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Section 8 Company, NGO and Trust Registration in Delhi NCR

Charitable work needs the right legal form and the right tax registrations. We help you choose between a Section 8 company, a trust and a society, register it, and obtain 12A and 80G so donors can claim deductions.

  • Chartered Accountant led
  • Written scope and fee before we start
  • Delhi NCR, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh
Call +91 92788 13303
3Forms: trust, society, Section 8 company
12AIncome tax exemption for the NGO
80GDeduction for donors

How do I register an NGO in India?

An NGO can be set up as a trust, a society or a Section 8 company. A Section 8 company is incorporated with the MCA and needs a licence. After registration, apply for 12A and 80G with the Income Tax Department so the NGO is tax-exempt and donors can claim deductions.

Guide

Section 8, NGO and Trust Registration: what you should know

Choosing between a Section 8 company, a trust and a society

A Section 8 company is a non-profit company registered with the MCA. It suits organisations that want a corporate structure, wider credibility and the ability to raise funds. A trust is created by a deed and suits private or public charity with simpler rules. A society is a membership body registered under the Societies Registration Act of the state.

Steps for a Section 8 company

Apply for DSC and DIN, reserve a name, file the incorporation forms with the MOA and AOA stating the non-profit objects, and apply for a Section 8 licence. Profits must be applied to the objects and cannot be distributed to members.

Tax benefits to plan for

To receive donations with tax benefits, the organisation applies for registration under Section 12A and, for donors' deduction, Section 80G of the Income-tax Act as applicable, and may need FCRA for foreign donations. These are separate applications with their own conditions.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a structure without comparing control and compliance
  • Vague objects that attract ROC queries
  • Missing 12A and 80G, leaving donors without tax benefit
  • Receiving foreign donations without FCRA
General information based on the law as we understand it today. Rules, rates and due dates change, so confirm your own case with a Chartered Accountant.

Who it is for

Who needs Section 8, NGO and Trust Registration?

1

Founders starting a charitable, educational or social welfare organisation

2

Organisations that want to receive CSR funding

3

Existing NGOs that need 12A and 80G registration or renewal

4

Groups that want a formal structure for grants and donations

Documents required for Section 8, NGO and Trust Registration

  • PAN and Aadhaar of trustees, members or directors
  • Address proof and photographs of the founders
  • Registered office proof with NOC if rented
  • Trust deed, memorandum or objects clause, as applicable
  • Details of the activities and proposed funding sources

Timeline and fees

Trust or society in 1 to 3 weeks; Section 8 licence and 12A or 80G take longer.

The fee depends on the scope, the volume of work and the timeline. We share a written scope and fee before we start, and there are no hidden charges.

Our process

How we handle Section 8, NGO and Trust Registration

Every step is handled by our team, with updates at each stage.

  1. 1

    Pick the form

    Trust, society or Section 8 company, based on your goals.

  2. 2

    Draft the documents

    Trust deed, memorandum or articles with charitable objects.

  3. 3

    Register

    Registration with the Registrar, or MCA licence for a Section 8 company.

  4. 4

    12A and 80G

    Applications filed for tax exemption and donor deductions.

  5. 5

    NGO compliance

    Annual returns, audit and filings guided year after year.

FAQ

Section 8, NGO and Trust Registration: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Section 8 company, a trust and a society?

A Section 8 company is incorporated with the MCA and follows company law. A trust is created by a deed and is simple to run. A society is registered under the Societies Registration Act and needs at least seven members.

What are 12A and 80G?

12A registration exempts the NGO's income from income tax if it is applied to its objects. 80G lets donors claim a deduction on donations, subject to the conditions of the Act.

Does an NGO need an audit?

Most registered NGOs must maintain accounts and get them audited if their income exceeds the exemption limit or if they claim exemption under the Act.

Can an NGO receive foreign donations?

Only with registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. This is a separate application and has additional compliance.

Can a Section 8 company pay its directors?

Directors can be paid reasonable remuneration for services as permitted, but profits cannot be distributed as dividends.

How long does Section 8 registration take?

It depends on name approval and licence processing, and generally takes longer than a standard company.

Do NGOs need an annual audit?

Yes, accounts are audited and annual returns are filed.

Get in touch

Talk to a Chartered Accountant about Section 8, NGO and Trust Registration

Share a few details and we will reply within one working day with the scope, timeline and fee.

Call +91 92788 13303