Are you thinking to start an NGO to help people or bring change in your community? Whether you’re passionate about child education, women empowerment, health, or environmental issues, starting an NGO is a great way to do something meaningful.
But before you begin, you need to register your NGO properly. In this article, we’ll explain how to register an NGO for social work, step-by-step. We’ll also cover the types of NGOs, required documents, benefits, and important tips to remember.
What is an NGO?
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit group that works for social or charitable causes. It is not run by the government but can work with government support. NGOs help in areas like health, education, environment, women’s rights, poverty, etc.
They don’t work for profit their goal is to make a positive difference in society.
Types of NGO Registration in India
There are 3 main types of legal structures to register an NGO in India:
1. Trust
- Registered under: Indian Trusts Act, 1882
- Suitable for: Charitable work involving donations or managing properties
- Managed by: Trustees
2. Society
- Registered under: Societies Registration Act, 1860
- Suitable for: Groups working in education, arts, culture, or public welfare
- Managed by: Governing body or committee
3. Section 8 Company
- Registered under: Companies Act, 2013
- Suitable for: NGOs with large-scale operations and funding plans
- Managed by: Board of Directors
Note : If you’re a small group of people working locally, you can go for a Trust or Society. If you’re planning something bigger with future funding, go for a Section 8 Company registration.
Benefits of Registering an NGO
Registering your NGO gives you many advantages:
- Legal recognition: You can open a bank account, sign contracts, and work legally.
- Tax benefits: You can apply for tax exemption under section 12A and 80G of Income Tax Act.
- Get funding: Helps in getting donations, grants, CSR funds, and foreign contributions.
- Build trust: People and companies trust registered NGOs more.
- Better management: Clear structure and roles help in smooth functioning.
Steps to Register an NGO in India
Step 1: Choose the Type of NGO
Decide whether you want to register as a:-
- Trust
- Society
- Section 8 Company
Step 2: Decide a Name for Your NGO
Choose a unique and meaningful name for your NGO. Make sure:-
- It’s not already taken
- It’s not offensive or restricted
- It matches your mission
Step 3: Prepare the Legal Documents
Here are the main documents needed:
- ID proof of founders (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
- Passport-size photos of members
- Address proof of NGO
- NOC from the landlord (if rented)
- Electricity or any other utility bill
- MoA/AOA Rules & Regulations (for Society/Section 8)
- Trust Deed (for Trust)
Step 4: NGO Registration Process
For Trust Registration:
- Prepare a Trust Deed on appropriate stamp paper
- Visit the local Registrar office with the signed deed and two witnesses
- Submit the required documents and pay the applicable registration fees
- Registrar registers the Trust Deed and affixes the official stamp and signature on it. This stamped deed serves as proof of registration (no separate registration certificate is issued)
For Society Registration:
- Minimum 7 members required
- Prepare Bye laws
- Submit to the Registrar of Societies in your state
- After review, you’ll receive the Society Registration Certificate
For Section 8 Company Registration:
- Application for name reservation in Form Spice+ Part A.
- Application for Incorporation in Form Spice+ Part B
- Certificate of Incorporation
What to Do After Registration
After your NGO is registered, there are a few important steps to follow:
1. Apply for PAN & TAN
- These are necessary for obtaining income tax exemptions, filing income tax returns, and managing financial transactions. (In the case of a Section 8 Company, there is no need to apply separately for PAN and TAN. Both are automatically issued along with the Certificate of Incorporation)
2. Apply for NGO Darpan
Registration on the NGO Darpan portal is mandatory for opening a bank account in the name of the NGO. It also enables access to government grants and enhances the organization’s credibility and transparency.
3. Open a Bank Account
- Open a current account in the NGO’s name by submitting the registration documents, PAN, NGO Darpan registration, and ID/address proofs. This account is essential for handling donations, grants, and other transactions.
4. Apply for 12A & 80G
- 12A: Gives income tax exemption to your NGO.
- 80G: Allows donors to claim tax deductions for donations.
5. FCRA Registration (Optional)
- If you want to receive foreign donations, you must register under FCRA.
- You can apply after 3 years of registration
5. Annual Compliance
- File income tax returns yearly
- Maintain books of accounts
- Submit reports to the respective Regulator/Government departments
Documents Required for NGO Registration
Here’s a checklist of commonly needed documents:
| Documents | Required For |
| Aadhar/PAN of Members | All types of NGO |
| Photos of Members | All types of NGO |
| Address Proof of Office | All types of NGO |
| NOC from Landlord (In Rented) | All types of NGO |
| Electricity Bill(Office Address Proof) | All types of NGO |
| Trust Deed | For Trust |
| MoA & Rules | For Society/Section 8 |
| DSC, DIN | For Section 8 |
Conclusion
Starting an NGO is a way to help people and make a difference in society. But to work legally, you must register your NGO. The process may seem a little long, but with the right steps and documents, it becomes easy.
Choose the right type of NGO, gather the documents, and follow the registration process. Once registered, you can apply for tax benefits and even receive donations to support your work.
If you really want to bring change, registering your NGO is the first and most important step.
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