Why formal registration matters
Good intentions are not a legal entity. Until your organisation is registered it cannot open a bank account in its own name, cannot hold property, cannot receive CSR funding from companies, and cannot offer donors the tax deduction that makes giving attractive. Registration under the Societies Registration Act creates a body with its own identity, governed by a memorandum of association and a set of rules that you and your fellow members agree on. A society typically requires seven members drawn from at least two different states for national-level registration, or seven members within one state for state-level.
- Legal identity. The society can open bank accounts, sign contracts, employ staff and hold assets in its own name.
- Eligible for 12A and 80G. Once registered you can apply for these exemptions, which make your income tax-free and your donors' gifts deductible.
- Access to CSR funding. Companies must spend on CSR and can only route it through registered entities holding a valid CSR-1 registration.
- Government grants. Central and state schemes are open only to formally registered organisations.
- FCRA pathway. After three years of operation a registered entity may apply for FCRA to receive foreign contributions.
- Donor confidence. Registration, audited accounts and a clear governing body give serious donors the assurance they require.
Documents you'll need
- PAN and Aadhaar of all members — a minimum of seven for a society.
- Address proof of every member.
- Passport-size photographs of each member.
- Registered office proof — utility bill plus owner's no-objection certificate.
- Memorandum of association and rules, which our legal team drafts for you.
- Statement of objectives — what the organisation will actually do, and for whom.
How the process runs
1
Name and objectivesWe check name availability with the Registrar and help you word the objects clause carefully — this matters later, because 12A and 80G approvals are assessed against it.
2
Drafting the governing documentsOur team prepares the memorandum of association and the rules and regulations, covering membership, the governing body, meetings, accounts and dissolution.
3
Filing with the RegistrarThe application is submitted to the Registrar of Societies in your state along with member affidavits and the registered office proof.
4
Certificate issuedRegistration is normally granted within about thirty days, after which PAN and TAN follow. We then explain the 12A and 80G route.
Society, trust or Section 8 company?
All three can run a non-profit. A society suits membership-driven organisations with an elected governing body. A trust is simpler and suits a small group of founders holding assets for a cause. A Section 8 company carries the heaviest compliance but the highest credibility with large institutional and corporate donors. Tell us your funding plans and we'll recommend accordingly — the right choice differs case by case.
Frequently asked
How many members do I need?
A minimum of seven members for a society. For state-level registration all seven may be from the same state; for national-level registration they should be drawn from at least two different states. Members should not all be from one family, as registrars increasingly scrutinise this.
Are 12A and 80G included in this price?
No, those are separate applications made to the Income Tax Department after registration, and they are quoted separately. We will walk you through the requirements and timelines, and most clients apply within a few months of incorporation.
Can society members be paid a salary?
Staff can be paid reasonable salaries for genuine work. Governing body members may be reimbursed for expenses, and remuneration must be reasonable and properly disclosed. Profits can never be distributed to members — that is the defining feature of a non-profit.
When can we accept foreign donations?
Only after obtaining FCRA registration, which generally requires three years of existence and demonstrable charitable activity with a minimum spend. Accepting foreign contributions without FCRA is a serious offence, so please do not do it.
★★★★★
"We registered our NGO as a society through RegisterWala. They were patient with our questions, drafted the memorandum carefully around what we actually do, and finished in twenty-eight days — ahead of schedule."
L
Lakshmi SubramanianNGO founder · Chennai, Tamil Nadu