Society Registration

Society registration is mandatory for nonprofit organizations in India. It involves legal recognition, better credibility, and tax benefits. You can avail of these benefits by fulfilling the following criteria.

  • Minimum of 7 members
  • YObjectives must be scientific/literary/charitable.
  • MoA and authorization from the Registrar are necessary.

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Your Society Registration with NGOExperts

We have simplified the process for you and can be done online with NGOExperts in 3 simple steps:

First, we'll have a consultation with you to assess your NGO's needs & determine which services are necessary.

Step 1

Next, we'll guide you through the paperwork & legal requirements needed to register your organization.

Step 2

We'll work with you to ensure that your NGO is in compliance with all applicable laws & regulations, & ready to make an impact.

Step 3

Introduction

Society registration in India is a critical process for any group that aims to work towards social causes & create positive change in society. A society is a group of individuals who come together to achieve a common objective such as education, health, poverty alleviation, or any social cause, & it is essential to have a well-defined legal structure to achieve these goals. Societies, under Indian law, are governed by the Societies Registration Act of 1860, which regulates their formation, administration, & dissolution.

To register as a society, the applicant must have a minimum of seven people who come together voluntarily to serve a common goal of indirect benefit to society. Being well-versed in the registration process is essential, as it enables societies to concentrate on their social activities & be legally compliant.

Benefits of Society Registration

The registration of a society under the Society Registration Act 1860 in India offers several significant benefits, which are crucial for the efficient and credible operation of non-profit organizations and other entities. Some of the key benefits of society registration include:.

  • ● Enhanced legitimacy & credibility.
  • ● Facilitation of fundraising activities.
  • ● Qualifying for tax exemption benefits.
  • ● Improved organizational management & efficiency .
  • ● Protection against legal liabilities or claims.
  • ● Mitigation of members' financial risks & losses.
  • ● Eligibility for grants & donations from Government & other entities.
  • ● Helps attract investors, sponsors & partners

Eligibility for Society Registration in India

To register a society under the Society Registration Act 1860 in India, there are certain eligibility criteria that must be met. These include:.

  • 1. Minimum Number of Members: A minimum of seven individuals is required to form a society.
  • 2. Objectives of the Society: The society's objectives must fall under scientific, literary, charitable, or other objectives mentioned in Section 20 of the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
  • 3. Memorandum of Association (MoA): The founding members must subscribe to the MoA, which will contain details of the objectives & the rules & regulations of the society.
  • 4. Authorization by Registrar of Joint-stock Companies: The subscribed MoA, along with authorization from the Registrar of Joint-stock Companies, is necessary for the registration of the society under the Society Registration Act of 1860.
  • 5. Registered Office: The society must have a registered office where all official communications can be sent.
  • 6. Governing Body:The society must have a governing body, which should include a president, secretary, & treasurer.
  • 7. Accounts & Audit: The society must maintain proper accounts & should have them audited annually.

Are you unsure about the Society Registration process? Trust in the expertise of NGOExperts. We can guide you through the registration process & ensure that you fulfill all eligibility criteria. Book a Consultation today.

Stepwise Process of Society Registration

Step 1: Filing of Application

The first step for society registration online is to file an application with the registrar of societies in the state where the society will be registered. The application must include an affidavit in a standard format along with relevant documents such as identity proof, address proof, account statements, etc.

Step 2: Drafting MOA & By-laws

The next step involves drafting a Memorandum of Association (MOA) & By-laws that need to be signed by three founding members of the society. The MOA outlines the objectives & goals of the society, whereas the by-laws provide the rules & regulations that govern the society.

Step 3: Board Resolution

A board resolution needs to be drafted, reflecting the consent of founding members for constituting the society. The board resolution should specify the office-bearers & their roles & responsibilities. This step is quite challenging so, you must seek professional assistance like NGOExperts & get it successfully drafted.

Step 4: Affidavit on Stamp Paper

An affidavit needs to be drafted on a stamp paper worth Rs 10, affirming the legitimacy of the society's name & address. The affidavit should be signed by the founding members of the society.

Step 5: Payment of Society Registration Fees

The final step of the society registration online process involves payment of the society registration fees, which varies from state to state. Once the payment is made, the registrar issues a society registration certificate, indicating that the society is now a legal entity.

Documents Needed for a Successful Society Registration

When registering a society, several Society Registration documents are required to ensure a successful registration. Keep a double check on all these documents & start your registration today.

  • 1. Memorandum of Association (MOA): The Memorandum of Association is a crucial document that must include the name of the society, its objectives, the names, addresses, and occupations of the members of the governing body, and the address of the registered office of the society.
  • 2. Rules and Regulations of Society: This document should detail the operational framework of the society, including membership details, meeting protocols, responsibilities of office bearers, financial management, amendment procedures, and dissolution procedures.
  • 3. List of Governing Body Members: A list of the members of the governing body, along with their signatures, addresses, and occupations, must be submitted for transparency and accountability.
  • 4. Covering Letter: A formal covering letter signed by all the founding members indicating their intention to form a society and requesting registration.
  • 5. Proof of Address: Proof of the registered office address of the society, such as a rent agreement (if the property is rented), a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord, or utility bills (electricity, water, etc.).
  • 6. Identity Proof of Governing Body Members: Copies of identity proof such as Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID of all the members of the governing body.
  • 7. Affidavit: An affidavit from the president or secretary of the society, stating the relationship between the subscribers (if any), and confirming the correctness of the details provided in the MOA and Rules and Regulations.
  • 8. Minutes of the First Meeting: Minutes of the first meeting of the society, where the members adopted the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations, and elected the office bearers.
  • 9. Declaration by the President: A declaration by the president of the society stating his/her willingness to hold the said office.
  • 10. Registration Fee: Payment of the prescribed registration fee, which varies from state to state. The fee is typically paid through a demand draft or challan.

Essential Legal Compliances for Society Post-Registration

After registering a society, there are several essential legal compliances that must be followed. These include.

  • ● Obtaining a PAN card
  • ● Setting up a bank account with a designated bank
  • ● Maintaining proper bookkeeping & accounts
  • ● Filing Annual Income Tax returns
  • ● Registering for GST & Professional Tax, if applicable
  • ● Compliance with the RoF, including filing Annual General Meeting resolutions & disclosing accounts & member lists.

Why Choose NGOExperts? Unmatched Experience & Professionalism

NGOExperts proves to be the unrivaled choice when it comes to society registration & related services. Our expertise lies in an in-depth knowledge of government policies & procedures, providing timely solutions to our clients - distinguishing us from others.

Our unique services include NGO registration, management consultancy, legal & financial support, & many more. We deliver our commitments keeping your vision at the forefront. Trust us to provide reliable & cost-effective services that exceed expectations.

Popular FAQ's on
Society Registration

In any organized society, there must be rules & regulations that govern its operations. These rules, commonly known as bye-laws, provide essential guidelines for how individuals within the community should conduct themselves. By-laws often cover various areas, including the management of finances, the conduct of meetings, & the election of officials. They exist to ensure that society operates efficiently, with every member fulfilling their responsibilities & acting in the best interest of the larger community.

  • ● The proposed society needs to have at least 10 participating members, all of whom must be above 18 years.
  • ● The proposed society must also have a name that is unique & not already registered by another cooperative society.
  • ● Also, the founders of the cooperative society must create a set of by-laws that outline the internal workings of the society, including how decisions will be made & how profits will be distributed.
  • ● Lastly, the founders must file an application for registration with the Registrar of Cooperative Societies in their state or territory.

As per the Societies Registration Act, the registration fee is Rs. 50 or less, as prescribed by the government when registering a society. This registration fee has to be paid to the Registrar along with the organization's memorandum. Keeping yourself updated on the latest fee structure is always advisable. With the necessary registration in place, your organization can function legally & transparently.

The first step in starting a society is to identify a common purpose & cause that drives your passion. This could be anything from supporting a local community project or even advocating for social justice on a larger scale. As you have a clear mission in your mind, you'll have to gather a group of like-minded individuals who share a similar vision.

Remember, a minimum of 7 people is required to form a society under the 'Societies Act, 1860.' With dedication & hard work, you can bring together a group of passionate individuals who are committed to making a difference.

As Ownership in a registered society can be difficult at first. But ultimately, it all comes down to the members. These are the individuals who make up the society, & they have a say in the decisions that are made. While there might be certain individuals who hold positions of authority, they are still ultimately accountable to the members.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that a registered society is not a business in the traditional sense. It exists to serve its members & the wider community, rather than to generate profit for any one individual or group. This means that the ownership of a registered society is ultimately in the hands of the members, who have the power to shape its direction & purpose.

Registering the society with the government grants it legal recognition, turning it into a separate legal entity. With that comes a number of perks, including the ability to own property & engage in transactions in its own name. When a society is registered, it is allowed to buy, rent, hold, lease, or even sell property. Also, compliance requirements tend to be less complicated when the society holds property in its own name.

There are several options available for those hoping to set up a cooperative society. In India, the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) is responsible for overseeing the registration process. You can register your society locally at the RCS office in your respective state.

Alternatively, you can also register online through the e-Governance Portal for Cooperatives. Regardless of which option you choose, it's important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents & information in order to make the process as smooth as possible.

The necessary Society Registration documents are as follows.
  • PAN Card of all members
  • Bank Statement
  • Utility Bill
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • Driving License
  • MOA & AOA
  • Rules & Regulations of Society
  • Proof of Address
  • Declaration by Society President
  • List of All Members

Registering a society is an essential legal step for promoting the arts, science, literature, & other charitable causes. The Society Registration Act, 1860, enables societies to gain legal recognition, so they can undertake various activities to improve the lives of those in the community.
By registering, societies can avail of the benefits granted by the government, like tax exemptions, grants, & subsidies. Furthermore, it gives credibility to the organization, making it easier to raise funds & build a good reputation.

When it comes to forming a society, it's important to have at least seven dedicated individuals joining together for a common purpose or cause. It's not just limited to Indian residents. Foreigners, companies, & even other registered societies can join the cause. Unlike other types of organizations though, societies have the option to register or remain unregistered. It's important to note that registering has its benefits, as it brings official legitimacy & recognition to your society.

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