Trust / Society / Club / NGO
India has a rich tradition of social service, community development, and philanthropy. Many individuals and groups come together to form Trusts, Societies, Clubs, and NGOs to serve the public good. However, to operate legally, receive government benefits, and gain credibility, such organizations must be formally registered under the appropriate laws.
At Sinha & Associates, we have over 25 years of experience in providing Trust, Society, Club, and NGO Registration Services in Kolkata. From preparing documents and drafting deeds to obtaining registrations and securing approvals such as 12A, 80G, FCRA, and Darpan, we offer end-to-end legal and compliance support for nonprofit organizations.
Types of Non-Profit Organizations in India
1. Trust
Formed under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (for private trusts) or state-specific public trust laws.
Created by a Trust Deed to promote charitable, educational, medical, or social causes.
Governed by trustees.
2. Society
Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or state-specific acts.
Aimed at charitable, cultural, literary, and social activities.
Managed by a governing body or executive committee.
3. Club
Generally registered under the Societies Act or as a Company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Focused on recreational, cultural, or professional networking activities.
4. NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)
Can be registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
Works for development, awareness, education, healthcare, women empowerment, environment, etc.
Eligible for funding, tax exemptions, and government recognition.
Why Register a Trust / Society / NGO?
Legal Recognition – Establishes the entity as a legal organization.
Tax Benefits – Eligible for 12A & 80G exemptions under the Income Tax Act.
Government Funding – Access to state, central, and foreign grants.
Donor Credibility – Builds trust among donors and CSR contributors.
Asset Protection – Secures assets under a legal entity.
Perpetual Succession – Ensures continuity beyond founders.
Transparency & Governance – Enhances accountability through proper registration.
Our Services
At Sinha & Associates, we provide comprehensive services for Trust, Society, Club, and NGO Registration, including:
1. Trust Registration
Drafting Trust Deed.
Preparing Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Registration with the local Sub-Registrar.
PAN & TAN application.
Compliance with state-specific trust laws.
2. Society Registration
Drafting Memorandum of Association & Rules and Regulations.
Filing with the Registrar of Societies.
Obtaining Certificate of Registration.
Assistance in annual compliance and renewals.
3. Club Registration
Legal structuring as Society or Section 8 Company.
Drafting constitutions, by-laws, and membership rules.
Assistance with licenses and tax registrations.
4. NGO Registration & Compliance
Choosing the right structure (Trust, Society, Section 8 Company).
Registration with authorities.
PAN, TAN, GST registration (if required).
Obtaining 12A & 80G certification for tax exemptions.
Darpan ID Registration (NITI Aayog).
FCRA Registration (for foreign funding).
CSR-1 filing (for corporate social responsibility funding).
Documents Required
For Trust Registration:
Trust Deed (signed on stamp paper).
Identity proof of trustees.
Address proof of trustees.
PAN of trustees.
Proof of registered office (rent agreement/ownership proof + NOC).
For Society Registration:
Memorandum of Association.
Rules and Regulations.
List of governing body members.
Identity & address proofs.
PAN card of members.
Registered office proof.
For NGO (Section 8 Company):
MOA & AOA.
Identity and address proof of directors.
Digital signature certificate (DSC).
Director Identification Number (DIN).
PAN & TAN application.
Process of Registration
1. Trust Registration
Drafting of Trust Deed.
Submitting documents to Sub-Registrar.
Verification by Registrar.
Issuance of Certificate of Registration.
2. Society Registration
Drafting MOA & Rules.
Submission to Registrar of Societies.
Scrutiny of application.
Issuance of Registration Certificate.
3. NGO / Section 8 Company Registration
Name approval from MCA.
Drafting MOA & AOA.
Filing INC-12 form.
Grant of License under Section 8.
Certificate of Incorporation issued.
Post-Registration Compliances
PAN & TAN application.
Opening a bank account.
Obtaining 12A & 80G certifications.
GST registration (if applicable).
Darpan & CSR-1 registration.
Filing annual returns with Registrar.
Maintaining proper accounts and audit reports.
Benefits of NGO Registration with 12A & 80G
12A Registration: Exempts income of NGO from taxation.
80G Registration: Provides tax benefits to donors who contribute.
FCRA Registration: Allows acceptance of foreign contributions.
CSR-1 Filing: Makes NGO eligible for CSR funds from companies.
Why Choose Sinha & Associates?
25+ years of expertise in taxation, compliance, and legal advisory.
Proven track record in NGO and Society registrations.
Assistance with post-registration compliances and tax exemptions.
Personalized support for individuals, social workers, and large organizations.
Affordable packages for NGOs and non-profits.
Trusted by numerous charitable institutions in Kolkata.
FAQs – Trust / Society / NGO Registration
Q1. What is the minimum number of people required to register a society?
At least 7 members are required to register a society in India.
Q2. Can one person start a trust?
Yes, in some states a trust can be created by a single person, but generally two trustees are recommended.
Q3. What is the difference between Trust and NGO?
An NGO is a broad term, while a trust is a specific type of legal entity that an NGO can choose to operate as.
Q4. How long does it take to register an NGO?
It usually takes 30–90 days, depending on the type of registration.
Q5. Can an NGO receive foreign donations?
Yes, but only after obtaining FCRA Registration.