In order to boost entrepreneurship and innovation, the Indian Government introduced Section 80-IAC Tax Exemption provision of the Startup India Scheme. Such a provision confers significant relief from income tax on the startup companies at the stage of qualifying startups' formation — a time typically marked with high operating costs and muted incomes.

Under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, 1961, 100% exemption from tax is permissible for any 3 consecutive years from out of the first 10 years from the incorporation date. By this, the promoters receive the incentive to plough back investment returns into product, advertisement, recruitment of staff, and infrastructure development to induce quicker growth.


Significant Benefits of Section 80-IAC Tax Relief

100% Tax Holiday: Tax exemption of profit in full for 3 consecutive years.
Better Cash Flow: Save capital to re-invest.
Risk-Taking Incentive: Eases financial pressure in early stages.
Better Credibility: DPIIT certification increases visibility to investors and partners.
Better Investor Confidence: Tax benefits improve valuation and confidence.
Eligibility Criteria for Section 80-IAC Tax Relief
In order to qualify for the Section 80-IAC exemption, your startup should possess the following criteria:

Entity Type: It must be a Private Limited Company or an LLP.
Incorporation Period (As amended in Budget 2025): The startup must be incorporated between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2030. (Earlier, the date was March 31, 2025. As per Budget 2025, it has been extended by 5 years to promote startup growth and innovation.)
DPIIT Recognition: Should have proper recognition from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Turnover Cap: Turnover should not be more than INR 100 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
Innovation-Driven: The company should be innovation, development, deployment, or commercialization of new products, processes, or services.
Original Business: The startup should not be created by dividing up or rebuilding an existing business.
(Note: You are free to take any 3 years from the first 10 years of incorporation for claiming exemption, based on when your startup turns profitable.)
Eligibility-Criteria-for-Section-80-IAC-Tax-Relief
How can we help you
Claiming Section 80-IAC exemption takes several rounds of evaluation, paperwork, and interaction with government portals. That is where GetMyCA.com eases the task with full end-to-end assistance.

help
Our End-to-End Support Comprises:
DPIIT Recognition Support : End-to-end DPIIT certificate obtaining support.

Eligibility Verification : We verify your eligibility on the basis of structure, turnover, and business model.

Application Preparation : Preparation of documents required such as board resolutions, declarations, and forms.

Income Tax Authority Filing : Smooth submission and compliance management for 80-IAC.

Tax Structuring After Approval : Post-approval tax structuring and continuing advisory to ensure you remain compliant and tax-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the 80-IAC exemption last?
You are eligible to claim 100% tax exemption for 3 years consecutively in the first 10 years of incorporation.

Is recognition by DPIIT compulsory?
Is application for LLPs eligible?
I have not applied for DPIIT yet. Can I still apply for exemption?
What is the limit of turnover for eligibility for the exemption?
whatapp_api
URL: https://www.getmyca.com/startup-india-section-80-iac-tax-exemption