Companies Act · Incorporation Compliance

INC-20A Commencement of Business: 180-Day Compliance Checklist

Finin2min Compliance Desk·June 2026·7 min readINC-20A

A newly incorporated company with share capital should not start business operations or borrowings without checking Section 10A compliance. INC-20A is a startup compliance item that founders often miss.

Section 10A control

Section 10A covers commencement of business. India Code text states that specified companies incorporated after the commencement of the provision and having share capital shall not commence business or exercise borrowing powers unless required declaration conditions are met.

Evidence pack for founders

EvidenceWhy it matters
Subscriber share money receivedSupports declaration that subscribers paid value of shares agreed to be taken.
Bank statementPayment trail for subscription money.
Registered office verification statusSection 10A also links to registered office filing status.
Board authorisationSupports form filing and authorised signatory.
MCA acknowledgementProof of timely filing.

Practical founder checklist

Finin2min warning

Incorporation certificate is not the full green signal. Check commencement declaration before business/borrowing activity.
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Official sources used

This article is intentionally source-limited to official MCA / India Code material. Verify final filing positions with the latest Act, Rules, MCA forms and portal advisories before publishing.

FAQs

What does Section 10A deal with?

It deals with commencement of business and related declaration requirements for specified companies with share capital.

Why is subscriber money evidence important?

The declaration is linked to subscribers paying value of shares agreed to be taken.

Can a company borrow before Section 10A compliance?

Section 10A restricts commencement of business and exercise of borrowing powers until conditions are met.