Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Registration is the legal process of establishing a non-profit organisation for charitable, educational, religious, social, cultural, scientific, environmental, or public welfare purposes in accordance with the applicable laws in India. An NGO may be registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company, depending upon its objectives, governance structure, and operational requirements.
In India, NGOs are primarily governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (where applicable), the respective State Public Trust Acts, the Societies Registration Act, 1860, the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8 Companies), the Income Tax Act, 1961, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA), and other applicable laws.
NGO registration services generally include:
- Selection of the appropriate legal structure (Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company).
- Drafting of Trust Deeds, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), Rules and Regulations, and Bye-laws.
- Registration before the competent authority.
- Obtaining PAN, TAN, and other statutory registrations.
- Registration under Sections 12AB and 80G of the Income Tax Act for tax exemptions.
- Assistance in obtaining FCRA Registration or Prior Permission, where applicable.
- Post-registration legal compliance, governance, and advisory services.
A duly registered NGO acquires legal recognition, enabling it to lawfully carry out charitable activities, own property, receive grants and donations, avail statutory tax benefits, and ensure regulatory compliance while promoting its charitable objectives.