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Non-Profit Association

Society Registration

Start your social, charitable, educational or cultural organization

₹8,000₹15,00047% OFF
  • Complete Registration in 7-10 Days
  • Minimum 7 Members Required
  • 12A & 80G Tax Exemption Support
  • Memorandum & Rules Drafting
  • Registration Certificate
  • Lifetime Legal Support

Get Started Today!

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7 REASONS TO REGISTER A
SOCIETY

🤝

Easy Formation

Simplest and most cost-effective non-profit structure

💰

Tax Benefits

Eligible for 12A and 80G registrations for tax exemptions

🏛️

Legal Recognition

Separate legal entity with perpetual succession

🎯

Multiple Objectives

Can pursue social, educational, charitable, or cultural goals

👥

Democratic Governance

Managed democratically by elected members

📋

Easy Funding

Can receive donations, grants, and government funding

🌟

High Credibility

Recognized and trusted structure for NGOs

🔒

Asset Protection

Society property protected and used for stated objectives

What is a Society?

A Society is a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or respective state-specific acts. It is formed by a group of individuals who come together to promote charitable, educational, literary, scientific, or any other useful purpose.

Societies are one of the most popular forms of NGOs in India due to their simple formation process and minimal compliance requirements. They are governed by a Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations, managed by an elected managing committee or governing body.

Once registered, a society becomes a separate legal entity with perpetual succession. It can own property, enter into contracts, sue and be sued in its own name. Societies are eligible for various tax benefits including 12A and 80G registrations, making them attractive for donors and funding agencies.

Min 7
Members Required
₹0
No Minimum Capital
7-10 Days
Registration Time

Key Features of Society

1

Separate Legal Entity

Society has its own legal identity independent of its members

2

Perpetual Succession

Continues to exist despite changes in membership or office bearers

3

Democratic Management

Managed by elected managing committee through democratic process

4

No Minimum Capital

Can be formed without any minimum capital or registration fee

5

Tax Exemptions

Eligible for 12A and 80G registrations for income tax benefits

6

Asset Protection

Society assets used only for stated objectives and purposes

7

Easy Formation

Simple registration process with minimal documentation

8

Government Recognition

Recognized by government for grants and funding programs

9

FCRA Eligible

Can apply for FCRA to receive foreign contributions

10

Lower Compliance

Relatively simpler compliance compared to companies

Requirements for Registration

Members & Office Bearers

  • Minimum 7 members required
  • All members must be adults (18+ years)
  • At least 3 office bearers (President, Secretary, Treasurer)
  • Members can be from any state
  • Governing body elected by members

Documents & Objects

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Rules and Regulations (Byelaws)
  • Registered office address proof
  • No minimum capital required
  • Charitable/social objectives defined

Permitted Objectives for Society

📚

Education

Schools, colleges, educational institutions

🏥

Healthcare

Hospitals, clinics, medical relief

🎭

Arts & Culture

Promotion of art, music, drama, literature

⚽

Sports

Sports development and promotion

🌱

Environment

Environmental conservation and protection

👥

Social Welfare

Community development and welfare

🔬

Scientific

Scientific research and advancement

📖

Religious

Religious or spiritual activities

🤲

Charitable

Relief of poor and distressed

Documents Required

1Identity Proof

  • ✓ PAN Card (All Members)
  • ✓ Aadhaar Card
  • ✓ Passport Size Photographs
  • ✓ Voter ID/Driving License
  • ✓ Address Proof of Members

2Address Proof

  • ✓ Registered Office Proof
  • ✓ Rent Agreement/NOC
  • ✓ Electricity Bill (< 2 months)
  • ✓ Property Ownership Documents
  • ✓ Address Proof of Office

3Society Documents

  • ✓ Memorandum of Association
  • ✓ Rules & Regulations
  • ✓ List of Managing Committee
  • ✓ Consent Letters
  • ✓ Declaration from Members

Important Note:

All members must provide consent letters and identity proofs. The Memorandum of Association must clearly state the objectives and rules of the society. Registered office must be in the state where registration is sought.

Society Registration Process

Complete your society registration in simple steps

1

Name

Choose Unique Name

2

MOA

Draft Memorandum

3

Rules

Draft Byelaws

4

Documents

Prepare Papers

5

Members

Get Consent

6

Submit

File Application

7

Certificate

Get Registration

7-10 Days
Average Time to Complete

Society Governing Structure

👥

General Body

All registered members form the General Body. They elect the managing committee and approve major decisions.

•Elect Managing Committee
•Approve Annual Reports
•Amend Rules
•Admit New Members
💼

Managing Committee

Elected executive body that manages day-to-day affairs and implements decisions.

•Day-to-day Management
•Financial Decisions
•Policy Implementation
•Conduct Meetings
👔

Office Bearers

Key officials elected from managing committee - President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

•Execute Decisions
•Represent Society
•Maintain Records
•Handle Finances

Important Note:

The Managing Committee is elected by the General Body for a fixed tenure (usually 3-5 years). All major decisions require approval of the General Body in Annual General Meeting (AGM). The society must maintain proper books of accounts and records as per the Act.

Annual Compliance Requirements

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Conduct AGM within 6 months of financial year end to present annual report and accounts

Annual Returns Filing

File annual returns with Registrar of Societies with financial statements

Income Tax Return

File ITR if income exceeds exemption limit or claiming tax benefits

Audit of Accounts

Statutory audit mandatory if income exceeds prescribed limits

12A & 80G Renewal

Renew tax exemption certificates as per Income Tax Department requirements

FCRA Returns

Annual returns and accounts filing if registered under FCRA

Maintain Records

Maintain minutes books, member register, accounts books properly

Committee Elections

Elect new managing committee as per tenure specified in rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.What is the difference between Society, Trust, and Section 8 Company?
Society is registered under Societies Registration Act with minimum 7 members, governed democratically. Trust requires 2 trustees, governed by trustees. Section 8 Company requires 2 directors, registered under Companies Act with corporate structure. Society is easiest to form, Trust is simplest in structure, and Section 8 has highest credibility.
Q2.How many members are required to register a Society?
Minimum 7 members are required to register a Society. All members must be adults (18+ years). There is no maximum limit on members. The society can have more members joining after registration as per the rules.
Q3.Is there any minimum capital required for Society registration?
No, there is no minimum capital requirement for registering a Society. Unlike companies, societies can be formed without any capital. However, you may need to show some initial corpus or funds to demonstrate seriousness of purpose.
Q4.Can a Society receive foreign donations?
Yes, a Society can receive foreign contributions after obtaining FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The society must be operational for at least 3 years and have spent minimum ₹15 lakhs on its activities before applying for FCRA.
Q5.What are the tax benefits available to Societies?
Societies can apply for 12A registration for income tax exemption on surplus income. They can also obtain 80G certification which allows donors to claim tax deductions on donations made. Additionally, societies may be eligible for exemption from property tax and stamp duty in some states.
Q6.Can office bearers receive salary in a Society?
Yes, office bearers and employees can receive reasonable remuneration/salary for services rendered. However, the remuneration should be approved by the managing committee/general body and should be reasonable considering the nature and size of society's activities. It should not be considered as profit distribution.
Q7.How long does it take to register a Society?
The registration process typically takes 7-10 working days from the date of submission of complete documents to the Registrar of Societies. However, the timeline may vary depending on the state and workload of the registrar's office.
Q8.Can a Society be dissolved or closed?
Yes, a Society can be dissolved with approval of at least 3/4th of members in a General Meeting. The remaining assets after settling all liabilities must be transferred to another society with similar objects or as per rules. Notice must be given to the Registrar of Societies for dissolution.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

  • ✓Easiest and cheapest to form
  • ✓No minimum capital required
  • ✓Democratic management structure
  • ✓12A & 80G tax exemptions
  • ✓Can receive donations and grants
  • ✓Separate legal entity
  • ✓Perpetual succession
  • ✓Lower compliance requirements
  • ✓Property protection
  • ✓Government recognition

Disadvantages

  • !Limited liability not guaranteed
  • !State-specific registration (not pan-India)
  • !Difficult to dissolve
  • !Government control and scrutiny
  • !Lower credibility vs Section 8
  • !State-wise varying laws
  • !Amendment process complicated
  • !FCRA takes 3 years
  • !Members' personal liability possible
  • !Less professional structure

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