Register Your Trust, Society or Section 8 Company Fully Online, Fully Compliant
India's non-profit rulebook changed in 2026 new FCRA disclosure norms, faster 12AB renewals and mandatory NGO Darpan linking for grants. SSA TAX handles the paperwork, the portals and the follow-ups, so your mission doesn't wait on the Registrar.
professional fee* + govt fees only
Getting Started
What Counts as an NGO in India?
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) is a non-profit body working for social, charitable, educational, religious, cultural or environmental causes. It cannot distribute profits to members every rupee earned must go back into the mission. In India, an NGO takes one of three legal forms:
Trust
- Best for family-led or single-cause charity
- Minimum 2 trustees, no upper limit
- Registered at the local Sub-Registrar office
- Governed by a Trust Deed, not bye-laws
Society
- Best for membership-driven community work
- Minimum 7 members required
- Governed by Memorandum & Rules/Bye-laws
- Registered with the state Registrar of Societies
Section 8 Company
- Best for CSR funding, grants & scale
- Minimum 2 directors, MCA-regulated
- Highest credibility with donors & banks
- Incorporated via SPICe+ on the MCA portal
Choosing the Right Structure
Trust vs Society vs Section 8 Company Key Differences
The most common question we get: "which form should my NGO take?" Here's the honest, side-by-side comparison other consultants won't spell out.
| Parameter | Trust | Society | Section 8 Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | Indian Trusts Act, 1882 / State Acts | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Companies Act, 2013 |
| Minimum Members | 2 Trustees | 7 Members | 2 Directors + 2 Shareholders |
| Governing Document | Trust Deed | Memorandum & Rules | MOA & AOA |
| Registering Authority | Sub-Registrar (local) | Registrar of Societies (state) | Ministry of Corporate Affairs |
| Annual Compliance | Low | Moderate | High (ROC filings + audit) |
| Credibility for CSR/Grants | Moderate | Moderate | Highest |
| Ease of Amending Objectives | Difficult | Moderate | Easiest (via ROC) |
| Foreign Directors/Trustees Allowed | Restricted | Restricted | Allowed with conditions |
| Transparency Requirement | Low | Moderate | High (public MCA record) |
| Ideal For | Family charity, temples, single cause | Clubs, community groups, education | NGOs seeking scale, CSR & FCRA |
Compliance Radar
New NGO Rules & Regulations in 2026
The compliance landscape for Indian non-profits has tightened this year. Here's exactly what's changed and what it means for your NGO.
Purpose & State-wise Disclosure
NGOs must now declare the exact category (social, economic, educational, cultural or religious) and the states/UTs where foreign funds will be used with extra fees for each additional purpose or region.
Ultimate Donor Disclosure
Contributions routed through intermediaries or donor-advised funds must now name the original overseas donor, closing a long-standing reporting gap.
Wider "Key Functionary" Definition
Trustees, partners, governing-body members and even a Hindu Undivided Family Karta are now covered and organisations with foreign nationals in such roles face tighter eligibility checks.
Time-Bound Renewals
Provisional 12AB/80G registrations are no longer permanent. NGOs must track renewal windows via Form 10AB and file well ahead of the expiry date shown on their order.
Grant-Linked Registration
An NGO Darpan Unique ID from NITI Aayog is now a practical prerequisite for CSR funding, most government schemes and several state grant portals even though it isn't a "core" legal registration.
Form 10BD / 10BE Tracking
NGOs holding 80G approval must file donation statements (Form 10BD) on schedule so donors can claim their deduction certificate (Form 10BE) missing the date risks penalties.
Step-by-Step Process
NGO Registration Process in India
Pick your structure below to see the exact filing sequence our team follows.
Draft the Trust Deed
Objectives, trustee details and asset declarations drafted on non-judicial stamp paper.
Notarisation
The deed is signed by settlor and trustees, then notarised.
Registration at Sub-Registrar Office
Deed is submitted with ID/address proofs of at least 2 trustees for registration.
PAN & Bank Account
Apply for the Trust's PAN and open a dedicated bank account.
Post-Registration Filings
Apply for NGO Darpan ID, then 12A and 80G once the Trust is active.
Don't Stop at Registration
Post-Registration Compliances Every NGO Needs
Tax & Identity
- PAN & TAN application
- Dedicated NGO bank account
- NGO Darpan Unique ID (NITI Aayog)
Donor Benefits
- Section 12A/12AB income tax exemption
- Section 80G donor tax deduction
- Form 10BD/10BE donation reporting
Funding & Governance
- FCRA registration (foreign funds)
- CSR-1 filing (to receive CSR grants)
- Annual filings & audited financials
Paperwork, Simplified
Documents Required for NGO Registration
Keep these ready before your consultation call it cuts registration time significantly.
Common for All Structures
Structure-Specific Requirements
Why Founders Choose SSA TAX Over Other Consultants
Most firms file your form and disappear. We stay on as your compliance partner here's exactly what we do differently.
Structure-First Advice
We recommend Trust, Society or Section 8 based on your actual funding goals not whichever earns us the highest fee.
One Team, Every Registration
Trust deed, 12A, 80G, Darpan and FCRA are handled by one coordinated team instead of being outsourced piece by piece.
2026 Rule-Ready Filing
Applications are drafted against the current FCRA disclosure format and 12AB renewal timelines not last year's checklist.
Free Lifetime Consultation
Post-registration questions on compliance, renewals or grant eligibility don't cost extra call anytime.
Transparent, Govt-Fee-Only Pricing
No hidden processing charges. You see the exact government fee before you pay a rupee.
Real Humans, Fast Replies
5,752+ five-star Google reviews and a dedicated WhatsApp line not a ticket number in a queue.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about NGO Registration Services in India.