Starting a Proprietorship in Meghalaya: Shops and Establishments, PT and Trade Licence

A proprietorship doesn't need incorporation, but it does need the right registrations — and in Meghalaya, several of those are state and local. This guide covers what a proprietor in Meghalaya typically needs.

Shops and Establishments Registration

Meghalaya's shops and establishments law applies to commercial establishments in the state. Register with the Labour Department. It's one of the documents banks commonly accept as proof of your business for a current account.

Professional Tax

Meghalaya levies Professional Tax. As a proprietor, you enrol and pay PT for yourself, and if you employ staff, register as an employer to deduct and pay PT on their salaries.

Trade Licence

A shop or office in Shillong or another town may need a trade licence. In many areas, trading licences are issued by the autonomous district councils. It's tied to your premises and usually renewed every year.

GST

Register for GST once your aggregate turnover crosses the threshold. In Meghalaya, the threshold is ₹20 lakh for both goods and services. Register earlier if you make inter-state supplies of goods or sell through e-commerce platforms.

Udyam

Udyam registration is free and gives you MSME status, with protection on delayed payments and access to the Meghalaya Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council.

Sector Licences

• Food businesses: FSSAI registration or licence.
• Pharmacies: drug licence from the state drugs control authority.
• Importers and exporters: IEC.

Bank Account

With two registrations in the business's name — for example, Shops and Establishments and Udyam, or GST — you can open a current account in your trade name.

A Checklist for Proprietors in Meghalaya

1. Register under the shops and establishments law.
2. Enrol for Professional Tax.
3. Get a trade licence from your local body.
4. Register for GST when you cross ₹20 lakh, or earlier if required.
5. Get Udyam registration.
6. Open a current account in the trade name.

Getting Help

Think Filing sets up proprietorships in Meghalaya with all the state and local registrations they need.