How to Apply for NGO Registration in India?
The NGO registration process is free from complexities and easy to comprehend. The procedure to apply for NGO registration and register NGO in India is explained below-
Step 1
Identify the Type—Based on its goals and objectives, identify the NGO type and choose one of the following: trust, society, or section 8 company.
Step 2
Pick an Exclusive Name – Pick an exclusive name (not similar to any existing NGO) for your NGO reflecting its mission, goals and existence.
Step 3
Draft the Memorandum of Association (MoA) & Articles of Association (AoA)
Draft the MoA and AoA outlining its goals, guidelines, regulations and policies to govern its operations and management. File form DIR-3 with ROC to obtain DIN.
Step 4
Form the Governing Body- Form a governing body or managing committee consisting of people responsible for the organization’s operations and decision-making processes.
Step 5
Furnish a Registered Office Address – Furnish a registered office address for official communication and delivery of legal documents and paperwork.
Step 6
Compile Necessary Documentation – Compile important documents, including identity proofs, address proofs, and photographs of all members of the governing council.
Step 7
Submit the Registration Application –Submit the registration application with attached documents, to the relevant authority depending on the type of the NGO – Registrar of Societies, Registrar of Trusts, or Registrar of Companies.
Step 8
Review and Approval: The registration authority will assess the application and all supporting documents. You may be asked to provide additional information or clarification, depending on the review.
Step 9
Acquire the Registration Certificate—After successfully reviewing the application and supporting documents, the registration authority will issue a certificate validating the NGO’s legal status.
Step 10
Request for Tax Exemptions – Once the registration certificate is acquired, the NGO is eligible to apply for tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act. However, it must have obtained certifications such as 12A and 80G prior to the steps mentioned above.
Step 11
Adhere to Compliance and Reporting: Compliance with legal requirements is a must, and it includes filing yearly returns, maintaining accounts, and presenting audited financial statements.