Society Registration
- ✔ Legal recognition for charitable, educational, or cultural purposes
- ✔ Eligible for 12A and 80G income tax exemptions
- ✔ Builds public trust and credibility with donors and government bodies
- ✔ Suitable for NGOs, associations, welfare groups, and community projects
- ✔ Simple registration process under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
- ✔ Easier to receive CSR funding, government grants, and foreign contributions
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Society Registration
Introduction
A Society is a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act,1860, formed by a group of individuals who come together for a common charitable, literary, scientific, or social purpose.
It operates for the promotion of social welfare, education, art, culture, or public benefit, and not for personal profit.
Societies are a preferred choice for NGOs, clubs, associations, and community initiatives that work collectively for public causes across India.
Why You Should Register
Society Registration provides legal status to an organization, enabling it to:
• Function as a legal entity with rights to own property, enter contracts, and sue or be sued
• Apply for 12A and 80G registrations for tax benefits
• Receive grants, donations, and CSR funds from corporates and governments
• Operate transparently under a democratic management structure• Protect members and their roles with a clearly defined memorandum and rules
Compliance and Taxation
• Governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or respective State Acts.
• Must maintain minutes of meetings, membership records, and annual accounts.
• Annual filing of:
o List of managing committee members
o Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements to the Registrar of
Societies
• Eligible for 12A and 80G registration under the Income Tax Act for tax exemptions.
• Taxable income (if any) is treated as per NGO taxation rules, and audit is
mandatory above specified limits.
Other Registrations Required
| Registration Type | Purpose |
| PAN (Society) | For income tax compliance |
| 12A Registration | For income tax exemption |
| 80G Registration | For donor tax benefits |
| FCRA Registration | For foreign donations |
| GST Registration | If providing taxable services |
| Bank Account | For financial operations |
When You Should Convert
A Society can be converted into a Section 8 Company when:
• You need greater transparency and national-level recognition
• You wish to attract CSR funding and international donors
• You plan to operate across India under a corporate structure
Advantages and Limitations
-
Simple and affordable registrationSimple and affordable registration
-
Legal recognition and tax benefitsLegal recognition and tax benefits
-
Democratic structure ensures transparencyDemocratic structure ensures transparency
-
Suitable for NGOs, cultural, and social groupsSuitable for NGOs, cultural, and social groups
-
Eligible for 12A, 80G, and CSR fundingEligible for 12A, 80G, and CSR funding
-
Governed by different State ActsGoverned by different State Acts
-
Limited control of founding membersLimited control of founding members
-
Changes require Registrar approvalChanges require Registrar approval
-
Cannot distribute profitsCannot distribute profits
-
Higher compliance for multi-state operationsHigher compliance for multi-state operations
Comparison
| Parameters | Society | Trust | Section 8 Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Members | 7 (State) / 8 (National) | 2 Trustees | 2 Directors & Shareholders |
| Legal Status | Separate legal entity | Not separate | Separate legal entity |
| Liability | Limited | Limited to trust property | Limited |
| Tax Benefits | 12A & 80G eligible | 12A & 80G eligible | 12A & 80G eligible |
| Audit Requirement | Based on income | Based on income | Mandatory |
| Compliance Level | Moderate | Low | High |
| Fundraising | Donations, CSR, grants | Donations, CSR | CSR, grants, FCRA |
| Ownership Transfer | Allowed by resolution | Restricted | Allowed |
| Perpetual Succession | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost of Formation | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Best Suited For | Cultural, social, educational NGOs | Religious/charitable trusts | Large CSR & national NGOs |
Documents Required
- 1PAN and Aadhaar of founding members
- 2Passport-size photographs of all members
- 3Proof of registered office address (rent agreement, electricity bill, NOC)
- 4Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- 5Rules & Regulations of the Society
- 6Minutes of the first meeting of members
- 7ID and address proof of President, Secretary, and Treasurer
- 8Proof of property ownership (if applicable)
For More Information
FAQs
What is a Society?
A Society is a non-profit organization formed by a group of people for charitable, cultural, or educational purposes, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
How many members are required to register a Society?
What is the governing law for Societies in India?
Is Society registration mandatory?
Can a Society receive foreign donations?
What tax benefits are available to a Society?
Is audit mandatory for a Society?
Can a Society be converted into a Section 8 Company?
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