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MOA drafting, Rules preparation, and Registrar filing from ₹1,999. Government fees at actuals.
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Memorandum of Association (MOA) Drafting
Rules and Regulations Preparation
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Package includes first-year compliance services: auditor appointment, annual filings, and related obligations.
What Is a Society Under the Societies Registration Act, 1860?
A society is a non-profit organisation of 7 or more persons registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 for charitable, educational, literary, scientific, cultural, or social welfare purposes, gaining a separate legal identity from the Registrar of Societies.
Under Section 20 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, societies may be formed for 7 defined purposes: charitable relief, military orphan funds, scientific advancement, literary discussion, fine arts promotion, political education, and diffusion of useful knowledge. Modern practice extends these to educational institutions, cultural organisations, sports clubs, resident welfare associations (RWAs), and professional bodies.
Registration with the Registrar of Societies grants the society a separate legal identity distinct from its members. A registered society can own property in its name under Section 5, enter contracts, open bank accounts, receive government grants, and sue or be sued. India has over 3.4 million registered societies, making it the most popular NGO structure. Based on our experience registering 1,000+ societies across 22 states, educational and charitable societies account for over 60% of all registrations. The minimum requirement is 7 founding members who sign the Memorandum of Association (MOA) defining the society's objectives. For a complete view of all non-profit structures, explore NGO registration options.
Section 20 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 defines the eligible purposes for society formation. Here are the 8 most common types registered in India:
Charitable Society
Formed for poverty alleviation, medical relief, disaster response, and social welfare. Examples: orphanages, old-age homes, free medical clinics.
Educational Society
Established to run schools, colleges, coaching centres, and training institutes. The most common society type in India, covering primary to higher education.
Literary Society
Promotes literature, research, book clubs, and knowledge dissemination. Includes library societies, reading circles, and academic discussion forums.
Scientific Society
Advances scientific research, technology awareness, and innovation. Covers research bodies, science clubs, and technology promotion organisations.
Cultural Society
Promotes art, music, dance, drama, and cultural heritage. Includes theatre groups, folk art associations, and arts preservation organisations.
Sports Society
Promotes sports, physical fitness, and athletics. Covers district-level clubs, athletic associations, yoga centres, and sports federations.
Resident Welfare Association
Formed by residents of housing complexes, colonies, or neighbourhoods for community welfare, maintenance, and collective representation.
Professional Society
Associations of professionals in fields like medicine, law, engineering, or accounting for knowledge exchange, standards setting, and networking.
Based on our experience, educational and charitable societies account for over 60% of all registrations. Resident welfare associations and professional bodies are the fastest-growing categories, with registrations increasing 25% year-over-year across Delhi, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Benefits of Registering a Society
A registered society offers distinct advantages over unregistered groups. Here are 8 specific benefits backed by legal provisions, verified by our team of practising CAs and CS professionals:
Separate Legal Identity
A registered society is a legal entity distinct from its members. It can own property, sign contracts, and operate bank accounts in its own name under Section 5 of the Act.
Tax Exemptions (12A and 80G)
Apply for 12A registration to get income tax exemption on surplus and 80G for donor tax deductions. Societies with 12A save 25% to 30% on surplus income annually.
Government Grants and CSR Funds
Registered societies can receive grants from central and state governments, and CSR funds from companies after obtaining CSR-1 registration under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
FCRA Eligibility for Foreign Funding
After 3 years of operation, a society can apply for FCRA registration to receive foreign donations, grants, and international funding through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Democratic Governance
Societies operate with a governing body elected by members, ensuring transparent decision-making, accountability through AGMs, and audited accounts filed annually.
Perpetual Existence
A registered society has perpetual succession in most states (Delhi, Karnataka, West Bengal). It continues to exist regardless of changes in membership or governing body.
Simpler Compliance Than Section 8
Societies have lighter compliance: annual list filing (Form S) and audited accounts. No MCA ROC filings required, saving ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per year in compliance costs.
Credibility and Trust
Registration provides credibility with donors, government agencies, and corporate CSR departments, increasing fundraising potential 3 to 5 times compared to unregistered groups.
Eligibility and Requirements for Society Registration
Before applying, verify that your group meets all eligibility criteria under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The requirements are straightforward compared to Section 8 company incorporation:
Requirement
Details
Minimum Members
7 persons (all must sign the MOA)
Member Eligibility
Indian residents, aged 18+, individuals or entities
Objectives
Non-profit, within Section 20 scope (charitable, educational, literary, scientific, cultural, sports, social welfare)
Registered Office
Valid address in India with proof (rent agreement or ownership deed)
Name Uniqueness
Must not conflict with existing societies, trademarks, or registered entities in the same state
Capital Requirement
None (no minimum capital or net worth required)
Governing Body
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 4 to 6 elected members
The governing body should not have more than one-third related family members. Violating this rule can disqualify the society from obtaining 12A and 80G registration from the Income Tax Department.
Documents Required for Society Registration
Gather these documents before starting the registration process. Incomplete submissions are the top reason for delays at the Registrar's office.
Member Documents (all 7+ founding members)
Identity Proof - Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or passport (self-attested copies)
Address Proof - Utility bill, bank statement, or Aadhaar (not older than 2 months)
Passport-Size Photographs - Recent photos with white background of all founding members
Society Documents
Memorandum of Association (MOA) - Signed by all 7+ members on stamp paper of state-prescribed value (₹100 to ₹500). Must state society name, objectives per Section 20, registered office address, and member details.
Rules and Regulations - Bylaws governing membership, meetings, quorum, accounts, audit, amendments, and dissolution. Signed by at least 3 governing body members.
Resolution for Formation - Minutes of the first meeting of founding members authorising registration.
Affidavit - Declaration from the President or Secretary confirming society objectives and member details.
Registered Office Documents
Rent Agreement or Ownership Deed - Proof of the society's registered office address.
Utility Bill - Electricity, water, or gas bill (not older than 2 months).
NOC from Landlord - No Objection Certificate from the property owner if the office is rented.
For states with online filing portals (Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), you also need a digital signature certificate (DSC) for the authorised signatory.
Prepare coloured scanned copies of all documents. Black-and-white photocopies are rejected by most Registrar offices. The MOA must be on stamp paper of your state's prescribed value, not plain paper.
Step-by-Step Society Registration Process
Society registration involves 7 steps, takes 15 to 20 working days, and costs ₹2,499 to ₹5,000 in total (including ₹1,999 IncorpX professional fee and government charges at actuals).
Step 1: Select a Unique Society Name
Choose a distinctive name that reflects the society's objectives and does not conflict with existing registered societies or trademarks. Check name availability with the Registrar of Societies in your state. Avoid restricted words such as "Government", "Municipal", "National", or "Indian" without prior government approval.
Portal: State Registrar office or online portal | Time: 1 day
Step 2: Gather Minimum 7 Founding Members
Assemble at least 7 persons who will sign the Memorandum of Association. All members must be Indian residents aged 18 or above. Collect Aadhaar or PAN, address proof, and passport-size photographs from each member. There is no upper limit on the number of founding members.
Documents: ID proof, address proof, photos | Time: 1 to 2 days
Step 3: Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Prepare the MOA on stamp paper of state-prescribed value (₹100 to ₹500). Include the society name, objectives per Section 20 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, registered office address, and the names, addresses, and occupations of all founding members. Every member must sign the MOA.
Stamp Duty: ₹100 to ₹500 | Time: 2 to 3 days
Step 4: Prepare Rules and Regulations
Draft the society's bylaws covering membership criteria, governing body structure (President, Secretary, Treasurer), meeting procedures, quorum requirements, financial management, audit provisions, amendment process, and dissolution procedure. At least 3 governing body members must sign the document.
Signatories: 3+ governing body members | Time: 1 to 2 days
Step 5: Get Documents Attested
Have the MOA attested before a Notary Public, Gazetted Officer, Oath Commissioner, Chartered Accountant, Advocate, or Magistrate First Class. The attesting authority must affix their stamp, signature, and full address on the MOA.
Fee: ₹200 to ₹500 | Time: 1 day
Step 6: Submit Application to Registrar of Societies
File the application with the Registrar of Societies in the state where the registered office is located. Submit the attested MOA, Rules and Regulations, member ID proofs, registered office address proof with utility bill, and the government registration fee (₹100 to ₹2,000 depending on the state). Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu accept online applications through their state portals.
Government Fee: ₹100 to ₹2,000 | Time: 1 day
Step 7: Receive Registration Certificate
After document verification and compliance checks, the Registrar issues a registration certificate confirming the society's legal identity under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Apply for PAN (Form 49A, ₹107) and TAN (Form 49B, ₹65) immediately after registration. Open a bank account in the society's name and register on the NITI Aayog Darpan portal for government grant eligibility.
PAN Fee: ₹107 | TAN Fee: ₹65 | Time: 15 to 20 working days
In 2025, our team helped a group of 9 educators in Karnataka register an educational society in 18 working days. The total cost was ₹3,200 (₹1,999 IncorpX fee plus ₹1,201 government charges). The society obtained 12A and 80G registration within 2 months and secured its first CSR grant of ₹8 lakh within 6 months of registration.
Do not use a society name that includes words like "National", "Indian", "Bharat", or "All India" without prior government approval. This is the most common reason for application rejection at the Registrar's office.
MOA drafting, Rules preparation, and Registrar filing included. Government fees at actuals.
Society Registration Cost in 2026
Society registration is the most affordable NGO structure in India. Here is the complete cost breakdown with no hidden charges:
In states with lower stamp duty (Delhi, Rajasthan), total cost can be as low as ₹2,499. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, expect ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 total. IncorpX charges government fees at actuals with no markup.
Society vs Trust vs Section 8 Company
Choosing the right legal structure for your non-profit is a critical first decision. Here is a data-backed comparison of all 3 NGO structures available in India:
Parameter
Society
Trust
Section 8 Company
Governing Law
Societies Registration Act, 1860
Indian Trusts Act, 1882
Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8)
Registering Authority
Registrar of Societies
Charity Commissioner / Sub-Registrar
Registrar of Companies (ROC)
Minimum Members
7
2 (trustees)
2 directors + 2 shareholders
Formation Document
MOA + Rules and Regulations
Trust Deed
MOA + AOA + MCA forms
Governance
Democratic (elected governing body)
Trustee-managed
Board of Directors
Cost (IncorpX)
₹1,999
₹5,999
₹7,999
Processing Time
15 to 20 working days
7 to 15 working days
20 to 30 working days
Stamp Duty
₹100 to ₹500
3% to 7% of trust property value
Nil
Annual Compliance
Form S + audited accounts
Trust accounts + IT return
MCA ROC filings + AGM + IT return
12A / 80G Eligibility
Yes
Yes
Yes
FCRA Eligibility
Yes (after 3 years)
Yes (after 3 years)
Yes (after 3 years)
Best For
Cultural clubs, RWAs, educational bodies, professional associations
Donor-driven charities, family trusts, religious endowments
Verdict: Choose a society if you have 7+ active members and want democratic governance with the simplest compliance. Choose trust registration for small donor-driven charities with 2 to 3 people. Choose Section 8 company registration for corporate-level credibility and access to large-scale CSR funding. For organisations focused on education, societies are the preferred structure due to democratic governance and lower compliance costs compared to Section 8 companies.
Annual Compliances After Society Registration
Registration is the first step. Maintaining active status requires filing annual returns and meeting compliance deadlines. Missing these can result in penalties or cancellation of registration.
Compliance
Deadline
Form / Document
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Annual List of Office Bearers
Within 14 days of AGM
Form S (or state equivalent)
₹50 per day of default (Section 4)
Audited Annual Accounts
Within 6 months of FY end
Audit Report by CA
Cancellation risk
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
By 30 September (within 6 months of FY end)
AGM Minutes
Registrar notices, cancellation risk
Income Tax Return (ITR-7)
31 October (if audit applicable)
ITR-7
₹5,000 late fee (Section 234F)
Governing Body Changes
Within 14 days of change
Amended list to Registrar
₹50 per day of default
FCRA Return (if applicable)
31 December
Form FC-4
FCRA cancellation
12A and 80G Renewal
Before expiry (every 5 years)
Form 10A / 10AB
Loss of tax exemption status
Registration Renewal (state-specific)
Before expiry (5 years in Tamil Nadu)
Renewal application
Cancellation of registration
After registration, apply for NGO Darpan registration to become eligible for government grants and CSR funding.
Failure to file the annual list under Section 4 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 attracts a penalty of ₹50 per day of default. Persistent non-compliance gives the Registrar grounds to cancel registration.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Registered Society
Advantages
Lowest registration cost among NGO structures - ₹1,999 at IncorpX vs ₹5,999 for trust and ₹7,999 for Section 8 company.
Democratic governance - Elected governing body with member voting rights ensures transparency and accountability.
Full tax benefit eligibility - Eligible for 12A (income tax exemption), 80G (donor deduction), FCRA (foreign funding), and CSR-1 (corporate funds).
Simpler annual compliance - Form S filing and audited accounts only. No MCA ROC filings, saving ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per year vs Section 8 companies.
No minimum capital or net worth requirement - Start with zero capital; only membership fees and donations needed.
Property and contract rights - Can own movable and immovable property, open bank accounts, and enter contracts in its own name.
Perpetual existence - Registration is permanent in most states (Delhi, Karnataka, West Bengal) without renewal.
Disadvantages
Requires minimum 7 members - Trust needs only 2 persons, and Section 8 needs 2 directors plus 2 shareholders. Small groups may find this restrictive.
No profit distribution - All surplus must be reinvested in the society's objectives. Members and governing body cannot receive dividends.
State-wise variation - Different states follow different acts (Karnataka 1960, Tamil Nadu 1975, Rajasthan 1958), creating complexity for multi-state operations.
Lower perceived credibility for large CSR - Section 8 companies are preferred by major corporates for large-scale CSR funding above ₹50 lakh.
If your organisation has fewer than 7 members, consider trust registration (minimum 2 trustees) or Section 8 company registration (2 directors plus 2 shareholders). For 7+ active members, a society is the most cost-effective and democratically governed structure.
Society Registration Renewal Process
Renewal requirements vary significantly by state. Not all states require periodic renewal. Here is a state-wise breakdown:
State
Renewal Required?
Renewal Period
Renewal Fee
Delhi
No (perpetual)
N/A
N/A
Karnataka
No (perpetual)
N/A
N/A
West Bengal
No
N/A
N/A
Tamil Nadu
Yes
Every 5 years
₹200 to ₹500
Maharashtra
Yes (periodic)
Varies
₹200 to ₹500
Rajasthan
Yes
Varies
₹100 to ₹200
Uttar Pradesh
Yes
Varies
₹200 to ₹500
Renewal documents: Application form, latest audited financial accounts, updated list of governing body members, and original registration certificate. Some states also require a copy of the latest AGM minutes and a brief activity report for the renewal period.
In Tamil Nadu, failure to renew registration within 5 years results in automatic cancellation. File your renewal application at least 30 days before the expiry date to avoid lapse in legal entity status.
Tax Benefits for Registered Societies: 12A, 80G, and CSR-1
Tax registrations are the primary financial advantage of a registered society. Three separate registrations provide distinct benefits:
12A Registration (Income Tax Exemption): Grants exemption from income tax on the society's surplus income. Without 12A, the society pays tax at the maximum marginal rate (30% plus cess). With 12A, the surplus is exempt, saving 25% to 30% annually. Apply to the Income Tax Commissioner after society registration. Provisional certificate issued in 1 to 3 months. Learn more about 12A and 80G registration.
80G Registration (Donor Tax Deduction): Allows donors to claim 50% or 100% tax deductions on their contributions. This significantly increases donor willingness and fundraising capability. All donation receipts must include the society's PAN and 80G registration number. Read the complete guide to 12A and 80G benefits.
CSR-1 Registration: Enables the society to receive Corporate Social Responsibility funds from companies under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. Companies with net worth above ₹500 crore, turnover above ₹1,000 crore, or net profit above ₹5 crore must spend 2% of average net profit on CSR activities.
FCRA Registration: After 3 years of operation with audited accounts, the society can apply for FCRA registration for foreign funding from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Foreign donations must be deposited in a designated FCRA bank account at SBI New Delhi Main Branch.
For societies previously registered under 12AA, note that the 12AA registration process has been replaced by the new 12A regime under the Finance Act, 2020. Existing 12AA holders must re-register under 12A.
Apply for 12A, 80G, and CSR-1 through the Income Tax Department portal after receiving your society registration certificate.
Registering a society in India raises practical questions about cost, documents, timelines, and compliance. Here are answers to the 35 most common questions, backed by specific data from the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
A society is a non-profit organisation formed by 7 or more persons under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It operates for charitable, educational, literary, scientific, cultural, or social welfare purposes defined in Section 20. A registered society gains a separate legal identity, can own property, open bank accounts, and sue or be sued in its own name.
The Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act XXI of 1860) is the central legislation governing non-profit society incorporation in India. Section 1 covers registration, Section 2 defines MOA requirements, Section 4 mandates annual filing of office bearers, and Section 20 lists 7 eligible purposes including charitable, military orphan funds, and scientific advancement.
The governing body (also called the managing committee or executive committee) manages the society's affairs. It typically comprises a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 4 to 6 members elected by the general body. Section 4 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 requires the annual list of governing body members to be filed with the Registrar of Societies.
No. A registered society cannot distribute profits to its members under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. All income must be used exclusively for the society's stated objectives. If the society earns surplus, it must reinvest in its activities. Violation can lead to cancellation of 12A tax exemption and loss of registration.
Yes, foreigners can be ordinary members of a society registered in India. However, they generally cannot be founding members or governing body members in most states. If the society receives foreign contributions, it must obtain FCRA registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010, from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Yes, NRIs can be members of a registered society in India. Most states allow NRIs as ordinary members but restrict their inclusion as founding signatories of the MOA. If the society plans to receive donations from NRIs, FCRA registration is not required for Indian citizens abroad, but proper PAN-based receipts must be issued for 80G claims.
Yes, family members can be members of the same society. However, most states restrict the governing body from having a majority of related persons. For example, Delhi rules recommend no more than one-third of governing body members from the same family to maintain governance standards and qualify for 12A and 80G registration.
The MOA (Memorandum of Association) is the founding document signed by all 7+ members on stamp paper, stating the society's name, objectives per Section 20, and member details. Rules and Regulations are bylaws governing membership, meetings, accounts, amendments, and dissolution, signed by at least 3 governing body members. Both are mandatory for registration.
Society registration validity varies by state. In Delhi and Karnataka, registration is perpetual with no renewal needed. In Tamil Nadu, renewal is required every 5 years. In Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and UP, periodic renewal is mandatory. Non-renewal can result in cancellation of registration.
The quorum for a society's general body meeting is typically one-fifth of total members or 5 members, whichever is greater, unless the Rules and Regulations specify otherwise. For governing body meetings, the quorum is usually one-third of members. Annual General Meetings must be held within 6 months of the financial year end.
Yes, a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 is a separate legal entity and can own movable and immovable property in its own name. Section 5 allows property to vest in the society's governing body. On dissolution, property is distributed per Section 14 or transferred to a similar society, not to individual members.
The ultra vires doctrine means a society cannot act beyond the objectives stated in its Memorandum of Association. Any action outside the MOA's scope is legally void. To change objectives, the society must pass a special resolution and file an amendment with the Registrar under Section 12 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Register a society in 7 steps: (1) Select a unique name, (2) Gather minimum 7 founding members, (3) Draft the MOA on stamp paper, (4) Prepare Rules and Regulations, (5) Get documents attested by a Notary or Gazetted Officer, (6) Submit application with ₹100 to ₹2,000 government fee to the Registrar of Societies, (7) Receive registration certificate in 15 to 20 working days.
Key documents include: (1) Memorandum of Association on stamp paper signed by 7+ members, (2) Rules and Regulations signed by 3+ governing body members, (3) ID proof (Aadhaar or PAN) of all members, (4) Address proof of all members, (5) Registered office proof with rent agreement and utility bill, (6) NOC from landlord, (7) Passport-size photos of all members.
A minimum of 7 persons are required to register a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. All 7 members must sign the Memorandum of Association and provide identity and address proof. There is no upper limit on members. Some states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana may require additional members for specific categories.
To dissolve a society, pass a special resolution with consent of at least three-fifths of members present at a specially convened meeting under Section 13 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860. File the dissolution notice with the Registrar. On dissolution, society property is disposed per Section 14, typically transferred to a similar non-profit.
To change a society's name, pass a special resolution at a general body meeting with the consent of three-fifths of members present. Submit the resolution, amended MOA, and prescribed fee to the Registrar of Societies for approval. The Registrar issues an amended certificate. Name change requires compliance with Section 12 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
To add members, follow the admission process in your society's Rules and Regulations, typically requiring a governing body resolution and membership fee payment. To remove members, issue a notice, provide a hearing opportunity, and pass a governing body resolution. File updated member lists with the Registrar annually through the annual list of office bearers (Form S).
The society registration certificate is the official document issued by the Registrar of Societies confirming that the society is legally incorporated under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It contains the society's registration number, name, date of registration, and registered office address. This certificate is required to open bank accounts and apply for PAN, TAN, 12A, and 80G.
Yes, several states offer online society registration. Delhi uses registrationofsocieties.delhi.gov.in, Karnataka uses kaveri.karnataka.gov.in, and Tamil Nadu uses tnreginet.gov.in. The online process requires uploading scanned MOA, Rules and Regulations, member ID proofs, and paying government fees digitally. Processing takes 15 to 20 working days.
Society registration costs include government fees of ₹100 to ₹2,000 (varies by state), stamp duty on MOA (₹100 to ₹500), notarization (₹200 to ₹500), PAN application (₹107), and TAN application (₹65). IncorpX's professional fee starts at ₹1,999, covering MOA drafting, Rules preparation, and Registrar filing. Total cost ranges from ₹2,499 to ₹5,000.
Society registration typically takes 15 to 20 working days after submitting the complete application to the Registrar of Societies. Document preparation (MOA drafting, attestation) takes 3 to 5 days. Total end-to-end timeline is 20 to 25 working days. States with online portals (Delhi, Karnataka) process faster. Delays occur if the Registrar raises objections.
IncorpX's ₹1,999 package includes: MOA drafting, Rules and Regulations preparation, society registration certificate procurement, PAN and TAN application, 12A and 80G application guidance, a 100% digital and paperless process, 1-year free consultation, web hosting assistance, and domain name and email setup assistance. Government fees are charged at actuals.
Registered societies can claim 3 major tax benefits: (1) 12A registration grants income tax exemption on surplus income, (2) 80G registration allows donors to claim 50% or 100% tax deductions on donations, (3) CSR-1 registration enables receiving Corporate Social Responsibility funds from companies under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Yes, office bearers can receive reasonable remuneration for services rendered to the society, but this must be authorised in the Rules and Regulations and approved by the governing body. Salary payments must be at arm's length and cannot be a disguised profit distribution. Excessive remuneration can jeopardise the society's 12A tax exemption.
Renewal requirements vary by state. In Delhi and Karnataka, registration is perpetual with no renewal. In Tamil Nadu, renewal is required every 5 years. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, UP, Gujarat, and MP require periodic renewal. Non-renewal results in cancellation of registration. All societies must file an annual list of governing body members regardless.
Government registration fees range from ₹50 to ₹2,000 depending on the state: Delhi charges ₹100 to ₹200, Maharashtra ₹100 to ₹500, Tamil Nadu ₹200 to ₹500, Karnataka ₹500, UP ₹200 to ₹500, and Rajasthan ₹100 to ₹200. Additional costs include stamp duty on MOA (₹100 to ₹500) and notarization fees (₹200 to ₹500).
A society can receive foreign donations only after obtaining FCRA registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010. FCRA registration requires the society to be at least 3 years old with audited accounts. Foreign donations must be deposited in a designated FCRA bank account at State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch.
A society requires minimum 7 members and is governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860, while a trust needs minimum 2 trustees under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. Societies are democratic (members vote), trusts are managed by trustees. Society registration costs ₹1,999 to ₹5,000; trust registration costs ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 due to higher stamp duty.
A society is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 with the Registrar of Societies, requiring 7 members and ₹1,999 to ₹5,000 cost. A Section 8 company is registered under the Companies Act, 2013 with the ROC, requiring 2 directors and 2 shareholders, costing ₹8,000 to ₹15,000. Section 8 companies face stricter compliance but offer higher credibility.
Choose a society for member-driven organisations (cultural clubs, RWAs, educational bodies) with democratic governance. Choose a trust for donor-driven charities with fewer people. Choose a Section 8 company for organisations needing high credibility and CSR funding. Societies cost the least (₹1,999), have simpler compliance, and suit organisations with 7+ active members.
A registered society has a separate legal identity, can own property, open bank accounts, receive grants, sue in courts, and apply for 12A, 80G, and FCRA. An unregistered society has no legal standing; it cannot hold property in its name, receive government grants, or issue tax-exempt donation receipts. Registration costs ₹1,999 to ₹5,000 and provides perpetual existence in most states.
Any 7 or more persons can form a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Members must be Indian residents aged 18 or above. Individuals, companies, and other registered societies can all become founding members. Foreign nationals can be ordinary members but most states restrict them from being founding signatories of the MOA.
Yes, a registered society can become a member of another society in India. Section 20 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 permits both individuals and legal entities as members. A society can also affiliate with or federate under a larger umbrella society. Each member society retains its own legal identity and registration.
Annual compliances include filing the list of office bearers (Form S) within 14 days of the AGM, submitting audited financial accounts within 6 months of the financial year end, holding the AGM by 30 September, filing ITR-7 by 31 October, and renewing registration in states where required (Tamil Nadu every 5 years).
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