Online Society Registration in India – An Overview
Society Registration in India is a legal process that grants formal recognition to organizations established for charitable, literary, scientific, educational, religious, or social welfare purposes. It is ideal for voluntary groups, NGOs, cultural associations, educational institutions, and community development organizations working toward public benefit.
Registering a society provides it with a distinct legal identity, allowing it to:
Own property and enter into contracts.
Access government grants and CSR funding.
Receive foreign donations under the FCRA Act.
Avail tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act.
This enhances the organization’s credibility, transparency, and accountability, encouraging greater trust among donors, partners, and beneficiaries.
Overview
Registering a Private Limited Company in India offers business owners limited liability, independent legal status, and various tax advantages. Under the Companies Act, 2013, it is mandatory to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN), along with valid identity and address proofs. The SPICe+ form simplifies the process by combining applications for name approval, company incorporation, PAN, TAN, and GST. Once approved by the Registrar of Companies (RoC), the business receives a Certificate of Incorporation, granting it the authority to operate legally, own assets, and enter into contracts. After registration, companies must comply with statutory requirements such as filing annual returns and financial statements.
A2Z Registration makes the process simple and hassle-free by offering complete assistance—from document preparation to legal compliance. Our team of professionals ensures each stage is completed accurately and efficiently, with full transparency in pricing and absolutely no hidden charges.
What is a Society?
A society is a voluntary association of individuals united by a shared purpose, such as promoting education, art, culture, religion, charity, or social welfare. These organisations operate on a non-profit basis, focusing on advancing public or community-oriented objectives rather than generating profits. The members of a society work collectively to achieve common goals and contribute towards the betterment of society.
What is a Society?
A society is a voluntary association of individuals united by a shared purpose or interest, such as promoting education, art, culture, literature, charity, religion, or social welfare. These organisations operate on a non-profit basis, focusing on contributing to the public good rather than generating profits. Societies are typically registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, which grants them legal recognition and enables them to function as independent legal entities.
Benefits of Registering a Society in India
Registering a society offers several legal, financial, and operational advantages, especially for non-profit organisations and NGOs. It not only enhances the organisation’s credibility but also ensures smoother administration, eligibility for tax benefits, and access to government support. Below are the major benefits:
1. Legal Recognition
A registered society obtains an official legal identity under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This enables it to own property, enter into legal contracts, and initiate or face legal proceedings in its own name.
2. Tax Exemptions
Registered societies can avail of tax exemptions under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These exemptions reduce the tax burden and encourage donors to contribute by offering tax deductions on donations.
3. Enhanced Credibility
Legal registration increases public trust and the organisation’s reputation, helping attract more volunteers, donors, and institutional support from government and private sectors.
4. Eligibility for Government Grants
Government departments, CSR initiatives, and international aid agencies typically provide funding only to registered organisations. Society registration, therefore, opens doors to numerous grant and funding opportunities.
5. Bank Account in Society’s Name
A registered society can open and operate a bank account in its official name, ensuring transparency in handling donations, grants, and other financial transactions.
6. Transparent Management Structure
Registered societies are governed by a Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations, promoting accountability, transparency, and democratic decision-making within the organisation.
7. Eligibility for FCRA Registration
For societies seeking foreign contributions, registration is a prerequisite to applying for approval under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010.
8. Continuity and Perpetual Existence
A registered society continues to exist regardless of membership changes, ensuring long-term stability and uninterrupted functioning.
Eligibility Criteria for Society Registration in India
To register a society in India, certain eligibility conditions must be fulfilled as per the Societies Registration Act, 1860. These guidelines ensure that only genuine, well-structured, and purpose-driven groups obtain legal recognition for their non-profit and charitable activities.
Who Can Form a Society
A society can be formed by:
Indian citizens,
Foreign nationals (subject to prior government approval),
Companies, partnerships, or other registered entities interested in promoting social welfare, education, culture, or other charitable objectives.
Minimum Member Requirement
To register a society, a minimum of seven members is required in most Indian states. These members can be individuals or legal bodies, but at least one member must be a resident of India.
Types of Societies Eligible for Registration
Societies working for charitable, cultural, religious, educational, scientific, artistic, sports, or public welfare causes are eligible for registration under the Act.
Resident and Non-Resident Participation
While most members are expected to be Indian residents, non-resident Indians (NRIs) or foreigners can also become members in some states, provided they submit the necessary supporting documents and clearances.
Common Organisational Types
The following kinds of organisations are commonly registered as societies:
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
Educational or research institutions
Art and cultural associations
Community service and welfare groups
Religious or spiritual organisations
Common Purposes for Society Registration
Societies can be registered to achieve any of the following objectives:
Promotion of arts, culture, literature, or science
Dissemination of political or social education
Providing charitable support or donations to trusts
Establishing public libraries, museums, or galleries
Creating funds for military dependents or orphans
Promoting knowledge, innovation, or practical learning
Developing natural history collections or scientific exhibits.
Benefits of Registering a Society in India
Registering a society in India offers numerous legal, financial, and operational benefits, particularly for organisations working in the non-profit or social development sector. It enhances credibility, allows access to tax exemptions, and provides a structured framework for smooth administration. Below are the major advantages:
1. Legal Recognition
A registered society receives official legal status under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, allowing it to:
Enter into contracts in its own name
Own, manage, or transfer property
File or face legal proceedings as an independent entity
2. Tax Exemptions
Registered societies can apply for tax benefits under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.
This helps:
Reduce the organisation’s tax liability
Encourage donors, as their contributions become eligible for tax deductions
3. Improved Credibility and Public Trust
Legal registration enhances the society’s reputation among:
Donors and funding agencies
Government departments
Volunteers and the general public
It assures stakeholders that the organisation operates transparently and is committed to social welfare.
4. Eligibility for Government Grants and Schemes
Only registered societies can access state, central, and international grants designed for charitable and developmental purposes. This legal recognition opens doors to funding opportunities and long-term partnerships.
5. Bank Account in the Society’s Name
Once registered, the society can open a bank account under its official name.
This simplifies:
Managing funds transparently
Handling project budgets
Receiving donations directly
6. Structured Governance and Accountability
Every society operates under its Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Rules & Regulations, ensuring:
Transparency in decision-making
Accountability among office bearers
Democratic and well-organised management
7. Eligibility for FCRA Registration
For societies that plan to receive foreign donations or grants, registration is mandatory before applying for approval under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010.
8. Operational Continuity
Registered societies enjoy perpetual succession, meaning they continue to exist even if the members or office bearers change. This guarantees long-term stability and uninterrupted operations.
Documents Required for Society Registration Online
To register a society in India, applicants must submit specific documents that define the organisation’s identity, objectives, and structure. These documents ensure compliance with the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and help establish the society as a legally recognised non-profit entity.
Below is a comprehensive checklist of documents required for online society registration:
1. Identity Proof of Founding Members
PAN Card or Aadhaar Card of all founding or governing body members.
Passport (if any of the members are foreign nationals).
2. Address Proof of Members
Any valid Voter ID, Driving Licence, or Utility Bill (electricity, water, or gas) showing current residence.
3. Registered Office Proof
Rent Agreement or Property Ownership Document of the office address.
NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the property owner.
A recent utility bill (electricity/water) as proof of address for the registered office.
4. Foundational Documents
Memorandum of Association (MOA): Contains details like the society’s name, objectives, registered office, and list of members.
Rules and Regulations / Bylaws: Define the internal structure, election process, meeting procedures, and responsibilities of office bearers.
5. Supporting Documents
List of all members along with their signatures.
Affidavit declaring that the chosen society name is unique and not already registered.
Covering letter addressed to the Registrar requesting society registration.
Passport-sized photographs of all founding members (may be required in certain states).
6. Authentication and Compliance
The MOA and Rules & Regulations must be signed by all founding members.
In some states, these documents need to be notarised or attested before submission to the Registrar of Societies.
How to Check the Online Status of Society Registration
After applying for society registration, it’s important to track your application’s progress to ensure timely approval. You can easily verify the status of your society registration online using one of the following methods:
1. Through the Registrar of Societies (ROS) Website
The Registrar of Societies (ROS) is the official government authority that manages society registrations in each state or union territory.
To check your registration status:
Visit the official ROS website for your respective state or union territory.
Locate the section for “Society Registration Status” or “Track Application.”
Enter details such as the name of the society and registration number.
Submit the information to view the current status of your registration — whether it is under review, approved, or requires additional documentation.
✅ Tip: Each state may have a slightly different portal layout or link, so make sure you are visiting the correct website for your region.
2. Through Verified Third-Party Platforms
Several trusted third-party websites (including registration consultants like A2Z Registration) provide an easy way to check society registration status.
Here’s how it works:
Visit a verified service provider’s portal.
Enter the society’s name and registration number.
The platform retrieves the real-time status directly from the Registrar of Societies’ official database.
⚠️ Note: Some third-party sites may charge a small service fee for instant access or tracking assistance. Always ensure you are using a secure and authorised platform to avoid misinformation.
Compliance After Society Registration
Once a society is registered in India, it must comply with various legal and financial requirements to retain its active status and continue enjoying benefits such as tax exemptions, government funding, and public credibility. These post-registration compliances promote transparency, accountability, and smooth functioning of the organisation.
Below are the key society compliance requirements every registered organisation must follow:
1. Maintain Proper Books of Accounts
Every registered society is required to maintain accurate books of accounts, including income, expenditure, and asset details. Supporting vouchers and receipts must be properly recorded and preserved for audit and inspection purposes.
2. Conduct Annual Audits
The financial statements of the society must be audited annually by a qualified Chartered Accountant. The audit report helps ensure financial integrity and legal compliance while maintaining the trust of donors and stakeholders.
3. File Annual Returns with the Registrar
Each society must file annual returns to the Registrar of Societies (RoS) in its respective state. The filing typically includes:
Audited financial statements
Annual report on activities
Updated list of managing committee or governing body members
Timely filing keeps the society’s registration in good standing.
4. Income Tax Compliance – Form 10A & 80G
To avail of income tax exemptions, societies must:
File Form 10A to obtain registration under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act.
Apply separately for Section 80G approval, allowing donors to claim deductions on their contributions.
Renewals must be completed periodically as per the Income Tax Department’s latest guidelines.
5. Renewal of Registration (If Applicable)
In some states, society registration is valid only for a specific duration. Hence, organisations must apply for renewal of registration before expiry to avoid suspension or cancellation of legal status.
6. FCRA Compliance (For Foreign Funding)
If the society receives foreign donations or contributions, it must be registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA).
Registered societies must:
File annual FCRA returns online
Maintain proper accounts of foreign funds
Ensure utilisation only for approved purposes
7. Notify Changes to the Registrar
Any change in the society’s name, registered office address, governing members, or bylaws must be reported promptly to the Registrar of Societies for updating official records.
Applicability of Tax Exemption
A common misconception is that societies engaged in charitable or social welfare activities are automatically exempt from paying taxes. However, this is not true.
Just like any other legal entity, a registered society is liable to pay taxes unless it obtains the necessary approvals and certifications from the Income Tax Department.
To qualify for tax exemptions, a society must apply for and secure the following registrations:
Section 12A Registration: Grants exemption on income used for charitable purposes.
Section 80G Certification: Allows donors to claim deductions for contributions made to the society.
These certifications must be obtained from the Income Tax Department and renewed periodically to continue enjoying tax benefits.
Society Registration Renewal Online
Renewing a society’s registration is essential to maintain its legal status and ensure continued eligibility for government schemes, tax benefits, and funding. While the renewal process may differ slightly from one state to another, the general procedure remains similar across India.
Steps for Online Society Registration Renewal
Check Renewal Deadline
Before beginning, confirm your renewal due date. Most societies are required to renew their registration annually or once every two years, depending on state regulations.Collect Necessary Documents
Prepare the essential documents, including:Original Registration Certificate
Updated Memorandum and Bylaws (if amended)
Minutes of the latest Annual General Meeting (AGM)
List of current managing committee members and office bearers
Address and contact details of the registered office
Access the Official Portal
Visit your state’s official Registrar of Societies (ROS) website or the respective government portal for online renewal.Login and Fill Renewal Form
Log in using your society’s credentials, enter the required details such as registration number, society name, and contact details, and upload the necessary documents in the specified format.Pay Renewal Fees
Complete the renewal fee payment through the available online payment options such as debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.Submit and Track Application
Review the application carefully before submission. After submitting, you can track the renewal status anytime through the portal using your application number.
Pro Tip:
Always initiate the renewal process well before the due date to avoid penalties or delays in processing.
Recent Updates
New Restrictions on NGOs and Registered Societies Receiving Foreign Funding
The Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2021 has introduced significant regulatory changes for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and registered societies across India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.
Under the amended provisions, any individual convicted by a court and sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more is now ineligible to serve as a member or office bearer of a registered society.
The amendment, which received Presidential assent and was officially enforced through a government notification on July 18, 2021, aims to strengthen governance, accountability, and transparency among societies and NGOs.
This law governs the registration and functioning of organisations engaged in literary, scientific, charitable, and educational activities, as well as non-profit institutions operating within the state. Currently, more than 3.5 lakh societies in Uttar Pradesh are regulated under this Act.