{"id":45891,"date":"2026-03-19T12:25:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T06:55:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/?p=45891"},"modified":"2026-04-28T18:42:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T13:12:02","slug":"compliance-checklist-for-saas-startups-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/compliance-checklist-for-saas-startups-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Compliance Checklist for SaaS Startups in India (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Setting up a SaaS business in India is one of the most promising opportunities in today\u2019s growing digital market. However, compliance is a critical part of building and scaling a SaaS company. From raising funds to managing operations and adhering to legal requirements, every aspect must be handled carefully. Missing any compliance can lead to penalties and legal complications.<\/p>\n<p>This guide provides a complete checklist of compliance requirements for starting and running a SaaS business in India.<\/p>\n<h2>A Quick Roadmap<\/h2>\n<p>Before starting a SaaS business in India, consider the following, as decisions around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.talentelgia.com\/services\/saas-app-development-company\">SaaS app development<\/a> can influence your operational structure and long-term scalability.<\/p>\n<p>1. Which business type would you choose- product-based or service-based<\/p>\n<p>There are two types of software industries:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Product-based industry which includes Microsoft, Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, SlideShare, Telegram, Zoho, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Service-based industry- cloud, drive, CRM, subscription-based- Netflix, Amazon Prime, Canva, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>2. What would your mode of operation be \u2013 Development service, Business intelligence, consultancy, or SaaS?<\/p>\n<p>3. Would you want to rent the business premises or own a business premise?<\/p>\n<p>4. What type of business entity would you choose?<\/p>\n<p>5. What would be your source of funding?<\/p>\n<p>6. How would you hire employees and create a team?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Confused about what to choose and how to choose? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/\">Contact our start-up experts today<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>SaaS Compliance Checklist in India 2026<\/h2>\n<p>Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud-based platform that delivers software over the internet, allowing users to access applications without installing them locally.<\/p>\n<p>If you are choosing to set-up saas business, you have landed at the right place. Here is a complete checklist of compliance requirements to follow.<\/p>\n<h3>Key compliance areas for SaaS Business:<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Decide on your business structure<\/li>\n<li>Draft a founder\u2019s agreement<\/li>\n<li>Protect your intellectual property<\/li>\n<li>Adhere to data privacy laws<\/li>\n<li>Comply with labour laws<\/li>\n<li>Obtain licenses and permits<\/li>\n<li>Follow taxation rules<\/li>\n<li>Implement ESOPs<\/li>\n<li>Manage investment and legal compliances<\/li>\n<li>Follow SaaS security standards<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>1. Deciding Your Business Structure<\/h2>\n<p>Choosing the right business structure is important. Common options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/sole-proprietorship-registration\">Sole Proprietorship<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Partnership<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/one-person-company-registration\">One Person Company<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/limited-liability-partnership\">Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/private-limited-company-registration\">Private Limited Company<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Public Limited Company<\/li>\n<li>Foreign Company<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each structure has its own compliance requirements. For SaaS businesses, LLPs and Private Limited Companies are generally preferred due to funding advantages.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Entity Type<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Incorporation Compliances<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>LLP \/ Company<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u2022 Filing LLP Agreement (for LLP)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Certificate of Incorporation<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 PAN and TAN<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Opening a current account<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/online-gst-registration\">GST registration<\/a> (if applicable)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Filing MCA forms<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Maintenance of statutory records<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/income-tax-return-filing\">Income tax return filing<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Annual returns<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Form 8 (LLP)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>One Person Company (OPC)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u2022 Appointment of auditor<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Commencement of business declaration<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Annual returns filing<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Financial statements (Form AOC-4)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/dir-3-kyc-filing-online\">Director KYC filing<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Board meeting requirements<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 EPF, TDS, GST, and ESI compliances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Foreign Company<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>\u2022 Filing Form FC-1<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Annual filings (FC-3, FC-4)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Board meetings<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 FCGPR filings<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 FLA returns<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Director KYC compliance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>For SaaS industries, it is always advisable to opt for an LLP or a private limited company to help you with funding, as both structures also offer structured frameworks for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/annual-filing-for-llp\"><strong>LLP annual compliance<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/annual-compliance-of-a-private-limited-company\"><strong>Private Limited Company annual compliance<\/strong><\/a>, including ROC filings, tax returns, and regulatory reporting. If you run a software or digital business, review this guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/roc-compliance-for-tech-startups-in-india\/\">ROC compliance for tech startups in India<\/a> to understand annual ROC forms, due dates, and filing risks specific to tech companies. To determine which business structure will help you secure funding, contact us today.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Founder\u2019s Agreement<\/h2>\n<p>Since the entire SaaS business relies upon intangible assets\u2014code, intellectual property (IP), and user trust, which is developed by expert personnel, it is always better to have your terms clear with the founders, and we suggest you draft a detailed founder\u2019s agreement to avoid future complexities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key Clauses:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Equity distribution<\/li>\n<li>Vesting schedule<\/li>\n<li>Roles and responsibilities<\/li>\n<li>Decision-making and governance<\/li>\n<li>Compensation<\/li>\n<li>Intellectual property ownership<\/li>\n<li>Confidentiality (NDA)<\/li>\n<li>Non-compete and non-solicitation<\/li>\n<li>Dispute resolution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>SaaS-Specific Clauses:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>IP assignment (code ownership)<\/li>\n<li>Vesting protection<\/li>\n<li>Equity clarity<\/li>\n<li>Non-compete and confidentiality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" width=\"605\"><strong>Important clauses in the Founder Agreement that are SaaS Specific<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"304\">IP Protection and Assignment<\/td>\n<td width=\"301\">The agreement ensures that any code or IP created by a founder is officially transferred to the company and will be treated as company property.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"304\">Vesting Schedules<\/td>\n<td width=\"301\">Since SaaS products require long-term development and maintenance, this clause will protect against early employee exits.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"304\">Equity Split and Commitment<\/td>\n<td width=\"301\">It clearly defines how much equity each founder owns based on their contributions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"304\">Non-compete clause<\/td>\n<td rowspan=\"3\" width=\"301\">Software rests on code, and if you can crack the code, you can create similar software. With these three clauses, the founders restrict their employees from creating, soliciting, or disclosing the software to competitors, thereby protecting their business.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"304\">Non-solicitation clause<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"304\">Non-disclosure clause<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>If you require any assistance in drafting or vetting a founders\u2019 agreement, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/legal-advisory-services\">connect with our legal expert team<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>3. Intellectual Property Rights<\/h2>\n<p>For a SaaS business, the intellectual property is the core of the business. The entire SaaS business rests on your source code, algorithms, user interface, and your brand name. It is important to protect them as it will create your brand value and increase your company\u2019s valuation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Important IP Protection tools:<\/strong><\/p>\n<table width=\"606\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"72\"><strong>S.no<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"120\"><strong>IP tools<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"205\"><strong>What can be protection<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"209\"><strong>What is to be done<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"72\">1<\/td>\n<td width=\"120\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/copyright-registration\">Copyright registration<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"205\">Source code, object code, user interface, and other elements of your website<\/td>\n<td width=\"209\">Apply for copyright protection through the competent authority.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"72\">2<\/td>\n<td width=\"120\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/trade-mark-registration\">Trademark registration<\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"205\">Company name, logo, taglines, colour, and feature names<\/td>\n<td width=\"209\">File trademark application in Form TM A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"72\">3<\/td>\n<td width=\"120\">Trade secrets<\/td>\n<td width=\"205\">Algorithms, business methods, customer lists, pricing strategies<\/td>\n<td width=\"209\">Draft a non-disclosure agreement with an in-built IP protection clause and enforcement clause.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"72\">4<\/td>\n<td width=\"120\">Patent registration<\/td>\n<td width=\"205\">Software processes and methods that have new technical solutions<\/td>\n<td width=\"209\">File a relevant application before the controller of patents.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>4. Data Privacy Law Compliance<\/h2>\n<p>With the rapid growth of the SaaS industry, data protection is one of the most vital steps to avoid legal issues and build customer trust. SaaS companies collect, store, and process large amounts of data- personal data, financial information, and business information, which are sensitive in nature and require to be protected under the law. In simpler terms, protecting privacy is a priority.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key Principles:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Data minimization<\/li>\n<li>Purpose limitation<\/li>\n<li>Transparency<\/li>\n<li>Security<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Applicable Laws:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), 2023<\/li>\n<li>GDPR (for European users)<\/li>\n<li>CCPA (for US users)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>SaaS firms must also ensure that data is stored only as long as necessary and that they have appropriate mechanisms for data retention and destruction.<\/p>\n<h2>5. Labour Law Compliance<\/h2>\n<p>Hiring employees requires compliance with employment laws.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key Areas:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wages and salaries<\/li>\n<li>Working hours and leave policies<\/li>\n<li>Employment contracts and documentation<\/li>\n<li>Provident Fund (PF), ESI, and pension<\/li>\n<li>Workplace safety<\/li>\n<li>POSH compliance (sexual harassment prevention)<\/li>\n<li>Dispute resolution<\/li>\n<li>Maintenance of digital records<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<table width=\"544\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"50\"><strong>S.no<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"132\"><strong>Labour laws<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"187\"><strong>Compliances<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"175\"><strong>Governing laws<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"50\">1<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">Wages and salaries<\/td>\n<td width=\"187\">\n<ul>\n<li>Defining minimum wages<\/li>\n<li>Overtime payment rules<\/li>\n<li>Equal pay for equal work<\/li>\n<li>Allowances<\/li>\n<li>Payments of bonus<\/li>\n<li>Payment of gratuity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"175\">\n<ul>\n<li>Minimum Wages Act, 1948<\/li>\n<li>Payment of Wages Act, 1936<\/li>\n<li>Payment of Bonus Act, 1965<\/li>\n<li>Equal Remuneration Act, 1976<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"50\">2<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">Working hours, overtime, and holidays<\/td>\n<td width=\"187\">\n<ul>\n<li>Duration of work<\/li>\n<li>Overtime work<\/li>\n<li>Minimum number of holidays<\/li>\n<li>Maternity leave<\/li>\n<li>Paternity leave<\/li>\n<li>Sick leave<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"175\">\n<ul>\n<li>Weekly Holidays Act, 1945<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Maternity Benefits Act, 1961<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"50\">3<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">Employment documentation<\/td>\n<td width=\"187\">\n<ul>\n<li>Employment contracts<\/li>\n<li>NDA agreement<\/li>\n<li>Relieving letter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"175\">\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"50\">4<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">Social welfare and financial security<\/td>\n<td width=\"187\">\n<ul>\n<li>Provident fund<\/li>\n<li>Pension<\/li>\n<li>ESI<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"175\">\n<ul>\n<li>Employees\u2019 Provident Fund, 1952<\/li>\n<li>Employees\u2019 State Insurance Act, 1948<\/li>\n<li>Employee Pension Scheme<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"50\">5<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">Workplace welfare and safety<\/td>\n<td width=\"187\">\n<ul>\n<li>Safety of employees<\/li>\n<li>Regulation of working hours<\/li>\n<li>Sanitation<\/li>\n<li>Welfare facilities<\/li>\n<li>Protection against injury<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"175\">\n<ul>\n<li>Factories Act, 1948<\/li>\n<li>Employees Compensation Act, 1923<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"50\">6<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">Sexual harassment policies<\/td>\n<td width=\"187\">\n<ul>\n<li>Constitute Internal Committee<\/li>\n<li>Conduct annual POSH training<\/li>\n<li>File annual POSH report<\/li>\n<li>Maintain complaint records<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"175\">\n<ul>\n<li>Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013<\/li>\n<li>POSH policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"50\">7<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">Dispute resolution and trade union<\/td>\n<td width=\"187\">\n<ul>\n<li>Disputes between the employer and employee- lay off, retrenchment, or closure of any shops.<\/li>\n<li>Registration of a trade union<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"175\">\n<ul>\n<li>The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947<\/li>\n<li>The Trade Unions Act, 1926<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"50\">8<\/td>\n<td width=\"132\">Maintenance of digital records<\/td>\n<td width=\"187\">\n<ul>\n<li>Maintain electronic registers<\/li>\n<li>File returns online<\/li>\n<li>Retain payroll and attendance data<\/li>\n<li>Digital access during inspection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"175\">\u2014<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>6. Licenses and Permits<\/h2>\n<p>Licenses depend on the business model, location, and nature of services. The type of licenses required for business will depend on the following criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Type of industry<\/li>\n<li>Location\/state\/city of the business<\/li>\n<li>Type of business model.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Licenses and permits are industry-specific and vary by business. For the SaaS industry, the list of required licenses and permits is typically brief.<\/p>\n<h3>Mandatory licenses to be obtained by SaaS business:<\/h3>\n<p>There are certain licenses that are mandatory for any business, no matter what business you run. These include:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>GST registration<\/li>\n<li>Registration under the Shops and Establishment Act<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/msme-registration\">MSME registration<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Signage license<\/li>\n<li>Fire safety license<\/li>\n<li>NOC from the concerned departments<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Industry \u2013 Specific licenses:<\/h3>\n<p>With respect to the SaaS business, the following permits\/licenses are required:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Telecom licenses for communication services- issued by the Department of Telecommunications.<\/li>\n<li>Software licensing agreement<\/li>\n<li>The STPI registration \u2013 apply online via the official STPI website. The fee is approximately RS. 2,950\/-. 2,950\/-<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Documents required to obtain licenses:<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Business identity proof- certificate of incorporation<\/li>\n<li>Aadhar card<\/li>\n<li>Pan card<\/li>\n<li>TAN<\/li>\n<li>Address proof of business.<\/li>\n<li>Financial records- bank account details, audited financial statements<\/li>\n<li>Details of the software services<\/li>\n<li>Memorandum of Association<\/li>\n<li>Articles of association<\/li>\n<li>Board resolution<\/li>\n<li>Lease agreements<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>It is advisable to prepare a checklist in advance before approaching authorities to obtain licenses.<\/p>\n<h4>How to obtain these SaaS specific license: step-by-step procedure<\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-45894 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/How-to-obtain-SaaS-specific-license.png\" alt=\"How to obtain SaaS specific license\" width=\"505\" height=\"258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/How-to-obtain-SaaS-specific-license.png 505w, https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/How-to-obtain-SaaS-specific-license-300x153.png 300w, https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/How-to-obtain-SaaS-specific-license-360x184.png 360w, https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/How-to-obtain-SaaS-specific-license-150x77.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>7. Software License Agreement<\/h2>\n<p>Software license agreements are service agreements between the software developer and its customers that define the extent of software use, how to use it, where to use it, and the software\u2019s installation. It basically controls the use of the software to prevent unauthorised access and infringement. These agreements will also address the customers\u2019 rights to copy, modify, and redistribute the content.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal framework governing the Software License Agreements:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Indian_Contract_Act,_1872\">Indian Contract Act, 1872<\/a>\u2013 E contracts: nature of contract, validity of contract, and breach of contract clauses are dealt with under this Law.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copyright.gov.in\/Documents\/Copyrightrules1957.pdf\">Copyright Act, 1957<\/a>: Software is a copyrightable work under the literary work category, and once developed, it is always better to protect it from infringement.<\/li>\n<li>Trade Secret Laws: As such, there are no specific laws governing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/who-owns-a-trade-secret\/\">trade secrets<\/a>; breaches of confidentiality can be dealt with under Contract Law.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiacode.nic.in\/bitstream\/123456789\/13116\/1\/it_act_2000_updated.pdf\">IT Act, 2000<\/a>: This legislation is significant for electronic contracts and internet-related aspects of agreements.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>8. Taxation Compliance<\/h2>\n<p>SaaS start-up tax compliance is overwhelming. There are many times when the business overlooks tax compliance.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>GST compliance<\/li>\n<li>TDS compliances<\/li>\n<li>Broader tax compliance<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>GST Compliances<\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>S.NO<\/th>\n<th>DESCRIPTION<\/th>\n<th>COMPLIANCE<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>Tax Rates<\/td>\n<td>Inter-state supply: 18% IGSTIntra-state supply: 9% CGST + 9% SGST<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>Input Tax Credit (ITC)<\/td>\n<td>ITC can be claimed on business expenses used for providing SaaS services, subject to eligibility and proper documentation.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>Export and Cross-border Sales<\/td>\n<td>Export of SaaS services is treated as a zero-rated supply. Two options:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Export under LUT (no GST)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Export with IGST and claim a refund<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>Registration Requirement<\/td>\n<td>Mandatory GST registration for SaaS providers supplying through online platforms or inter-state services, even if turnover is below \u20b920 lakhs. Otherwise threshold:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 \u20b920 lakhs (general states)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 \u20b910 lakhs (special category states)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>SAC Code<\/td>\n<td>SAC: 9983 (Other professional, technical and business services)Common SaaS-related codes:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 998313 \u2013 IT infrastructure & support services<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 998314 \u2013 IT design & development<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 998315 \u2013 Hosting services<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 998316 \u2013 IT system management<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<td>Invoicing<\/td>\n<td>Must include: GSTIN, SAC code, place of supply, invoice number. E-invoicing\u00a0mandatory if turnover exceeds \u20b95 crore<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<td>Returns Filing<\/td>\n<td>\u2022 GSTR-1: Monthly \/ Quarterly (based on scheme)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 GSTR-3B: Monthly<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Due date: Typically 11th \/ 13th (GSTR-1) and 20th (GSTR-3B)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM)<\/td>\n<td>Applicable in specific cases (e.g., import of services, certain notified services). Under RCM, the recipient pays GST (usually IGST in cross-border cases).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>TDS Compliances<\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>S.NO<\/th>\n<th>DESCRIPTION<\/th>\n<th>COMPLIANCE<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>Tax Deductions (Indian Payments)<\/td>\n<td>\u2022 Section 194J: 10% for professional\/technical services (if > \u20b930,000\/year)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Section 194C: 1% (individual\/HUF) or 2% (others) for contractors. Threshold: \u20b930,000 per transaction or \u20b91,00,000 annually<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>Payments to Foreign Companies<\/td>\n<td>TDS applicable under Section 195 if the payment is taxable in India. Rates depend on nature of payment and DTAA. Equalisation Levy (2%) may apply for certain SaaS\/digital services.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>Returns Filing<\/td>\n<td>\u2022 Monthly TDS deposit: 7th of next month<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Quarterly returns: Forms 26Q (domestic), 27Q (non-resident)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>Consequences of Non-Compliance<\/td>\n<td>\u2022 Interest on late payment<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Penalty and late fees<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Disallowance of expenses (up to 30%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Other Compliances<\/h3>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>S.NO<\/th>\n<th>DESCRIPTION<\/th>\n<th>COMPLIANCE<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<td>Start-up India Tax Benefits<\/td>\n<td>Eligible startups can claim 100% tax exemption for 3 consecutive years out of 10 years under Section 80-IAC, subject to DPIIT recognition.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<td>Income Tax Return Filing<\/td>\n<td>Mandatory for all companies\/LLPs, even if there is no revenue or profit.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>Maintenance of Records<\/td>\n<td>Maintain books of accounts, invoices, payroll records, and compliance documents as per the Companies Act and Income Tax Act.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>Softex Compliance<\/td>\n<td>Mandatory for export of software\/services.Filing of SOFTEX forms to RBI\/STPI for reporting export value and foreign remittances.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>9. ESOP for SaaS Startups<\/h2>\n<p>ESOPs are a powerful tool for creating wealth and management that helps employers retain employees. It fosters a sense of loyalty and trustworthiness among employees. For the SaaS industry, it allows them to offer competitive pricing and compensation to its employees, and since developing software requires long-term time investment, it is generally advisable to retain employees in the business.<\/p>\n<p>Key components to be considered for structuring ESOP for the SaaS industry:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Formulate a plan<\/li>\n<li>Determine the Vesting period<\/li>\n<li>Consider the tax implications<\/li>\n<li>Alignment of interest<\/li>\n<li>Decide the share prince<\/li>\n<li>Define buy-back terms<\/li>\n<li>Exit strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For detailed information on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanakkupillai.com\/learn\/what-is-esop-and-how-does-it-work\/\">ESOP and its compliance<\/a> \u2013 click here. <\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>10. Investment and Legal Compliance<\/h2>\n<p>If you are planning to raise funds and start a business, here is what you need to do:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Draft a term sheet<\/li>\n<li>Draft a shareholder\u2019s agreement<\/li>\n<li>Have a clear share-subscription agreement<\/li>\n<li>Maintain all records of tax returns, contracts, cap tables, etc<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you plan to bring in foreign investment for your business, you will have to adhere to FEMA guidelines as well.<\/p>\n<h2>11. SaaS Security Standards<\/h2>\n<p>SaaS security standards address the protection of cloud-hosted data. This is critical for managing operational risks and protecting sensitive information from cybercrimes. The two most widely recognised security frameworks are SOC 2 and ISO\/IEC\/27001.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Compliance is a crucial part of running a SaaS business in India. Proper adherence to legal, tax, and regulatory requirements helps avoid penalties and ensures smooth business operations. Following this checklist will help build a strong and legally compliant SaaS business.<\/p>\n<h2>How Can Kanakkupillai Assist You?<\/h2>\n<p>We at <strong>Kanakkupillai<\/strong> aim to offer simplified solutions to reduce these complexities so you can focus on growing your business, and we take care of all your startup compliance and legal needs. Contact us today to know more.<\/p>\n<h2>FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Which business structure is feasible for a SaaS business?<\/h3>\n<p>It is advisable to opt for a private limited company or LLP. It also depends on the location, nature, and type of business.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Can I draft a founder\u2019s agreement on my own?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, but considering its complexities, it is always advisable to seek legal assistance.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Is it important to adhere to data privacy laws?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Non-compliance can result in significant legal charges.<\/p>\n<h3>4. What are the security measures to be followed by SaaS companies?<\/h3>\n<p>The two most widely recognised security frameworks are SOC 2 and ISO\/IEC\/27001.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Setting up a SaaS business in India is one of the most promising opportunities in today\u2019s growing digital market. 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