Frequently asked questions
Answers to what business owners ask us most. If yours is not here, ask us directly.
Working with Zelcount
Zelcount is an accounting and bookkeeping company in Kerala. We keep your books up to date, file GST, TDS and income tax returns, run payroll, and send you clear monthly reports on how the business is doing.
Yes. Documents are shared online, so we work with businesses and individuals in every district of Kerala, from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod.
By WhatsApp, email or a shared online folder, whichever is easiest for you. We tell you at the start of each month exactly what we need.
We can work in the software you already use. If you are starting fresh, we will suggest one that suits the size and type of your business.
Yes. We first bring the backlog up to date and reconcile it with your bank and GST records, then move you to a regular monthly cycle.
It depends on the number of transactions and the filings your business needs. Tell us about your business and we will give you a clear quote before any work starts.
Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping is the regular recording and reconciling of transactions. Accounting uses those records to prepare financial statements, compute taxes and explain how the business is performing. Good accounting depends on good bookkeeping.
Yes. We start with a catch-up exercise to bring the backlog up to date and reconcile it with your bank and GST records, then move to a regular monthly cycle.
Usually not. We can work in the software you already use, and suggest a change only if it would clearly save you time or money.
Accounting & financial statements
Monthly is the norm. Some businesses prefer a quarterly review, and we can add a short weekly cash summary if cash flow is tight.
Yes. We prepare accounts for proprietorships, partnership firms, LLPs and private limited companies, in the format each one requires.
More about Accounting & financial statements →
GST registration & filing
Registration is compulsory once your turnover crosses the threshold that applies to your type of business, and in certain cases regardless of turnover, such as inter-state supply of goods or selling through e-commerce platforms. Tell us what you sell and to whom, and we will confirm whether you need to register.
Typically PAN, Aadhaar, a photograph, proof of the business address, bank account details and the constitution document of the business, such as a partnership deed or certificate of incorporation.
A late fee is charged for each day of delay, along with interest on any unpaid tax. Repeated delays can also restrict e-way bill generation and lead to cancellation of registration.
More about GST registration & filing →
Income tax return filing
PAN and Aadhaar, Form 16 if you are salaried, bank statements, interest certificates, details of investments and deductions, and statements for any capital gains. For a business, we work from the books of account.
In most cases yes. A belated return can be filed within the time the law allows, with a late fee and interest on any tax due. It is better to file late than not at all.
An NRI generally needs to file if their income in India, such as rent, interest or capital gains, exceeds the basic exemption limit, or to claim a refund of tax deducted at source.
More about Income tax return filing →
TDS return filing
Companies, firms and many individuals and proprietors whose turnover crosses the specified limits must deduct TDS on payments such as salary, rent, contractor bills, professional fees, commission and interest once they exceed the thresholds in the Income Tax Act.
The person you paid will not see the credit in their Form 26AS, and you become liable for a late fee and possible penalty. We can file pending returns and correction statements to set this right.
More about TDS return filing →
Payroll, PF & ESI
Generally when an establishment employs 20 or more people. ESI generally applies from 10 employees, for staff earning up to the wage ceiling. Smaller employers can register voluntarily.
Yes. Whether you have a handful of staff or several branches, the process is the same: you send attendance and changes for the month, and we return the salary sheet, payslips and statutory payments due.