ngo registration online

Online NGO Registration in India

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are crucial in India’s social, educational, environmental, and humanitarian development. They work independently from the government and focus on various social causes such as education, healthcare sector, poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation.

Suppose you want to establish an NGO in India. In that case, online registration is now a streamlined process, thanks to the government’s digital initiatives. This guide will walk you through the eligibility, types of NGOs, registration process, legal requirements, and compliance formalities involved in Online NGO Registration in Delhi, India.

What is an NGO?

An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit entity that works for the welfare of society without the aim of earning profits. Unlike businesses, an NGO’s revenue is utilized solely for social causes, not personal gain.

Key Characteristics of an NGO

Non-Profit Organization – The primary aim is social service, not profit-making.
Legal Recognition – NGOs can be registered under different legal structures.
Eligibility for Tax Exemptions – Registered NGOs can apply for 80G & 12A tax exemptions.

Transparency & Accountability – NGOs must maintain financial records and comply with legal requirements.

Important Links

Types of NGO Registrations in India

In India, an NGO can be registered under three legal structures, each governed by different acts:

Type of NGO	Governing Act	Purpose	Suitable For
Trust	Indian Trust Act, 1882	Charitable activities like education, healthcare, relief work	Small-scale charitable activities
Society	Societies Registration Act, 1860	Social welfare, cultural, and scientific purposes	Educational, cultural, or environmental groups
Section 8 Company	Companies Act, 2013	Advancement of social welfare, arts, science, and charity	Large-scale NGOs with corporate-like structure

Each type of NGO has different compliance requirements and operational flexibility.

Benefits of Registering an NGO in India

Legal Recognition – A registered NGO is legally recognized and can operate nationwide.
Tax Benefits – NGOs registered under 80G & 12A can get tax exemptions for donors and themselves.
Eligibility for Grants & Funding – Government and international agencies provide financial aid only to registered NGOs.
Increased Credibility – A registered NGO builds trust among donors, volunteers, and partners.
Limited Liability (For Section 8 Companies) – Protects members from personal liability.

How To NGO Registration Process in India

Step 1: Choose the Type of NGO

Before proceeding with registration, decide whether your NGO will be a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company based on your objectives and scale of operations.

Step 2: Obtain Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) (For Section 8 Companies Only)

DSC is mandatory for filing online registration forms.
DIN is required for directors of Section 8 companies.

Step 3: Apply for Name Approval

The name of the NGO should be unique and not similar to any existing entity.
For Societies and Trusts, name approval is done at the state level.
For Section 8 Companies, apply for name approval through the MCA portal’s RUN (Reserve Unique Name) service.

Step 4: Draft the Governing Documents

Each type of NGO requires different legal documents:

For Trusts: Trust Deed (Defines the objectives and functioning of the trust).
For Societies: Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Rules and Regulations.
For Section 8 Companies: Memorandum of Association (MOA) & Articles of Association (AOA).

Step 5: File Registration Application Online

For Trusts & Societies: Apply on the state government’s website where the NGO is registered.
For Section 8 Companies: Apply through the SPICe+ (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically) on the MCA portal.

Step 6: Obtain the Registration Certificate

Once the application is verified and approved, the NGO receives its Certificate of Registration, making it a legally recognized entity.

Compliance & Legal Requirements for NGOs

After registering an NGO, it must comply with legal obligations, including:

1. PAN & TAN Registration

Obtain PAN (Permanent Account Number) for tax filings.
Get TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) if the NGO must deduct TDS (Tax Deducted at Source).

2. Apply for 80G & 12A Tax Exemptions

Registered NGOs can apply for 80G & 12A certificates to get tax exemptions for themselves and their donors.

3. File Annual Returns & Financial Statements

Trusts & Societies must file annual reports with the respective Registrar.
Section 8 Companies must file financial statements and annual returns with MCA.

4. Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Registration (For Foreign Funding)

NGOs receiving foreign donations must register under the FCRA Act, 2010.
Online applications can be submitted on the FCRA portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

5. GST Registration (If Required)

GST registration is necessary if the NGO provides taxable services and its turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs (for services) or ₹40 lakhs (for goods).

NGO Registration vs. Unregistered NGO – Why Register?

Feature	Registered NGO	Unregistered NGO
Legal Recognition	Yes	No
Eligible for Government Funding	Yes	No
Tax Exemption (80G & 12A)	Yes	No
Foreign Funding (FCRA)	Yes	No
Trust & Credibility	High	Low

A registered NGO enjoys legal benefits, tax exemptions, and better access to funding, making it more effective in achieving social impact.

Who Can Start an NGO in India?

Indian citizens or NRIs (Non-Resident Indians).
Individuals passionate about social work and community development.
Groups or organizations working for charitable, educational, or humanitarian causes.

There is no minimum capital requirement to start an NGO, but initial funding is necessary for operations and administrative expenses.

AMM & ASSOCIATES

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Madan Mohan Arora

Madhu Arora