- Home
- Services Detail
Society Registration
Get Expert Advice Now
What is a Society Registration?
A Society is a non-profit organization formed by a group of individuals who come together to work for charitable, educational, cultural, religious, scientific, literary, or social welfare purposes. Society registration in India is governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and relevant state amendments.
Registering a society provides legal identity, structured governance, and credibility, enabling the organization to operate lawfully and achieve its objectives effectively.
Key Features of Society Registration
- Non-profit and welfare-oriented objectives
- Requires minimum 7 members
- Separate legal identity
- Democratic management structure
- Eligible for government grants & funding
- Profits reinvested for social purposes
- Recognized under state law
Benefits of Society Registration?
Democratic Structure
Easy Member Expansion
Ideal for Group Activities
Is Society Registration Mandatory?
Yes. To legally function as a society, open a bank account, own property, receive grants or donations, and apply for tax benefits, society registration is mandatory.
A registered society can apply for:
- PAN in Society name
- Bank account
- Government grants and schemes
- Income tax exemptions under 12A & 80G
- CSR funding opportunities
Who Should Choose Society Registration?
Society registration is ideal for:
- Educational institutions and schools
- Cultural and sports organizations
- NGOs and welfare associations
- Art, music, and literary groups
- Research and development organizations
- Social activists and community groups
Society Registration Process
Step 1: Name Selection
Choose a unique name that reflects the society’s objectives.
Step 2: Drafting of MOA & Rules
Prepare Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations.
Step 3: Member Documentation
Collect and verify documents of all founding members.
Step 4: Filing of Application
Submit registration application to the Registrar of Societies.
Step 5: Registration Certificate Issuance
After verification, the Society Registration Certificate is issued.
Documents Required for Society Registration
Member Documents (Minimum 7 Members)
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size photographs
- Email ID and mobile number
Registered Office Address Proof
- Electricity bill / Water bill (not older than 2 months)
- Rent agreement (if rented) or ownership proof
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from owner
Society-Specific Documents
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Rules & Regulations of the Society
- List of governing body members
- Affidavits & declarations
Time Required for Society Registration
- Document preparation: 2–3 Working Days
- Government approval: 5–7 Working Days
Total Time: 7–10 Working Days
(May vary depending on state and authority)
Advantages of Society Registration
- Legal Recognition – Society gets official recognition under law.
- Government Funding Eligibility – Eligible to apply for central & state government grants.
- Tax Benefits – Can apply for income tax exemptions under 12A & 80G.
- Democratic Management – Managed by a governing body elected by members.
- Credibility & Transparency – Builds trust among donors, members, and authorities.
Society vs Trust vs Section 8 Company
Particulars | Society | Trust | Section 8 Company |
Governing Law | Societies Act | Indian Trusts Act | Companies Act |
Minimum Members | 7 | 1 | 2 |
Management | Governing Body | Trustees | Directors |
Compliance Level | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
Credibility | Medium | Medium | High |
CSR Eligibility | Limited | Limited | High |
Compliance Requirements for Society Registration
- Annual filing with Registrar of Societies
- Annual Income Tax Return
- Maintenance of proper books of accounts
- Audit (if applicable)
- Compliance with rules & regulations
Why Choose JS Certification Services?
- Expert NGO & society consultants
- End-to-end Society Registration support
- MOA & Rules drafting as per law
- Transparent pricing, no hidden charges
- Fast processing & dedicated assistance
- Post-registration support for 12A & 80G
FAQ
A reassuring message that focuses on clarity and understanding.
It shows a commitment to answering every question with care, one step at a time.
A minimum of seven members is required to register a society under the Societies Registration Act.
Yes, registration is necessary to give the society legal recognition and to carry out activities such as opening bank accounts and receiving funds.
Yes, societies must file annual returns and maintain proper records as per state laws to remain compliant.
Google Review
