Society Registration (ROS)
A society is a group of individuals who come together for a non-profit purpose such as education, art, culture, sports, charity, religion, or social welfare. To give legal recognition to such an organization in India, it must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or the relevant State Society Act.
In West Bengal, the Registrar of Societies (ROS) is the governing authority responsible for registering and regulating societies. Proper registration ensures the society’s credibility, legal standing, and ability to function smoothly.
At Sinha & Associates, we provide expert Society Registration Services in Kolkata, guiding organizations through documentation, filing, and compliance. With over 25 years of practical experience in registration, taxation, and legal compliance, we ensure that societies and NGOs establish themselves legally and operate without hassles.
Why Register a Society?
Legal Recognition – Registered societies gain a separate legal identity.
Eligibility for Grants – Only registered societies can apply for government or foreign funding.
Tax Benefits – Societies can obtain exemptions under Section 12A & 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Ownership of Property – Registered societies can acquire, hold, and transfer property in their name.
Perpetual Succession – The society continues to exist irrespective of changes in its members.
Credibility & Trust – Registered societies are more trusted by donors, institutions, and the public.
Our Society Registration (ROS) Services
At Sinha & Associates, we provide end-to-end services for society registration, including:
1. New Society Registration
Guidance on eligibility and structure.
Drafting Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Rules and Regulations.
Filing with Registrar of Societies.
Obtaining Certificate of Registration.
2. Amendments & Changes
Change in society name.
Change in registered office.
Change in governing body or members.
Amendment in rules & objectives.
3. Annual Compliances
Filing annual returns with ROS.
Preparation and filing of audited accounts.
Maintaining statutory registers.
Compliance with income tax laws (12A, 80G, FCRA).
4. Special Registrations & Approvals
12A & 80G Registration for tax exemptions.
Darpan ID registration for government schemes.
FCRA registration for foreign contributions.
PAN & TAN applications.
5. Advisory & Support
Guidance on society governance.
Advisory on legal obligations.
Assistance with dispute resolution and legal matters.
Documents Required for Society Registration in Kolkata
Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Rules and Regulations of the society.
List of governing body members (at least 7 in West Bengal).
PAN & Aadhaar of all members.
Passport-size photographs.
Proof of registered office (rent agreement/ownership deed + utility bill).
NOC from landlord (if office is rented).
Affidavit from president/secretary.
ID proof (Voter ID, Driving License, Passport).
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of members (if applicable).
Process of Society Registration (ROS) in Kolkata
Consultation & Eligibility Check – Understanding objectives and confirming eligibility.
Document Drafting – Preparing MOA, rules, and regulations.
Application Filing – Submitting application to the Registrar of Societies.
Scrutiny by ROS – Registrar reviews documents and may request clarifications.
Certificate Issuance – Upon approval, a Certificate of Registration is issued.
Post-Registration Compliances – PAN, 12A, 80G, and other statutory registrations.
Benefits of Registering a Society
Legal entity status for the organization.
Access to grants from central and state governments.
Foreign funding eligibility through FCRA registration.
Tax benefits under Income Tax Act.
Enhanced trust from donors and the community.
Property ownership rights in the society’s name.
Ease of governance with structured rules.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with society registration and annual filing requirements can result in:
Rejection of government grant applications.
Fines and penalties by ROS.
Loss of tax benefits under Income Tax Act.
Cancellation of registration in extreme cases.
Why Choose Sinha & Associates?
25+ years of experience in society registration, taxation, and compliance.
Personalized guidance for NGOs, welfare societies, cultural and educational groups.
End-to-end support including 12A, 80G, and FCRA registrations.
Transparent and affordable pricing.
Trusted by numerous societies, NGOs, and organizations in Kolkata.
Strong knowledge of West Bengal-specific ROS regulations.
FAQs – Society Registration
Q1. How many people are required to form a society in West Bengal?
At least 7 members are required to form a society.
Q2. Can a society earn profit?
No, societies are non-profit organizations. Any income must be used for the objectives of the society.
Q3. What is the validity of society registration?
Registration is usually perpetual, but annual returns and compliances are mandatory.
Q4. Can a society be converted into a trust or company?
Yes, with proper legal procedure, societies can convert into other entities.
Q5. What is the difference between society, trust, and NGO?
Society – Governed by the Societies Act, member-driven.
Trust – Governed by Indian Trusts Act, trustee-driven.
NGO – Broad term for any non-profit organization.