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Set up your non-profit, get 80G and 12A approvals, and start making an impact legally.
3 Ways
to Register an NGO
80G
Donor Tax Benefit
12A
Income Tax Exemption
Free
NGO Consultation
Starting a non-profit organisation in India — whether to work in education, healthcare, rural development, environment, arts, or any social cause — requires choosing the right legal form and obtaining the necessary registrations to operate legally, receive donations, and provide tax benefits to donors.
India recognises three primary legal forms for non-profit organisations: a Trust (governed by the Indian Trusts Act 1882 or state trust acts), a Society (governed by the Societies Registration Act 1860), and a Section 8 Company (governed by the Companies Act 2013). Each form has distinct governance structures, compliance requirements, and suitability for different types of organisations.
A Trust is the simplest form, established by a Trust Deed and managed by Trustees. It is ideal for family trusts, religious trusts, educational institutions, and charitable organisations wanting minimal governance complexity. A Society is a membership-based organisation governed by an elected managing committee, suitable for cultural, literary, scientific, and charitable purposes. A Section 8 Company is the most formal and credible structure, with the highest governance standards, and is preferred by professionally managed NGOs, CSR-funded organisations, and those seeking foreign contributions.
Beyond the basic registration, most NGOs need three critical approvals to function effectively: registration under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, which exempts the NGO's income from income tax; registration under Section 80G, which allows donors to claim income tax deduction on contributions made to the NGO (making your NGO more attractive to donors); and FCRA registration (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act), which authorises the organisation to receive foreign donations.
Our NGO team has extensive experience setting up all types of non-profit organisations, obtaining 12A and 80G approvals, handling CSR compliance for corporates implementing CSR through NGOs, and providing ongoing compliance support. We guide you through every step — from selecting the right structure to your first successful grant application.
Explore everything we offer under this category — each service handled by dedicated experts.
A Section 8 Company (formerly Section 25 Company) is a company incorporated under the Companies Act 2013 for charitable or not-for-profit purposes. Its name need not include "Limited" or "Private Limited." It applies its profits, if any, towards the promotion of its objects and does not distribute dividends to its members. Section 8 Companies have a professional corporate structure with a Board of Directors, annual ROC compliances, and mandatory statutory audit — making them the most credible NGO structure, preferred by CSR donors and international funders.
A Charitable or Religious Trust is created by a Trust Deed executed on stamp paper. In states with Charity Commissioner offices (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan), public trusts must be registered with the office. In other states, registration with the Sub-Registrar's office is sufficient. The Trust Deed specifies the settlor, trustees, beneficiaries, objects, and management rules. Trusts are simpler to set up than Section 8 Companies but have fewer governance requirements, making them suitable for smaller, family-run charitable activities.
A Society is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 (or state-specific acts in some states). It requires a Memorandum of Association (not the same as the Companies Act MOA) listing the name, objects, and address, and Rules and Regulations governing the society's management. Societies are managed by a Governing Body or Executive Committee elected by members. Annual returns must be filed with the Registrar of Societies. Societies are popular for cultural organisations, sports clubs, alumni associations, and professional associations.
Section 12A of the Income Tax Act grants income tax exemption to charitable and religious trusts, societies, and Section 8 Companies on their income applied for charitable purposes. Without 12A registration, the organisation's income (including donations received and grants) is taxable at the applicable rate. The registration is obtained by filing Form 10A on the Income Tax portal. Once granted, the registration is valid for 5 years and must be renewed. Provisional registration is available for new organisations.
Section 80G of the Income Tax Act allows donors to claim a deduction of 50% or 100% of their donation to approved organisations from their taxable income. Having 80G approval dramatically increases the attractiveness of your NGO to individual and corporate donors — it effectively reduces their donation cost by the tax saved. Applications are filed on the Income Tax portal (Form 10G). 80G approval is typically obtained along with or after 12A registration and is also valid for 5 years.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010 regulates receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by associations. Any NGO wanting to receive funds from foreign sources (foreign governments, international organisations, or foreign citizens) must obtain FCRA registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs. New organisations can apply for Prior Permission for a specific project after operating for 3 years. Regular FCRA registration requires at least 3 years of operation and demonstrated charitable activities. Registered organisations must file annual FCRA returns.
Our step-by-step process ensures a smooth, transparent experience from start to finish.
We discuss your mission, target beneficiaries, funding sources, team structure, and long-term plans to recommend the most appropriate NGO structure — Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company. Each has different governance requirements, costs, and suitability for different types of organisations and funders.
We draft the Trust Deed, Rules & Regulations, or MOA/AOA as applicable, tailored to your specific charitable objects. The objects must be carefully worded to be sufficiently broad for your activities while specific enough to satisfy the tax authorities for 12A/80G purposes.
We handle registration with the appropriate authority — Charity Commissioner (for trusts in applicable states), Sub-Registrar (for trusts elsewhere), Registrar of Societies, or Registrar of Companies (for Section 8). We obtain the registration certificate and all associated documents.
We file the application for 12A registration (Form 10A) on the Income Tax e-filing portal, attaching the registration documents, objects, and governing instrument. Provisional registration is typically granted within 1 month, valid for 3 years, after which final registration is obtained on submission of activity evidence.
We file the 80G application (Form 10G) on the Income Tax portal. The process and timeline are similar to 12A. Having both 12A and 80G dramatically enhances your NGO's credibility and fundraising capability.
We provide annual compliance support — filing income tax returns, annual activity and expenditure reports, renewal of 12A/80G registrations after 5 years, FCRA returns (if applicable), ROC filings (for Section 8), and Society annual returns. Proper annual compliance maintains your registration in good standing.
Operate with full legal credibility and protect trustees from personal liability.
80G approval makes your NGO attractive to donors by offering them tax deductions.
Section 8 Companies and registered NGOs are eligible to receive CSR funds from corporates.
We help you obtain FCRA registration to access international grants and donations.
We handle all annual filings so your organisation stays legally active and in good standing.
Proper registration and compliance builds trust with donors, grantors, and beneficiaries.
Book a free consultation — our expert will call you within 24 hours.
Start your business the right way — legally registered, fully compliant, and ready to grow.
Stay tax-compliant, minimise liability, and file on time — every time.
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