Society Registration
To Register an NGO, the legal process in India is a Society Registration, which gives an outline for framing and running organizations involved with charitable activities, such as education, health, welfare, social, cultural, and sports activities. Registering your society gives it legitimacy, thereby assisting it to execute its business in a totally transparent manner and within the bounds of law.
Online Society Registration
If any individual or a society is passionate about any cause & making a difference in India, then forming a society is the ideal way. Society registration under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 forms a legal framework for putting up nonprofit organizations that work towards several charitable purposes. The Certification comes with various benefits for initiatives related to Education, Health, Social Welfare, or Cultural initiatives. With benefits, it also equips societies with legal Recognition which will help societies to have their bank account and have property in the name of the society. It can also apply for funds & grants. Additionally, it provides credibility and potential to attract donors.
The process involves the selection of a unique name, preparation of the required documents, like the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations, and application to the Registrar of Societies. After Successful enrolment as a society, it possesses more and more access to finances and tax benefits. It creates a sense of Credibility and transparency to work efficiently in the parameters of the society Registration.
In the digital era, most states of India provide online facilities for Online Society registration. This facility makes it easier, and timesaving by not standing in queues and getting the registration done efficiently and with ease. Online sites help societies to submit applications, upload documents, and track the application for registration from anywhere
Society Registration Act 1860
The legal framework behind the process of Society Registration in India is the Societies Registration Act of 1860. It is the legislation that defines the rules and guidelines by which societies can be formed and managed.
It defines the role and responsibility of members of society, and the documents to be produced, and provides a framework of governance and compliance.
Society Registration Certificate
After the Successful Registration of a society, it receives a recognized Society Registration Certificate in the name of the society. It works as an official proof to ensure that the society is legally authorized under the government of India. It helps in creating a bank account, Property Ownership, Contracts, and submitting grant applications.
Society Registration Number
There is a Unique Registration number that has been provided to all societies after acquiring an Online Society Registration Certificate. It works as an Identification Number for the organization. It is used in the process of transacting with various government departments, banks, or other similar bodies.
Society GST Registration
Normally societies fundamentally come in the category of Non-Profit Organizations, yet they carry on certain activities that attract GST, getting GST registration will keep societies in compliance with the regulations regarding tax.
12AA Registration
For societies that seek Tax Exemption for their income and contributions, they need 12AA registration. It's an Income Tax Department granted registration that indicates the society works purely for charitable cause purposes
Types of Societies: Welfare and Cooperative
The term "society" encompasses any sort of structure like:
A welfare society: These are communities, or social groups meant for raising the welfare for them. It generally follows various activities that come from their social welfare, health, and education fields.
Cooperative Society: By a group of people or individuals who come together and advance common economic ends, a society is formed. Cooperative Societies run on mutual aid and cooperation principles.
Renewal of Society Registration
The process of society registration is not done once for all. To keep themselves within the limits of laws, a renewal of state-regulated time intervals in states must be completed. Societies do not only enjoy legal rights by society registration but are also considered active within the ambit of the Societies Registration Act and other relevant legislation.
Process of Society Registration
The process of society registration includes the following steps:
Name: Selecting a unique name for the society that defines its objectives and is not being used by any other society.
Draft Governing Documents: Preparation of the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations, which describe the purpose, structure, and operation of the Organization.
Collect Documents: Gather all the documents needed for this process, which include an application form, Memorandum of Association, Rules and Regulations, list of members forming the governing body, and address proof.
Submit Application: Fill and submit the application along with the documents to the concerned Registrar of Societies in the state of operations.
Verification and Approval: The concerned authority will scrutinize the application and may even hold an inquiry. Once they are sure that all the requirements have been met, they release a registration certificate.
Documents for Society Registration
The specific list of documents may vary with the state but generally consists of:
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An application form
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Memorandum of Association
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Rules and Regulations
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List of governing body members with their details
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Proof of address of the Registered Office
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Identity proof of members.
Societies Registration Benefits
When any Organization registers as a society, it receives many benefits as:
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Legal Recognition: Legitimacy with legal status and operation in all seriousness.
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Access to Funding: Eligibility to obtain grants and funding sources.
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Tax Benefits: Exemptions from tax on income and donations.
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Bank Account: Open a bank account in the name of the company.
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Ownership of Property: Acquire and hold the property in the name of society.
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Contractual Capacity: Enter into contracts and agreements
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Enhanced Trust: This will help to gain the public's trust and that of the stakeholders.