NGO Registration (Trust / Society / Section 8)
Choose the right NGO structure and get registered with 12A and 80G certificates
What is NGO Registration (Trust / Society / Section 8)?
We assess your activities and recommend the right NGO structure — Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company — then handle end-to-end registration including 12A income tax exemption and 80G donor deduction certificates.
The best NGO structure depends on your needs: Trusts are simplest to form and manage, best for small charitable bodies. Societies are ideal for membership-based organisations. Section 8 Companies offer the strongest governance and are preferred by CSR donors and for FCRA applications.
Who Needs NGO Registration (Trust / Society / Section 8)?
Social enterprises, education initiatives, healthcare projects, environment organisations, rural development bodies, women's empowerment groups, and any mission-driven organisation that wants to raise donations and apply for government and CSR grants.
What's Included
- Structure recommendation (Trust / Society / Section 8)
- Complete registration for the recommended structure
- PAN application in the NGO's name
- 12A income tax exemption application
- 80G donor deduction certificate application
- Guidance on FCRA eligibility after 3 years
⚠️ Penalty for Non-Compliance
Without 12A registration, the NGO pays full income tax on its surplus. Without 80G, donors cannot claim tax deductions on contributions — significantly reducing fundraising potential.
How It Works
- 1
Structure Selection
We assess your activities, funding model, and governance preferences to recommend Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
- 2
Registration
We handle the complete registration for the recommended structure (see individual service pages for each structure's process).
- 3
PAN and Bank Account
PAN is applied in the NGO's name. We assist with opening a current account with a bank that accepts NGO accounts.
- 4
12A Application
Form 10A is filed with the Income Tax Department for 12A income tax exemption.
- 5
80G Application
Form 10A (combined with 12A) is filed for 80G status, enabling donors to claim tax deductions.
Documents Required
Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.
Founder/Trustee Documents
- PAN Card of each founder/trusteeRequired
Minimum 2 trustees for a Trust; 7 members for a Society
- Aadhaar Card of each founder/trusteeRequired
Address proof
- Passport-size photographsRequired
2 copies each
Organisation Details
- Name of the NGORequired
We check for conflicts with existing registrations
- Mission statement & main objectivesRequired
Objectives must be charitable or public-benefit in nature
- Type: Trust, Society, or Section 8Required
We help you choose the best structure based on your goals
Registered Office
- Latest utility billRequired
Not older than 2 months
- NOC from property ownerRequired
Signed, on plain paper
Fees & Pricing
Government Fees
Stamp duty on Trust Deed or MOA
State-specific — Rs 200-2,000 approx.
Registrar of Societies / Sub-Registrar fee
State-specific — Rs 500-5,000 approx.
12A/80G application filing fee
No government fee for tax exemption applications
Professional Fees
NGO registration package
Includes Trust/Society/Section 8 incorporation + 12A/80G applications
* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Trust, Society, and Section 8 for an NGO?
Trusts are simplest (2 trustees, no AGM). Societies need 7+ members and democratic governance. Section 8 Companies have corporate governance, are more credible to institutional donors, and are best for FCRA. All three can get 12A and 80G.
Can an NGO earn revenue?
Yes. NGOs can generate revenue through services, training, publications, and projects — as long as the surplus is applied to the organisation's charitable objectives and not distributed to members or trustees.
What is 12A registration?
12A is an income tax exemption under the Income Tax Act that allows a trust, society, or Section 8 company to not pay income tax on its surplus. Without 12A, the NGO pays tax at the standard corporate rate.
What is 80G registration?
80G is a certification that allows donors to claim 50% deduction on their taxable income for donations made to the NGO. This significantly increases your fundraising appeal with individual and corporate donors.
When can an NGO apply for FCRA?
An NGO can apply for FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration after 3 years of existence and demonstrated charitable activities. Prior permission can be obtained before 3 years for specific foreign grants.
Detailed guides for NGO Registration (Trust / Society / Section 8)
Go deeper on any part of the process.
Related Services
Other NGO & Non-Profit services
Trust Registration
Register a Public Charitable Trust for NGO, education, health, and welfare activities
Society Registration
Register a Society under the Societies Registration Act 1860 for clubs, associations, and NGOs
Section 8 Company Registration
The corporate NGO structure — preferred by CSR donors and FCRA applicants
NGO Registration (Trust / Society / Section 8)
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