NGO Registration
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a legally registered group working for social welfare without profit motives. Choose E Accountax Manager for hassle-free NGO registration and expert guidance!
What is NGO Registration?
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a legally registered group that works for the betterment of society without aiming to make a profit. These organizations focus on important causes like child education, environmental protection, wildlife conservation, poverty relief, social welfare, and community development. They operate independently from the government, though they may collaborate on various projects.
In simple terms, NGOs exist to make a positive impact on people's lives, whether by helping the underprivileged, preserving culture, promoting science, or supporting social initiatives. Sometimes, NGOs are also called Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) because they reinvest all their resources into their mission instead of making money for personal gain.
Advantages of NGO Registration
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Reliability & Credibility
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More exposure to the organization
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Expansion of scope/ area of operations
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Association with more volunteers
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Legal Entity
Documents Required for NGO Registration
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A list of members of the society.
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Member’s PAN & Aadhar Card
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A cover letter that explain the purpose of the society
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Society’s registered office address proof
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MoA - This document shows the purpose of the society
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A Document which shows the rules & regulations of the society
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Society declared by the President
Types of NGO Registrations in India
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Trust Registration
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Society Registration
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Section-8 Company (Companies Act, 2013)
Trust Registration
In India, trusts are legal entities that help manage assets for a social or charitable purpose. The process of registering a trust follows the Indian Trust Act, of 1882, though some states have their own rules. To register a trust, you need at least three members, and the official document that establishes it is called a trust deed.
Types of Trusts in India
There are two main types of trusts:
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Private Trust: Used for managing assets like money, property, or shares for specific beneficiaries (like family members).
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Public Trust: Created for the welfare of society, working in areas like education, healthcare, and support for the underprivileged.
- PAN
- Aadhar
- Registered Office’s Electricity Bill
Documents Required for Trust Registration
Society Registration
A Society NGO is a legally registered group that works for the betterment of society without aiming to make a profit. It is registered under the Society Registration Act, of 1860, and each state has its own rules for forming and managing societies.
To register a society, you need at least seven people (above 18 years old). There’s no upper limit on how many people can be part of it. However, once registered, the society’s work is usually limited to the state where it was formed.
Why Register a Society?
People create societies for various social, educational, and cultural purposes, such as:
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Promoting arts, literature, and education
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Encouraging scientific research and innovation
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Supporting business and industry knowledge
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Spreading political awareness and training
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Promoting sports and physical activities
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Running libraries, reading rooms, and historical preservation
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Aadhar Card
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Registered Office’s Electricity Bill
Documents Required for Society Registration
What is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company is a special type of non-profit organization in India, registered under the Companies Act, 2013 and regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
This type of company is created for social causes like education, healthcare, environmental protection, charity, sports, research, and cultural development. Unlike regular companies, a Section 8 Company does not distribute profits to its members. Instead, all earnings are reinvested into achieving the organization’s mission.
If you want to operate across India on a large scale, a Section 8 Company is a great option. You only need two people to register it.
Documents Required for Section 8 Foundation
Difference between Trust, Society, and Section 8 Foundation
If you're planning to start an NGO, you can choose from three main types: Trust, Society, or Section 8 Foundation. Understand the differences:
S.No. | Feature | Trust 🏛 | Society 👥 | Section 8 Foundation 🌍 |
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1 | Governing Law | Indian Trust Act, 1882 | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Companies Act, 2013 |
2 | Minimum Members Required | At least 3 people | At least 7 people | At least 2 Directors/Shareholders |
3 | Work Area | Works within the state where it’s registered | Works within the state where it’s registered | Can operate all over India (PAN India) |
4 | Annual Compliance | Basic Income Tax Return (ITR) filing | Audit & ITR filing required | Audit & ROC (Registrar of Companies) filing required |
5 | Registration Documents | Trust Deed (legal document that forms the Trust) | Society Certificate & Byelaws (rules & regulations of the Society) | License, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and Articles of Association (AOA) |
Which One Should You Choose?
Conclusion
Choosing the right NGO structure—Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company—depends on your goals. Each has unique benefits and legal requirements. For seamless registration and expert guidance, trust E Accountax Manager to simplify the process and get you started hassle-free! 🚀