how it works

Starting a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is a noble pursuit but the initial legal hurdles can often be complex. In India, an NGO can be registered as a Trust, a Society or a Section 8 Company (under the Companies Act, 2013). Each structure has its own governing laws, compliance requirements and benefits.

Praman Advisors Private Limited specializes in cutting through this complexity. Leveraging expertise and a tech-driven approach, Praman Advisors offers end-to-end guidance for NGO registration, ensuring your organisation gets the right legal framework-be it a Trust, Society or Section 8 Company-to maximize its impact and credibility.

Choosing a professional partner like Praman Advisors for your NGO registration provides distinct advantages:-

  • Legal Recognition and Credibility: A registered NGO gains a distinct legal identity, enhancing its trustworthiness among beneficiaries, government bodies and potential donors.
  • Access to Funding: Registration is the essential first step to becoming eligible for vital funding sources including:-
    • Government Grants.
    • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funds.
    • Domestic and Foreign Donations.
  • Tax Exemptions: Praman Advisors guides you through the process of obtaining approvals like Section 12A and Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
    • 12A: Grants the NGO exemption from paying income tax on its surplus income.
    • 80G: Allows donors to claim a deduction on their taxable income for contributions made to your NGO, significantly boosting your fundraising potential.
  • Perpetual Succession: As a legal entity, the NGO’s existence is independent of its founders or governing body, ensuring long-term stability and impact.
  • Simplified Process: Praman Advisors manages the intricate paperwork, drafting of crucial documents (like the Trust Deed, MoA and AoA) and liaisons with the respective Registrar (Registrar of Companies, Registrar of Societies or Sub-Registrar), saving you time and preventing costly errors.

The exact documentation varies based on whether you register as a Trust, Society or Section 8 Company. However, the common documents required by Praman Advisors to initiate the process include:-

Category

Required Documents

Identity & Address Proof of Founders/Directors/Trustees

PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport-size Photographs, Voter ID or Driving License, Bank Statement/Utility Bill (not older than 02 months)

Registered Office Address Proof

Electricity Bill, Water Bill or House Tax Receipt (not older than 02 months), Rent Agreement (if rented), No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.

Organisational Documents

Draft of the Trust Deed (for a Trust), Memorandum of Association (MoA) and By-Laws (for a Society) or MoA and Articles of Association (AoA) (for a Section 8 Company).

Other Requirements

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) for Directors (essential for Section 8 Company).

Praman Advisors offers a streamlined, multi-step approach to ensure your NGO registration is efficient and compliant:-

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Structure Selection.

You begin with an expert consultation to discuss your mission. Praman Advisors helps you select the most appropriate legal structure (Trust, Society or Section 8 Company) based on your objectives, funding goals and operational needs.

Step 2: Documentation & Drafting.

The team compiles and meticulously prepares all necessary documents including the drafting of the foundational legal documents (Trust Deed, MoA or AoA) as per the statutory requirements.

Step 3: Name Approval & Application Filing.

For a Section 8 Company, We handle the name approval with the Registrar of Companies (ROC). The complete application, along with digital signatures (where applicable) and government fees, is then filed with the respective registering authority (ROC, Registrar of Societies, or Sub-Registrar).

Step 4: Authority Scrutiny & Response.

Praman Advisors actively tracks your application. If the Registrar raises any queries or objections, their experts promptly draft and submit the appropriate responses and clarifications.

Step 5: Certificate Issuance & Post-Registration Support.

Upon successful verification, the Certificate of Registration is issued. Praman Advisors also provides crucial post-registration guidance, assisting with essential compliance like PAN/TAN application and the subsequent application for 12A and 80G certifications.

The total cost for NGO registration typically comprises two parts: Official Government Fees (which vary based on the state and legal structure) and Praman Advisors' Professional Service Charges.

Structure Type

Estimated Government Fees

Estimated Timeframe (Working Days)*

Section 8 Company

Variable (based on state stamp duty and authorized capital)

10 - 15 Days

Society

Variable (based on state rules)

20 - 30 Days

Trust

Variable (based on state stamp duty)

15 - 25 Days

Disclaimer: Timelines are estimates and are subject to verification and processing time by the respective government authority. For a personalized, transparent quote encompassing all government and professional fees, it is highly recommended to contact Praman Advisors directly.

       Manju Laur: 📞 +97119 94042

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single "best" structure. It depends on your scale of operation, number of promoters and governance needs. Section 8 Companies are often preferred for their national presence and corporate structure, while Trusts are the simplest to form but are governed by state-specific laws. Praman Advisors helps you choose the optimal structure.

No, none of the three primary NGO structures (Trust, Society or Section 8 Company) require a minimum share capital. They operate on donations and grants

How long is the NGO registration valid?

12A exempts your NGO's income from taxation. 80G makes donations to your NGO tax-deductible for the donor, which is crucial for attracting funds. Praman Advisors assists in applying for both after the initial registration.
Connect with our experts
  • +91
  • +1
  • +42
  • +86
or
Connect with our experts
  • +91
  • +1
  • +42
  • +86
or