In India, many organisations work as trusts. Some help with charity, some run schools, some look after temples, and some manage family property. After registration, the government gives a Trust Registration Number. This number proves that the trust is legal and recognised.
Now, people prefer to check a trust before donating or working with it. That is why checking the Trust Registration Number has become important. In many cases, this can be done online, and the process is simple.
What Is a Trust Registration Number?
A Trust Registration Number is a unique number given to a trust at the time of registration. It works like an identity number. Just like a person has an Aadhaar number, a trust has its own registration number.
With this number, you can confirm that:
- The trust exists legally
- The trust is registered with the government
- The trust can do official and legal activities
- The trust is allowed to receive donations and grants (depending on rules)
Different authorities may issue the registration number depending on how the trust is registered.
Who Issues the Trust Registration Number?
In India, trusts are registered under different offices. For example:
- Charity trusts register with the Charity Commissioner
- NGO trusts register with the Registrar of Societies
- Family trusts register at the Sub-Registrar Office
- Tax-exempt trusts register with the Income Tax Department
- CSR trusts also register on the NGO-DARPAN portal
Since different offices are involved, there is no single website for checking every trust. The checking method depends on how the trust was formed.
Why Do People Need to Check the Trust Registration Number?
People may need to check a trust number for many reasons, such as:
- Before making donations
- Before giving CSR funds
- For property-related transactions
- For legal verification
- For tax exemption verification
- To avoid fraud or scams
- To confirm trust authenticity
Today, fake charitable trusts are also seen in some places. Many people donate money without checking, and later realise that the trust was not registered. Checking prevents such problems.
How to Check the Trust Registration Number Online?
Below are the most common online methods used in India.
1: Using the Charity Commissioner website (Public Trusts)
Some states have online websites for checking public trust details. Maharashtra and Gujarat are two examples. You can search using the trust name or other details and see the registration information online. This helps people check trust records without visiting any office.
2: Through Income Tax Portal (For 12A/80G Registered Trusts)
If the trust has tax exemption registrations like 12A or 80G, details can be checked online.
Steps are usually simple:
- Visit the Income Tax e-filing website
- Go to Exempted Organization Search
- enter PAN number or the trust name
This makes it easy to confirm if the trust has been approved for tax benefits by the authorities.
3: Through NGO-DARPAN Portal (For NGO Trusts)
Some trusts register with the NGO-DARPAN portal for better transparency and CSR compliance.
On the portal, you can search using:
- Trust name
- Registration number
- PAN
- Unique ID
This portal shows trust identity, address, registration info, and activities.
4: Checking State Registrar Portals
Some states offer their own portals for NGO / Society / Trust verification. It depends on whether the state has put trust records online. If the trust is located in such a state, details can be checked easily.
5: For Corporate Funding
Some trusts register under CSR-1 to get CSR money from companies. These trusts can be checked through CSR records or the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
What If Trust Details Are Not Available Online?
Not all trusts are listed online. In such cases, you can verify offline using these options:
- Visit Sub-Registrar Office (for private trusts)
- Visit Charity Commissioner Office (for public trusts)
- Ask the trust to provide their registration certificate
- Check tax documents (for 12A/80G trusts)
Where can you find the Trust Registration Number in documents?
A trust’s number may appear on:
- Registration Certificate
- Trust Deed
- PAN documents
- 12A/80G certificates
- CSR-1 certificate
- Official letters
- Donation receipts
- Bank account documents
Can You Verify a Trust by Its PAN?
Yes. If the trust is tax registered, you can find useful information through a PAN search, as PAN is required for various official procedures.
What Details Are Shown After Verification?
After checking, you may see:
- Trust Registration Number
- Trust name
- Address
- Trustees
- Registration date
- Status (active/inactive)
- Tax approvals (if any)
This helps confirm that the trust is genuine and properly registered.
Why Checking Trust Registration Number Is Important Today?
Today verification is important because:
- Many people donate money online
- CSR funding has increased
- Many charities ask for financial help
- Fraud cases also exist
- Companies need compliance for CSR
- Legal offices need verified documentation
Conclusion
Checking a trust’s registration number is a safe idea. It helps donors, companies, and normal people avoid problems. If the number is not available online, it can still be checked through certificates or government offices. Before donating or working with a trust, it is good to confirm that the trust is legal.
FAQ
- What is a Trust Registration Number?
It is a unique number given to a trust when it is officially registered with the government.
- Why Trust Registration Number is needed?
Because it confirms that the trust is legal, officially recognised, and allowed to carry out its activities.
- Can I check the number online?
Yes, in many states. Some states let you search trusts online, and tax-registered trusts can also be checked on the internet.
- Do all trusts appear online?
No. Private family trusts and older trusts may not appear online.
- Which documents have registration numbers?
The registration number is normally found on trust deeds, certificates, and tax papers.
- What should I do if I cannot find the trust online?
You can verify offline at the Sub-Registrar or Charity Commissioner office.
- Can I ask the trust directly for the number?
Yes. A genuine trust will share its registration certificate.
- Registration Number is the same as PAN?
No. Registration is for identity. PAN is for tax.
- Do different states have different rules?
Yes. Each state handles trust registrations in its own way.
- Can a trust operate without registration?
No. For legal activities and donations, registration is required.
