12A 80G Registration in Karnataka
12A and 80G registrations are central tax provisions; their impact increases in Karnataka, as it is India's premier hub for tech and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
By Aabha GargLast updated:
As a major centre for MNC and tech giants, Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, is a primary source of CSR funding.
The Karnataka state government often mandates these registrations for participation in its various social welfare schemes.
For NGOs in Karnataka that provide services (such as vocational training or consultancy) to other organisations, 12A-registered NGOs can apply for a Lower or Nil TDS Certificate under Section 197.
Karnataka has a high concentration of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) and professional donors who prioritise tax efficiency.
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12A means your NGO doesn't pay income tax. 80G means your donors get a tax discount too. In Karnataka, there's no government fee for either approval, and professional help typically costs ₹7,000 to ₹12,000. You apply on the Income Tax e-filing portal using Form 104 (new NGOs) or Form 105 (NGOs with a track record). Every Karnataka application, regardless of city, is reviewed by one office in Bengaluru. From 1 April 2026, these approvals are officially called Section 332 (12A) and Section 354 (80G)
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What Is 12A & 80G Registration?
12A and 80G are two separate approvals from India's Income Tax Department:
- 12A means your NGO's own income isn't taxed, as long as you spend it on your real charitable work
- 80G means anyone who donates to your NGO can claim a deduction on their own taxable income
- Most NGOs apply for both together, since 80G approval usually needs valid 12A status in place first
- 12A protects your NGO's money; 80G protects your donor's money, so together they make your NGO both tax-friendly and donor-friendly
These rules are the same everywhere in India, including Karnataka; what differs is the state law your NGO registers under first, before it ever reaches this stage.
Eligibility for 12A & 80G Registration in Karnataka
If your NGO meets the basic requirements, you can proceed with the 12A and 80G application. Here's what you need to qualify:
- You're already registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company
- Your PAN is in the NGO's own name, not a trustee's or director's personal PAN
- Your goals are genuinely charitable: education, healthcare, poverty relief, environment, or similar public work
- You're not set up to benefit only specific named people, like family members
If your NGO isn't registered yet, start with our guide to NGO registration in Bangalore.
Not Sure If Your NGO Needs 12A and 80G?
Understand the benefits, eligibility, and requirements before you apply.
Documents Required for 12A & 80G Registration in Karnataka
Keep these ready before you apply for 12A & 80G Registration in Karnataka:
- PAN card of the NGO
- Your registration certificate: Trust Deed, Karnataka Society certificate, or Certificate of Incorporation
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your property owner
- A recent utility bill, like a BESCOM bill, for your office
- Bank statements and audited accounts, if your NGO has been active for a while
- A real report of your work, with actual numbers and places
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the person filing the form
12A & 80G Registration Step-by-Step Process in Karnataka
Applying for 12A and 80G registration in Karnataka is an online process, but having your NGO's documents and details ready beforehand makes the application much smoother. Whether your NGO operates in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, or another part of Karnataka, here's exactly how to apply:
Step 1: Complete Your Base Registration
Make sure your NGO's base registration is done. You can register as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company, whichever fits your work in Karnataka.
Step 2: Log In to the Income Tax E-Filing Portal
Log in to the Income Tax e-filing website using your NGO's PAN.
Step 3: Select the Appropriate Form
Choose the correct form based on your NGO's status:
- Form 104 – if your NGO is new
- Form 105 – if your NGO already has a track record
Step 4: Enter NGO Details and Upload Documents
Fill in your NGO's details and upload the required documents, including:
- Registration certificate
- PAN
- Accounts
- Work report
Step 5: Apply for 12A and 80G Together
Apply for 12A and 80G together to avoid any gap between the two.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Submit the application using your DSC (Digital Signature Certificate). After submission, note your acknowledgment number so you can track the application.
Step 7: Respond to Any Queries
If the Income Tax Department raises any questions or requests additional information, respond as quickly as possible. Slow replies can lead to delays in the application process.
12A & 80G Registration Fees & Timeline in Karnataka
The government does not charge a fixed state-wise fee for 12A and 80G registration. However, your overall cost may vary based on professional assistance, documentation, and application complexity.
| What's Included | Cost |
| Government fee (12A and 80G) | ₹0 |
| Professional help (documents, filing, follow-up) | ₹7,000 to ₹12,000 |
| Digital Signature Certificate | ₹500 to ₹2,000 |
| Time needed | A few weeks to a few months |
There's no government fee for the application itself. You pay for professional help to get it right the first time.
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Which Office Reviews Karnataka's Applications?
Every 12A and 80G application from a Karnataka NGO, no matter which city, goes to the same place: the Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemptions), Karnataka & Goa charge, based in Bengaluru. This means 12A and 80G registration in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, and Belagavi all follow the same review process. Your local city matters only for your initial registration as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company. The state handles NGO tax exemption approval centrally.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation, headquartered in Bengaluru and registered as a Section 8 Company, runs one of the world's largest school mid-day meal programs, feeding over two million children daily. It holds valid 12A and 80G approvals. That combination is a genuine reason it can operate at this scale: corporate donors and philanthropists funding its kitchens can claim a deduction on their contributions, while the Foundation itself doesn't pay tax on the donations it spends on food, logistics, and infrastructure. It's a real, well-documented example of what these two approvals make possible for a Karnataka NGO once they're in place.
Latest Updates in 2026
From 1 April 2026, a new law changed how these approvals are named:
- 12A is now officially called Section 332
- 80G is now officially called Section 354
- Form 105 replaces the older Form 10AB for regular registration and renewal
If your NGO already had valid registration before 31 March 2026, it stays valid. The new rules apply only when you apply for fresh registration, renew, or reapply after a rejection.
For the full renewal process, read our guide on renewal of 12A and 80G registration.
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About the Author
Aabha Garg
A Content Strategist at NGOExperts, who focuses on NGO registration, 12A and 80G registration, FCRA compliance, income tax filing for non-profits, and CSR funding guidelines in India. I research and write our compliance guides in collaboration with our in-house Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries, so every article reflects current tax and regulatory requirements for the NGO and non-profit sector.
Written by Aabha Garg. Last updated on Oct 5, 2026, 12:27 PM
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