Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are very important for the development and support of the initiatives taken by the government in India. They play a major role by empowering multiple communities through sustainable change and creating an impact on societal change and development. But before all these are achieved an NGO must be authorized and registered to take these initiatives. In India, the NGOs can register themselves three forms which includes a trust or a society or a Section 8 company and it involves different processes as well as paperwork. Hence it is needed to be done with the help of an expert. Here we are going to provide you with insightful knowledge that is needed for the proper registration of an NGO in India.

What do you Mean By NGOs?

An organization which may be a trust or a society or a Section 8 company which is working with non profit motive for the upliftment of the society by doing work in a particular section is called a non-governmental organization, commonly known as NGOs. They are supported by the government by providing many benefits like tax exemptions, profitable schemes etc, but to get these benefits it is important to incorporate as an NGO. Without registering your organisation you cannot take the benefits of all the benefits provided by the government of India.

Benefits of NGO Registration in India

Some of the key benefits of the NGO Registration in India are mentioned below:

• Legal recognition by the GOI as institution is working as an NGO in a particular sector.
• Access to funding and tax exemptions becomes easy after getting incorporate as an NGO in India.
• Enhanced credibility and people's trust which helps in many ways like getting donations.
• Administrative ease for operations automatically comes up with the registration of the Non-Government Organization.
• Opportunities for global recognition have come up with such registration.
• Impactful pursuit of social causes which makes the government work easy or we can say helps the government in achieving many goals.
• Transparency and accountability is the key feature of the NGOs.
• Legitimacy and stability comes with the registration.
• Foundation for long-term sustainability.

Different kinds of NGO Registration in India

In India there are mainly three types of NGO registration which are discussed below in detail:

Trust Registration

This type of NGO registration involves the property that is transferred by the trustee towards the owner of the business as the major objective is to provide benefits to the societies through public interest trusts. This form of registration is done through the Indian Trust Act of 1882. The charitable of the public interest trust is formed when it involves a piece of land with the aim of removing poverty, promoting education and medical aid etc.

Society Registration

This form of registration involves NGOs to get registered in the form of a society. The society involves a group of persons who govern, deliberate and grow for the common good. These societies are formed towards the altruistic activities that are done to encourage sports, music, art, culture, education and religion. These types of registration need the individual so they might come forward to promote science, social work and any other forms of activities which are mentioned under Section 30 of the Societies Registration Act, of 1860.

Section 8 Company Registration

This method needs an NGO to get registered itself under Section 8 of the Companies Act which came in 2013. These companies are specifically established to promote charity, trade and religion and the majority of the earnings of these companies are not from the shareholders but it is used for the promotion of the company. They are established for charitable purposes. They are corporate bodies which can be registered online through the MCA portal of the government of India.

Eligibility to Register as Non-Government Organization

In order to register an NGO i.e Non Government Organization in India you must fall under the eligibility criteria given below:

• Indian citizenship is a must needed condition in order to incorporate any kind of NGO in India.
• Minimum number of members must be there in order to register a NGO. For illustration, for society registration minimum seven members are must, for trust its three and for Section 8 company registration minimum members becomes two.
• Governing Documents must be there as per the applicable rules, regulations and laws.
• A Non-profit objective is necessary, hence the aim of the institution must be charitable.
• Compliance with the applicable rules, regulations and different types of laws is mandatory.
• No profit distribution should be there.
• A management board must be there in order to handle the day to day responsibilities of the NGO.
• Must get formal registration certification from the competent or authorized authorities.

List of Key NGO Registration Documentation

Some of the key documents which are must in order to register an NGO in India are given below:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) in case you are registering your NGO as a Section 8 company.
• Similarly Articles of Association (AOA) is also must when you are registering your NGO under Section 8 of the Company Law.
• A good well written draft of Trust Deed is must when you are registering your NGO as a trust in India.
• Society Registration Certificate for those NGOs which are formed as the society in India
• Obtain PAN Card of the NGO after the registration process has been completed
• Address Proof of the NGO is must needed during the registration of the NGO
• Identity Proof of all the NGO's Members
• Passport-sized Photographs of the NGO's Members that must be the recent one
• Income Tax PAN of the NGO
• Registration Fee Receipt must be taken after the payment of the fees

Process of NGO Registration in India

To register an NGO in India follow the appropriate steps mentioned below:

• To select the type of NGO form that is whether to register it as a trust, society, or under Section 8 as a company as it may vary based on the objectives as well as the various forms of activities which an NGO is going to cover.
• To name the NGO as it serves the mission and purpose and should not be an existing one.
• To prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA) as well as Articles of Association (AoA) and draft it with the rules and objectives for its own management and purpose.
• To establish a regulating body to serve its purpose.
• To gather the needed documentation for the registration.
• To submit the application for registration to the appropriate authority.
• The registration authority will review and further approve the process for registration.
• The next step involves the issuance of an NGO certificate after the approval.

How to Obtain an NGO Registration Certificate in India?

Follow the steps given below in order to get NGO registration certification in India:

Identify your NGOs Purpose

Define the primary objective of your NGO, including its mission, purposes, and various other activities. This will provide clarity and direction to your NGOs operations and help you achieve your goals more effectively and identify the social or humanitarian cause that your institution aims to address, and identify the target beneficiaries of your programs.

Choose a Legal Structure

The next step is on a legal structure that is in compliance with your institution's purposes and operations. The Legal Structure includes trusts, societies, and various other non-profit companies. The legal requirements are very important and its implications for each form in the jurisdiction for proper action.

Register your NGO

Register the NGO in compliance with regulatory bodies in your country. The process involves submitting an application form with the needed number of necessary documents.

Obtain Tax Exemption Status

Apply for tax exemption status with the relevant tax authorities in charge. This is to ensure that the institution is in compliance with the criteria for tax-exempt status, such as being non-profit and carrying out activities for charitable purposes.

Comply with Legal Requirements

To comply with all legal as well as regulatory requirements applicable to NGOs in your jurisdiction. And maintain proper accounting records, filing annual reports, adhering to financial reporting standards, and fulfilling any other responsibility that is mandated by law.

Seek Accreditation or Certification

Accreditation or certification programs are available for NGOs in some countries or international bodies. Research available certification schemes and assess their relevance to your company's goals and other activities. If certification aligns with your purposes and enhances your credibility and accountability, you should apply for it.

How much does it Cost to Register an NGO In India?

The registration of an NGO varies based on the process and type of registration that is needed by the governing authorities. The fees for registration can differ from a minimum amount to a substantial sum as it may vary depending on the type of NGO with the rules and regulations, the other type of expenses may also include the legal compliance, regulation and the documentation necessary for its registration. The registration fees for an NGO can be between Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 and it is also needed to submit an annual registration certificate (ARC) towards the government every year. Also there are many other hidden charges which you have to bear if you want to register an NGO in India. Hence it is difficult to give an exact figure here but if you want to know the exact number you can contact us directly and by analyzing your key needs we can give you the exact number after that.

Why to Choose Whizseed to Register an NGO in India?

Registration of Non Government Organisation includes both complicated paperwork and process. In order to complete both you need experience expert guidance which can be available at Whizseed, hence you must choose us to register an NGO in India. We assist from collecting paperwork to getting registration certification, even after that we are there to assist you while completing the requirements under the applicable laws. In order to get your NGO registration smoothly without facing any trouble you must choose our professionals for the same purpose. Some of the key features of the Whizseed which you may consider while choosing us are:

• Expert guidance and support
• Streamlined registration process
• Cost-effective solutions
• Tailored services for startups
• Compliance management
• Transparent pricing
• Timely completion of tasks
• Dedicated customer support
• Proven track record
• Comprehensive assistance has been provided
• Data security