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FAQ

Questions we hear often.

General

What does GSRA & Associates do?
We are a multi-disciplinary Chartered Accountancy practice in New Delhi. We provide audit, tax, FEMA/RBI compliance, company secretarial, and cross-border advisory services to global businesses entering India, Indian companies scaling domestically, and businesses setting up in the UAE.
Where are your offices?
Our primary office is in Jangpura Extension, New Delhi. We also have a presence in Chandigarh and coordinate with qualified professionals in the UAE, Poland, the USA, and Spain for cross-border engagements.
What is your Firm Registration Number?
Our FRN is 028347N, registered with The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
What industries do you work with?
We work across technology, manufacturing, financial services, retail, energy, healthcare, real estate, and professional services — with a particular focus on cross-border operations and venture-backed startups.

India Entry

I want to set up a company in India. Where do I start?
Start by deciding on the right entity structure — subsidiary, branch office, LLP, or liaison/project office. Each has different implications for liability, taxation, FEMA compliance, and operational scope. We help you evaluate trade-offs and handle the entire incorporation process.
How long does it take to incorporate in India?
A private limited company (subsidiary) typically takes 6–10 weeks from filing to operational readiness, including director identification, name reservation, ROC registration, PAN/TAN, bank account, and GST registration.
What is FEMA and do I need to worry about it?
The Foreign Exchange Management Act governs all cross-border transactions involving India. If you are investing in India, repatriating profits, or making intercompany transfers, FEMA compliance is mandatory. Non-compliance can result in penalties and blocked transactions.

UAE/Dubai

Should I set up in a free zone or on the mainland?
Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership and customs benefits but restrict local trading. Mainland entities can trade freely within the UAE and are needed for government contracts. The right choice depends on your customer base, activity type, and expansion plans.
Does the UAE charge corporate tax?
Yes. Since June 2023, the UAE levies a 9% corporate tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. Free zone entities may qualify for a 0% rate if they meet qualifying income conditions. We advise on structuring to optimise your tax position.

Tax

What is transfer pricing?
Transfer pricing rules govern the pricing of transactions between related parties across borders. If your Indian entity transacts with a foreign affiliate, you must maintain documentation proving the pricing is at arm's length. Penalties for non-compliance start at 2% of the transaction value.
Can you help with GST registration and filings?
Yes. We handle GST registration, monthly/quarterly return filing, reconciliation, input tax credit optimisation, and representation in case of notices or audits.
Do you handle tax litigation?
Yes. Our team includes a practising Advocate who is also a Chartered Accountant. We handle show-cause notices, responses to assessment orders, appeals before CIT(A), and representation before ITAT and appellate tribunals.

Startups

When should we start preparing for fundraising?
At least 3–6 months before you plan to raise. Investors examine your financials, tax compliance, statutory filings, cap table, and contracts. Preparing under time pressure is expensive and can delay or kill a round.
How should we structure our ESOP pool?
Typically 10–15% of fully diluted equity at seed/Series A. Key decisions include vesting schedule (usually 4 years, 1-year cliff), exercise price, and tax treatment under Indian law. We design pools that retain talent without excessive founder dilution.

Audit

What types of audit do you perform?
We perform statutory audits under the Companies Act, tax audits under Section 44AB, internal audits, bank audits (concurrent and statutory), PSU audits under CAG, and special-purpose certifications.

Working with us

What is the embedded model?
Instead of working at arm's length, we integrate into your team's tools, communication channels, and workflows. We use your ERP, join your Slack, attend your reviews. The result is faster turnaround, fewer surprises, and the contextual understanding that only comes from being inside the operation.
How quickly do you respond?
Within hours, not days. Responsiveness is one of our core values. We maintain clear SLAs and communicate proactively rather than waiting to be asked.
Do you work with companies outside Delhi?
Yes. We serve clients across India and internationally. Our embedded model works regardless of geography — we plug into your systems and maintain the same responsiveness whether you are in Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai, or Warsaw.

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