NGO Registration & Compliance Services
Empower your social cause with the right legal structure. We provide end-to-end support for Section 8, Trust, Society, 12A/80G, and FCRA registrations.
Our NGO Services
Choose the right structure and compliance setup for your non-profit organization.
Section 8 Company
The most trusted and transparent NGO structure in India, registered under the MCA. Ideal for large-scale operations, CSR funding, and nationwide activities.
Trust Registration
Perfect for managing property, schools, hospitals, or private estates for public benefit. Registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 with local sub-registrars.
Society Registration
A democratic setup requiring a minimum of 7 members. Governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Great for community welfare and resident associations.
12A & 80G Registration
Mandatory for tax exemptions. 12A exempts your NGO’s income from income tax, while 80G allows your donors to claim tax deductions on their donations.
FCRA Registration
Required under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act if your NGO intends to receive grants, donations, or funding from foreign sources.
NGO Darpan & CSR-1
Mandatory registrations required to apply for government grants (NITI Aayog Darpan) and to receive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from companies.
Which NGO Structure is Right for You?
In India, non-profit organizations can be registered under three primary legal structures. Choosing the right one depends on your objectives, the scale of operations, and your funding sources.
| Feature | Trust | Society | Section 8 Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | Indian Trusts Act, 1882 | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Companies Act, 2013 |
| Minimum Members | 2 Trustees | 7 Members | 2 Directors |
| Area of Operation | Limited to State (usually) | State or All-India | All-India & Global |
| Credibility & Funding | Moderate | Moderate | Highest (Preferred for CSR) |
| Compliance Level | Low | Moderate | High (Annual MCA filings) |
Why Register Your NGO Legally?
- Legal Status: Allows the organization to open bank accounts, buy property, and sign contracts in its own name.
- Tax Exemptions: A registered NGO can apply for Section 12A to make its own surplus income tax-free.
- Donor Trust: Donors (both individual and corporate) only fund registered NGOs with an 80G certificate, allowing them to claim tax rebates.
- Government Grants: Only registered NGOs can enroll on the NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal to access state and central government schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can an NGO make a profit?
Yes, an NGO can engage in income-generating activities (like selling goods made by beneficiaries) and generate a surplus. However, this surplus cannot be distributed as dividends to its founders/members. It must be reinvested back into the charitable objectives of the NGO.
How long does it take to register a Section 8 Company?
Typically, registering a Section 8 Company takes about 15 to 20 working days, subject to MCA name approval and document processing times.
What is the difference between 12A and 80G?
Section 12A registration exempts the NGO’s income from income tax. Section 80G registration benefits the donors—it allows anyone who donates to your NGO to deduct the donation amount from their personal taxable income.
Is NGO Darpan registration mandatory?
If you plan to receive any funding, grants, or schemes from Central or State Government ministries in India, registering your NGO on the NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal and obtaining a Unique ID is strictly mandatory.
Can foreign nationals be board members of an Indian NGO?
Yes, foreign nationals can be directors in a Section 8 Company or trustees in a Trust. However, having foreign members can subject the NGO to stricter scrutiny, particularly regarding FCRA compliance and foreign funding rules.
Start Your Social Mission Today
Leave the complex legal paperwork, tax registrations, and compliance filings to our dedicated experts. Fill out the form below to get a free consultation.