Form a Legal Non-Profit Organisation
Society Registration in India is mainly undertaken for non-profit, charitable, educational, and social welfare purposes under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. A registered society must operate strictly for public benefit and cannot distribute profits among members. The common objectives for forming a society include:
Note: Profit-making or commercial activities are not permitted for a registered society. All income must be utilized solely for achieving the society’s objectives.
Society Registration requires a minimum group of individuals who come together for a common charitable, educational, religious, or social purpose. The following eligibility criteria apply:
The society must appoint a governing body consisting of key office bearers such as a President, Secretary, and Treasurer to manage operations and ensure statutory compliance.
| Basis | Society | Trust | Section 8 Company |
| Governing Law | Societies Act | Trust Act | Companies Act |
| Members | Minimum 7 | Minimum 2 trustees | Minimum 2 directors |
| Management | Governing body | Trustees | Board of Directors |
| Ideal For | NGOs, associations | Charity & family trusts | Large NGOs |
After registration, a society must comply with:
Income tax exemption for NGOs & Trusts.
Secure digital certificates for online filings.
Register with Employees' Provident Fund.
Food license for food businesses.
Amend existing GST registration.
Enroll under Goods and Services Tax.
GST registration for foreign entities.
Update IEC details with DGFT.
Obtain Import Export Code.
Apply for Permanent Account Number.
Provident Fund registration.
State professional tax compliance.
Incorporate a non-profit company.
Register your shop.
Udyam registration for MSMEs.
Obtain TAN for TDS.
Municipal trade license.
Register a trust.
