Society Registration Online in India

It is registering an association of at least seven persons, formed for literary, scientific, charitable, educational, cultural or similar purposes, with the state's Registrar of Societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the state's own Societies Act. The society then gets a Certificate of Registration.

At least 7 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Some states set a higher number or other conditions, so we check your state's Act before filing.

Indian citizens, and in many states foreign nationals, companies and other registered bodies, can be members, as the state's Act and the society's Rules allow. Members should be adults who agree with the society's objects.

Our professional fee starts at ₹7,999 + GST for drafting and filing. Government fees are usually a few hundred to a couple of thousand rupees depending on the state, plus stamp paper and notary charges. Income tax registration and donor approval are included from our Standard plan.

Usually 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the state and the Registrar's office. Some Registrars verify the office or call members before issuing the certificate. Tax registrations take about 1 to 3 months more.

Several states accept applications online, while others need a physical filing at the Registrar's office. Either way, we prepare the documents; members only need to sign, and the affidavit is notarised.

It states the society's name, registered office, objects and the names, addresses and occupations of the first governing body, and is signed by the founding members. It's filed with the Rules and Regulations, which set out how the society is run.

A society registered in one state can usually carry out activities in other states. Some Registrars register a society as national or all-India only if its members come from several states, so we check this for your state before filing.

Not automatically. It needs registration as a non-profit with the Income Tax Department, under Section 332 of the Income-tax Act, 2025 (earlier Section 12A/12AB). Then income applied to its charitable objects is exempt, subject to the conditions.

The Income-tax Act, 2025 replaced the 1961 Act from 1 April 2026. Non-profit registration is now under Section 332 (earlier 12A/12AB) and donor-deduction approval under Section 354 (earlier 80G). Registrations valid on 1 April 2026 continue until they expire.

Yes, after registering with MCA in Form CSR-1. An independent society generally needs income tax registration, donor-deduction approval and a track record of at least 3 years in similar activities to act as a CSR implementing agency.

Only with FCRA registration or prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Registration generally needs at least 3 years of activity and minimum spending on core work; a new society can seek prior permission for a specific donor and project.

Under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, property not vested in trustees is treated as vested in the governing body. It can be used only for the society's objects, not for members' private benefit.

Yes, by the majority set in the Rules or the state's Act, usually a special majority at a general meeting. Changes must be filed with the Registrar, and important changes should be reported to the Income Tax Department.

Under the 1860 Act, a society can be dissolved if at least three-fifths of its members agree. After paying debts, its remaining property can't be paid to members; it goes to another society with similar objects, as decided by the members or the court.

It depends on the state. Some states, such as Uttar Pradesh, require renewal every 5 years. Separately, the society's income tax registration must be renewed before it expires.

A society is formed by at least 7 members and run by an elected governing body, so it is democratic and member-driven. A trust is created by a settlor through a deed and run by trustees, so founders keep more control. Both can get the same income tax benefits.

Hold the AGM and elections, file the list of the governing body (and accounts or returns where the state requires) with the Registrar, get accounts audited where required, file the non-profit income tax return and statement of donations, report changes in Rules or office, and renew registrations on time.