NGO & Trust Registration​ -

NGO & Trust Registration: Legal Foundation for Social Impact

At AK Legal Mantra, we provide complete legal support for NGO and Trust Registration—helping individuals, groups, and social entrepreneurs establish legally recognized entities to carry out charitable, educational, religious, or social welfare activities. Whether you’re forming a non-profit, managing foreign contributions, or seeking tax exemptions, we ensure that your organization is compliant with all relevant laws.

What is NGO & Trust Registration?

An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) or Trust is a legally recognized body that works for a social cause without the motive of profit. In India, NGOs can be registered under various laws depending on the structure:

  • Trust – under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882
  • Society – under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
  • Section 8 Company – under the Companies Act, 2013

Each form has its legal process, governing laws, benefits, and responsibilities. Registration gives your NGO or trust legal identity, bank account access, tax benefits, and credibility for fundraising and partnerships.

Key Legal Areas in NGO & Trust Registration

1. Choosing the Right Legal Structure
Selecting the correct form—Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company—depends on your objectives, location, and funding plans.
We help you analyze your mission and advise the most suitable structure.

2. Drafting of Trust Deed / MOA & Rules
A strong legal foundation starts with clear documentation.
AK Legal Mantra drafts:
Trust Deeds (for Trusts)
Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations (for Societies)
Articles of Association (AOA) (for Section 8 Companies)
These documents define your purpose, powers, management, and functioning.

3. Registration Process & Documentation
We handle the entire registration process, including:
Name approval and verification
Submission of application and documents to the concerned Registrar
Drafting and notarizing of deeds
PAN and TAN application
GST registration (if applicable)

4. Section 12AB & 80G Registration for Tax Exemption
To receive tax exemption and offer donors tax benefits, NGOs must register under:
Section 12AB (for income tax exemption)
Section 80G (for donor tax benefit)
We assist in filing applications, responding to queries, and securing approvals from the Income Tax Department.

5. FCRA Registration for Foreign Donations
If you plan to receive foreign funding, you must comply with the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010.
We help in:
FCRA registration or prior permission
Compliance with FCRA returns and reporting
Liaison with MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs)

6. Compliance & Annual Filing
NGOs and Trusts must file annual returns, maintain records, and adhere to financial and legal norms.
We provide:
Annual income tax return filing
ROC and MCA compliance (for Section 8 Companies)
Audit coordination and financial compliance
Minutes and resolutions documentation

Why NGO Registration & Compliance Matters

  • Allows opening of bank accounts and receipt of funds
  • Enables tax exemption and foreign contribution eligibility
  • Helps maintain transparency and accountability
  • Builds donor trust and partnership potential

Non-compliance may lead to cancellation of registration, loss of funding, or legal consequences.

How AK Legal Mantra Can Help

  • We offer end-to-end legal services for NGO and Trust setup and compliance:
  • Advisory on Trust, Society, or Section 8 formation
  • Drafting of Trust Deed, MOA, Rules & Regulations
  • Complete registration handling
  • 12AB and 80G registration for tax exemption
  • FCRA registration and compliance
  • Annual legal and tax filings
  • Governance advisory and legal drafting

Whether you’re a group of changemakers or an individual with a mission, we help you build a strong legal foundation to scale your social impact.

FAQs

  1. What is the best structure for starting an NGO in India?
    It depends on your needs. Trusts are easy to set up, Societies are ideal for community work, and Section 8 Companies offer strong governance.
  2. Do I need a PAN card for an NGO?
    Yes, PAN is mandatory for bank accounts, tax filings, and statutory compliance.
  3. Can NGOs accept foreign donations?
    Yes, but only with FCRA registration or prior approval from the government.
  4. What is the benefit of 80G registration?
    It allows donors to claim tax deductions for the amount donated, encouraging more contributions.
  5. How long does it take to register a trust or NGO?
    Typically, 15 to 45 days, depending on documentation, structure, and local registration authority.