NGO Services

Society
Registration

Register a Society to promote charitable, educational, cultural or social activities. Democratic structure with elected committee, governed by Societies Registration Act 1860.

Min. 7 Members
Democratic Governance
12A / 80G Eligible
Overview

What is a Society?

A Society is a group of people who come together for a common charitable, literary, scientific, or social purpose. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 - one of India's oldest laws governing voluntary organizations.

A registered Society is governed by its Memorandum of Association (listing objectives and members) and Rules & Regulations (governing internal management). Each state has its own registration procedure and authority under the respective state amendment to the 1860 Act.

Societies are managed by an elected Managing Committee comprising office-bearers such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The democratic governance structure makes Societies ideal for clubs, alumni associations, cultural bodies, educational institutions, and professional associations.

Democratic Governance

Managed by elected committee - President, Secretary, Treasurer chosen by members

Multiple Objects

Pursue charitable, literary, scientific, cultural and social objectives simultaneously

Tax Exemptions

Eligible for 12A income tax exemption and 80G donor deduction benefits

Membership Based

Open to new members as per Rules - ideal for clubs, associations and bodies

Why Register

Benefits of Society Registration

Democratic Governance

Run by elected Managing Committee - all members have equal rights to vote and participate in decision-making.

Multiple Objects Allowed

A Society can pursue multiple charitable, educational, cultural, scientific or social objectives simultaneously.

Tax Exemptions

Eligible to apply for 12A income tax exemption and 80G donor tax deduction benefits after registration.

Membership Based

Open to new members as per the Rules and Regulations - ideal for building a large community-based organization.

Easy to Manage

Relatively simple internal management compared to Section 8 Company - committees can be replaced through elections.

Suitable for Clubs & Associations

The preferred structure for sports clubs, alumni associations, professional bodies, and cultural organizations.

Requirements

Documents Required

For Members & Organization

  • Memorandum of Association (with objectives)
  • Rules & Regulations of the Society
  • PAN Card of all founding members
  • Aadhaar Card of all founding members
  • Affidavit from the President on stamp paper
  • Signatures of all 7+ founding members

For Registered Office

  • Latest electricity / water bill
  • NOC from property owner (if rented)
  • Rent agreement (if applicable)
  • Passport-size photographs of all members
  • Cover letter to Registrar of Societies
How It Works

Registration Process

1

Draft MOA & Rules

Prepare Memorandum and Rules & Regulations with clear objectives

2

Collect Signatures

Get signatures from minimum 7 founding members on MOA

3

File with Registrar

Submit MOA, Rules and all documents to state Registrar of Societies

4

Pay Fees

Pay state-specific registration fees as applicable

5

Certificate Issued

Receive Certificate of Registration from Registrar of Societies

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A minimum of 7 members is required to register a Society under the Societies Registration Act 1860. All 7 founding members must sign the Memorandum of Association. Some states may require more members for specific types of societies.
A registered Society must file an annual list of managing committee members with the Registrar of Societies each year. Additionally, it must file Income Tax Returns (ITR) annually and maintain proper accounts. Under 12A registration, the Society must also submit income and expenditure statements to the Income Tax Commissioner.
Yes. A registered Society can hold, own, and manage immovable property in the name of the Society. The property is managed by the elected committee as per the Rules and Regulations for the benefit of the Society's objectives.
A Society has a democratic structure with elected managing committee and open membership - it is more transparent and accountable to its members. A Trust is controlled by designated trustees as per the Trust Deed - it is more flexible but less democratic. Societies are preferred for member-based organizations; Trusts are preferred for property management and religious purposes.

Register Your Society Today

Get complete Society registration support - MOA drafting, Rules preparation, Registrar filing, and post-registration 12A/80G applications by our expert CA team.