Society Registration in India

Society Registration is the process of legally establishing a non-profit association for charitable, literary, educational, scientific, or community welfare purposes. With proper registration, a society gains recognition as a legal entity, ensuring transparency, credibility, and access to various benefits like tax exemptions and funding opportunities.

What We Offer

• Society Registration Certificate
• Drafting of Memorandum & Rules
• 12A & 80G Tax Exemption Assistance
• MCA-Certified Legal Experts
• Trusted by 3,000+ Registered Societies Nationwide

 What is Society Registration?

A society is an association of individuals working together for a common goal, such as education, charity, culture, science, or public welfare. Society Registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 provides it with a legal identity to operate, enter into contracts, hold property, and seek funding.

Types of Societies in India

Legal Framework Governing Societies

• Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Central Law)
• State-specific Amendments (varies by state)
• Registrar of Societies (primary approving authority)
• NGO-Darpan (NITI Aayog) – mandatory for availing government grants

Key Characteristics of a Registered Society

• Charitable Objectives – Non-commercial goals like education, science, culture, or welfare
• Minimum 7 Members – Required to form a society
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) – Defining purpose, name, and members
• Official Registration – With the Registrar of Societies
• Own Rules & Regulations – Internal management structure

Advantages of Society Registration

• Legal Protection – Society assets safeguarded from personal disputes
• Tax Benefits – Eligibility for 12A & 80G exemptions
• Public Credibility – Boosts trust among donors and stakeholders
• Banking & Contracts – Open bank accounts, own property, and sign agreements
• Funding Access – Eligible for grants, CSR funds, and foreign contributions

Challenges & Disadvantages

• Compliance Burden – Annual filings, audits, and reports mandatory
• Regulatory Oversight – More scrutiny from authorities
• Limited Flexibility – Changes in rules need re-registration
• Public Accountability – Transparency in financial & operational matters required

• Complex Dissolution – Formal procedure to wind up a society

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum 7 members required (individuals, firms, or companies can be members)

• Members must share a common charitable or non-profit purpose

• A detailed MOA & Rules/Regulations must be prepared

Documents Required

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Rules & Regulations of the Society

• ID & Address Proof of All Members (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID)

• Passport-size Photographs of Members

• Address Proof of Registered Office (Rent Agreement/Utility Bill/NOC)

• Affidavit from President/Secretary

• Minutes of First Meeting

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA)

2. Draft Rules & Regulations for internal management

3. Collect supporting documents of members & office address

4. Get MOA & Rules signed by minimum 7 members & attested by a notary

5. Submit application & documents to Registrar of Societies (state-wise)

6. Pay applicable registration fees & stamp duty

7. Verification by Registrar

8. Issuance of Society Registration Certificate

Fees & Costs

Non-Compliance Consequences

• Penalties for non-filing of annual returns

• Temporary suspension of society activities

• Cancellation of registration for repeated violations

• Legal action for financial fraud or misuse of funds