In India, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a voluntary practice into a legal mandate under the Companies Act, 2013. For any non-profit organization (NGO, Trust or Society) seeking to be an Implementing Agency for corporate CSR funds, obtaining the unique CSR Registration Number is essential.
This registration is achieved by filing the eForm CSR-1 with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Failing to secure this number means missing out on the vast pool of mandatory CSR funds. Praman Advisors Private Limited simplifies this crucial compliance step, ensuring your organization is officially recognized and eligible for corporate partnerships.
1. Overview:
The CSR Registration is the mandatory legal process for entities (Trusts, Societies and Section 8 Companies) that intend to undertake CSR activities on behalf of eligible companies.
- Mandate: As per the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021, only entities registered with the MCA by filing Form CSR-1 are eligible to receive and implement CSR funds from corporations.
- Result: Upon successful submission and approval of the eForm CSR-1, the MCA issues a unique CSR Registration Number. This number is the official stamp of approval that makes your organization a legally compliant partner for corporate CSR expenditure.
- Compliance Bridge: It acts as a vital bridge, connecting companies that need to spend their mandatory CSR quota with verified, accountable implementing agencies like yours.
Getting your CSR Registration is not just a compliance requirement; it is a strategic move that significantly boosts your organization’s potential for growth and impact.
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Benefit
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Description
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Access to Corporate Funds
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Unlocks the main source of funding: the mandatory 2% CSR spend of eligible Indian companies, enabling you to secure larger, sustained project grants.
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Enhanced Credibility
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The MCA-issued CSR Registration Number is a mark of Government-verified legitimacy and transparency, making your organization highly appealing to corporate donors who prioritize compliance.
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National Recognition
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Once registered, your entity is listed on the MCA portal, increasing its visibility across the corporate sector and facilitating easier, credible partnerships.
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Long-Term Partnerships
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Corporate donors prefer partners with the CSR-1 number for long-term projects, as it simplifies their own compliance and reporting obligations (Form CSR-2).
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To ensure a smooth and quick CSR-1 filing, having the following key documents ready is essential. Praman Advisors will assist you in compiling and verifying all required paperwork.
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Category
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Document Required
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Entity Proof
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PAN Card of the NGO/Trust/Society.
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Registration Proof
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Copy of the Certificate of Registration / Incorporation (Trust Deed, Society Registration Certificate or Section 8 CoI).
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Tax Exemptions
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Valid Certificates under Section 12A and Section 80G of the Income Tax Act (Highly recommended for maximum fund eligibility).
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Authorization
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Board Resolution / Resolution passed by the governing body authorizing a Director/Trustee/Secretary to file the CSR-1 form.
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Signatory Details
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PAN Card of the Authorized Signatory (Director/Trustee/Secretary) and their valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
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Other Details
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NGO Darpan ID (if applicable) and a valid email ID of the entity for OTP verification.
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Praman Advisors Private Limited utilizes its AI-driven legal-tech platform and expert compliance team to streamline the entire CSR-1 filing process, ensuring accuracy and quick approval.
- Expert Consultation & Document Collection: We start with an in-depth consultation to assess your organization's eligibility. Our team then guides you on gathering all necessary documents.
- eForm CSR-1 Preparation: Our experts accurately draft and prepare the eForm CSR-1 with all the required entity and authorized signatory details as per MCA guidelines, ensuring zero discrepancies.
- Digital Signing: The authorized signatory digitally signs the prepared eForm using their DSC.
- Professional Certification (The Mandatory Step): The form is mandatorily certified by a Practicing Professional (Chartered Accountant, Company Secretar, or Cost Accountant) from the Praman Advisors network, which verifies the entity's details and compliance.
- Online Submission: We submit the digitally signed and certified Form CSR-1 on the official MCA portal.
- CSR Registration Number Generation: The MCA processes the application (often via the Straight Through Process or STP). Upon successful approval, a system-generated email is sent to your registered email ID, providing the Unique CSR Registration Number.
The Government has made the statutory filing fee for Form CSR-1 NIL (Zero). However, professional fees are incurred for drafting, digital certification and expert filing services.
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Head
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Details
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Government Fee (MCA)
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NIL (No Government filing fee for CSR-1).
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Professional Fee
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Competitive service fee charged by Praman Advisors for end-to-end service, expert documentation, and mandatory professional certification (CA/CS/CMA). (Quote available upon consultation).
Manju Laur: +97119 94042
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Timeline for Approval
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Generally 7 to 10 working days from the date of final, correct submission of all documents, as the MCA process is largely automated.
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