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Section 80-IAC startup tax exemption is a government scheme that allows eligible startups recognised by DPIIT to claim 100% tax exemption on profits for three consecutive years out of the first ten years of incorporation. It is designed to reduce financial stress and promote innovation.
To be eligible, a startup must be incorporated as a private limited company or LLP, have DPIIT recognition, be engaged in innovative or scalable business models, and must not exceed ₹100 crore in turnover. Sole proprietorships or restructuring businesses are not eligible.
A Section 80-IAC startup can claim three consecutive assessment years within the first ten years of incorporation. Startups can choose these years based on when they start generating profits, giving them flexibility in tax planning.
- ITR 1 (Sahaj): For salaried individuals with income up to Rs 50 lakh from salary, one house property, and other sources.
- ITR 2: For individuals with income above Rs 50 lakh, capital gains, multiple properties, or agricultural income above Rs 5,000.
- ITR 3: For those with income from business or profession.
- ITR 4 (Sugam): For presumptive income earners with turnover up to Rs 2 crore.
- ITR 5: For firms, LLPs, and AOPs.
- ITR 6: For companies excluding charitable ones.
- ITR 7: For trusts, political parties, and other specified entities.
Selecting the correct form ensures smooth processing and compliance.
Key documents include the Certificate of Incorporation, PAN of the startup, DPIIT recognition certificate, audited financial statements, business plan, and a declaration stating the startup is not formed by restructuring. Complete documentation ensures smooth approval.
The application is online via the Startup India portal. Steps include obtaining DPIIT recognition, logging in to apply, uploading required documents, and awaiting approval from the Inter-Ministerial Board. Once approved, the startup can claim exemption while filing income tax returns.
Yes, benefits can be revoked if the startup submits false information, fails to meet eligibility criteria, or is found to be formed by restructuring an existing business. In such cases, the startup may also face penalties.
No, only startups recognised by DPIIT and incorporated as private limited companies or LLPs with innovative or scalable business models are eligible. Traditional partnerships, sole proprietorships, or businesses formed by splitting old companies are not covered.
Investors are more likely to fund Section 80-IAC startups, as tax exemption improves cash flow and profitability. The reduced tax burden demonstrates financial discipline and growth potential, increasing investor confidence.
Yes, startups have the flexibility to select any three consecutive years within the first ten years of incorporation. This allows businesses to claim the exemption strategically when they are profitable and need funds for expansion.
Sharda Associates assists startups with DPIIT recognition, project reports, tax compliance, GST registration, and filing for the Section 80-IAC startup exemption. Our guidance ensures startups maximise government benefits and focus on long-term growth.