INC-20A Commencement Certificate
INC-20A mandatory for all companies incorporated post-April 1, 2020. Verifies subscriber payments through bank statement upload within 180 days (extended to 240 days for startups in 2026).
Key Requirements:
- CS declaration on ₹10 stamp paper
- Bank statement showing subscription money receipt
- Proof of business commencement (website, office lease, sales invoice)
2026 Amendments:
- ESOP allotments require specific declaration
- Startup exemption extended to DPIIT-recognized companies
- Form MGT-14 exempt for private companies
Non-compliance Penalties:
- ₹50,000 per director (fixed)
- ₹100 per day continuing offence
- Personal liability on directors
Filing Process:
- Login → MCA → INC-20A → Prefill using CIN
- Upload bank statement (3 months)
- CS declaration → DSC attestation
- SRN generation → Payment (₹300 online)
- Acknowledgement within 2 days
Practical Tips: File immediately after bank account opening. Use professional bank statements (not passbook). Startups should declare ESOP plans even if unimplemented. MCA launched auto-flagging system identifying incomplete filings.
Essential compliance for all new companies avoiding director disqualification under Section 164(2).