GMH Associates

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NGO Registration Online

Register your NGO online with GMH & Associates and build a legally recognized organisation that can receive donations, grants, CSR funds, and tax exemptions

✅ Avail 12A & 80G tax exemptions
✅ Become eligible for CSR and government grants
✅ Apply for FCRA to receive foreign contributions
✅ Transparent pricing with end-to-end documentation support

Free Consultation

    Overview

    In India, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play an essential role in areas such as education, healthcare, human rights, women empowerment, rural development, and environmental protection. To operate legally and access donations, NGOs must be registered under the appropriate law.

    NGOs can be registered as:

    • Trust (Indian Trusts Act, 1882 / State Trust Acts)

    • Society (Societies Registration Act, 1860)

    • Section 8 Company (Companies Act, 2013)

    A registered NGO enjoys legal recognition, eligibility for government grants, CSR funding, tax exemptions, and the ability to obtain FCRA approval for foreign donations.

    Benefits of Sole Proprietorship Registration

    Legal Recognition – Operate as an official entity with the ability to own property

    ✅ Credibility & Transparency – Builds trust with donors, corporates, and institutions

    ✅ Tax Exemptions (12A & 80G) – Income tax exemption for NGO & donor benefits

    ✅ CSR & Government Funding – Eligibility for central/state schemes and CSR contributions

    ✅ Foreign Donations (FCRA) – Eligible to receive overseas funding after approval

    ✅ Perpetual Existence – Independent legal identity with structured governance

    ✅ Banking & Contracts – Open official bank accounts and enter legal agreements

    Tax Benefits – NGO vs Trust vs Section 8 Company

    FeatureNGO (General)TrustSection 8 Company
    Income Tax Exemption (12A)AvailableAvailableAvailable
    Donor Deduction (80G)AvailableAvailableAvailable
    CSR Funding EligibilityModerateModerateHigh
    Foreign Donation (FCRA)Available after 3 yearsAvailable after 3 yearsAvailable after 3 years
    Compliance LevelVaries by structureMediumHigh (strict governance)
    Preferred ForSocial welfare NGOsCharitable/religious trustsLarge NGOs with corporate funding

    💡 With GMH & Associates, our experts help you choose the right structure for your business goals and tax planning.

    Documents Required

    Common Documents (All NGO Types):

    • Aadhaar, PAN, Passport or Voter ID of members

    • Address Proof – Electricity bill / Rent agreement / NOC

    • Passport-size photographs

    • Signed MOA / Trust Deed

    For Section 8 Company:

    • DSC & DIN for directors

    • Declaration of charitable objectives

    • Utility bill for registered office

    • NOC from property owner

    Forms Required

    Type of NGOGoverning LawForms Required
    TrustIndian Trusts Act, 1882 / State ActsTrust Deed, local registrar forms, settlor affidavit
    SocietySocieties Registration Act, 1860Form I, MOA, Affidavit by President/Secretary
    Section 8 CompanyCompanies Act, 2013SPICe+ A & B, INC-13 (MOA), INC-31 (AOA), INC-14, INC-15, DIR-2, INC-9

    Registration Process

    Step-by-Step NGO Registration Procedure

    • Choose Legal Structure – Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company

    • Choose NGO Name – Ensure name is unique and compliant

    • Assemble Members

      • Trust: Minimum 2 trustees

      • Society: Minimum 7 members

      • Section 8: Minimum 2 directors

    • Draft Governing Documents – Trust Deed / MOA & AOA

    • Prepare Supporting KYC Documents

    • File Registration Application with required authority

    • Obtain Registration Certificate – Trust Deed / Society Certificate / Certificate of Incorporation

    GMH & Associates handles end-to-end filing and coordination with government portals — ensuring quick and accurate registration.

    Post-Registration Compliances

    • Apply for 12A & 80G tax exemptions

    • Maintain books of accounts & conduct audits

    • File Income Tax Return (ITR) every year

    • Society/Trust annual reports as per state laws

    • ROC filings for Section 8 Companies

    • Apply for NGO Darpan registration (mandatory for many government schemes)

    • Apply for FCRA registration to receive foreign donations

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    ❌ Choosing a name identical to existing NGOs

    ❌ Filing incomplete or incorrect documents

    ❌ Not applying for 12A & 80G after registration

    ❌ Non-compliance with annual filings (Trust/Society/ROC)

    ❌ Accepting foreign donations without FCRA approval

    ❌ Unclear objectives in MOA or Trust Deed

    💼 Avoid these costly mistakes — GMH & Associates ensures 100% compliance from day one.

    Why Choose GMH & Associates?

    Why Businesses Choose Us

    Expertise in All NGO Structures – Trust, Society, Section 8 Company

    ⭐ Complete Documentation & Filing Support

    ⭐ Fast & Accurate Registration Process

    ⭐ Transparent Pricing – No hidden charges

    ⭐ Compliance Support – 12A, 80G, FCRA, NGO Darpan, ROC, audits

    ⭐ Experienced Team – Successfully assisting 100+ NGOs every year

    We don’t just register your business — we help you build a compliant foundation for growth.

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    Let's Talk Now.

    If you need immediate assistance, please call:

    PHONE CALL

    Share a few details with us, and one of our compliance specialists will get in touch shortly.
    We’ll guide you through the entire process — from selecting the right business structure to completing registrations and filings — free of charge.

    Ask Questions

    Frequently asked questions

    What are the three types of NGO registration?

    Trust, Society, and Section 8 Company.

    No. Minimum members required:

    • 2 for Trust

    • 7 for Society

    • 2 directors for Section 8 Company

    Yes. NGOs must either:

    • Operate for 3 years, or

    • Apply under prior permission route.

    Section 12A (income exemption) and Section 80G (donor deduction).

    Yes, for most central government grants.

    Audit, ITR filing, ROC filings (for Section 8 companies), society/trust reports, FCRA returns (if applicable).