Register as Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company based on your objectives and requirements. Get complete legal recognition for your social cause.
Get Free ConsultationAn NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit entity formed to promote social welfare, education, health, environment, or charitable causes. In India, NGOs can be registered under three legal structures — Trust (Indian Trusts Act, 1882), Society (Societies Registration Act, 1860), or Section 8 Company (Companies Act, 2013).
Governed by Indian Trusts Act, 1882. Best for small to medium NGOs. Easy to register, minimum 2 trustees required, simple compliance.
Governed by Societies Registration Act, 1860. Ideal for membership-based organizations. Minimum 7 members required.
Governed by Companies Act, 2013. Most credible structure for large-scale operations and foreign funding.
NGOs are formed exclusively for charitable purposes. No profits can be distributed to members.
Registered NGOs get legal identity to open bank accounts, acquire property, and receive donations.
After 12A registration, NGO income is exempt. With 80G, donors get 50% tax deduction.
Only registered NGOs are eligible for government grants and CSR funds from companies.
Personal assets of members remain protected from NGO liabilities.
Registered NGO can acquire, hold, and sell immovable property in its name.
NGO continues irrespective of changes in members or trustees.
Only registered NGOs with 3+ years can apply for FCRA registration.
Recommend best NGO structure for your objectives.
Collect identity and address proofs from all members.
Draft Trust Deed or MOA & AOA as per structure.
File with Sub-Registrar, RoS, or MCA.
Apply for PAN and TAN in NGO's name.
Receive registration certificate — NGO is legally ready.
Give your social cause a legal identity — start your NGO with expert guidance
Get StartedGet tax exemption for your NGO and allow donors to claim deductions under Section 80G. Essential for receiving donations and government funding.
Get Free ConsultationSection 12A provides tax exemption to the NGO itself. Section 80G allows donors to claim 50% tax deduction on their donations. Together, these make your NGO financially viable.
NGO's entire income from charitable activities is exempt from income tax.
Donors get 50% tax deduction on donated amount under Section 80G.
12A approval must come first before 80G can be effective.
12A is valid for lifetime. 80G can be renewed periodically.
Every rupee goes towards your social cause instead of tax.
Donors prefer 80G-approved NGOs for tax benefits.
12A & 80G are mandatory for most grant schemes.
Government validation of your NGO's genuineness.
Verify NGO registration and existence.
Prepare MOA, financials, activity reports.
File Form 10A and Form 10G on IT portal.
Commissioner reviews application.
Attend hearing before CIT.
12A and 80G orders issued.
Register under FCRA to legally receive foreign contributions and maintain compliance with Ministry of Home Affairs.
Get Free ConsultationFCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act), 2010 regulates acceptance of foreign contributions by NGOs. Administered by MHA, FCRA registration is mandatory to receive foreign donations. Without it, accepting foreign contribution is a criminal offense.
Legally receive foreign money from international sources.
Must open designated FCRA account at specified SBI branch.
Must be renewed at least 6 months before expiry.
Must file FC-4 annual returns within 9 months.
Grants from Ford Foundation, Gates Foundation, USAID, UN agencies.
Expand operations and serve more beneficiaries.
Vetted and approved by Government of India.
Legal MoUs with foreign organizations.
Verify 3-year existence and compliance.
Prepare financials and activity reports.
File FC-3 on FCRA portal.
MHA scrutinizes application.
Respond to MHA queries.
Certificate issued. Open SBI account.