Society Registration

Society Registration is a legal process through which a group of individuals comes together to form a non-profit organization for charitable, educational, cultural, religious, or social welfare purposes. A registered society operates as a separate legal entity and is governed by the applicable Societies Registration Act.

Registering a society provides legal recognition, structured governance, and transparency in operations. It enables the society to own property, enter into contracts, receive donations, and work with government bodies and other organizations.

A registered society is managed by an elected governing body or managing committee, ensuring democratic decision-making and accountability. All activities and funds are utilized strictly for non-profit objectives, as defined in the society’s memorandum and rules.

Society registration reflects a commitment to lawful operations, public trust, and sustainable social development.

Overview

A society is an association of people with a common purpose, such as promoting literature, science, fine arts, or charity. Society Registration is the legal process of formally establishing this association under Indian law, granting it a distinct legal identity.

Society Registration is possible with at least seven members having a similar goal. It helps with maintaining all the financial records and legal proceedings under the society’s name.

Characteristics of Society Registration

Legal Identity: Once registered, a society becomes a distinct legal entity separate from its members.
Perpetual Succession: The organization continues to exist regardless of changes in membership or the death of founders.
Non-Profit Nature: It must be formed for charitable, cultural, scientific, or literary purposes, not for private profit.
Democratic Governance: It operates through an elected governing body and follows a set of internal rules and regulations.
Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

Legal Status: Can sue or be sued and enter contracts in its own name. Regulatory Oversight: Subject to scrutiny by the Registrar and Income Tax Department.

Property Ownership: Can buy, sell, or hold property as an entity. Limited Flexibility: Changes to the Memorandum of Association (MoA) are often lengthy and require re- registration.

Tax Benefits: Eligible for exemptions under sections 12A and 80G. Public Scrutiny: Requires regular public meetings and transparent financial reporting.

Funding: Qualified for government grants, CSR funds, and foreign aid (with FCRA). Risk of Power Struggle: Democratic processes may sometimes lead to internal politics.

Eligibility & Dissolution

Eligibility:
Minimum Members: At least 7 members are required for a state-level society; national-level societies typically require 8 members from different states.
Legal Age: Members must be at least 18 years old.
Purpose: Activities must align with Section 20 of the Act (e.g., fine arts, charity, education).
Dissolution:
Voluntary: Can be dissolved if at least three-fifths (3/5ths) of members vote in favor at a special meeting.
Settlement: All debts must be settled first. Residual assets cannot be distributed to members; they must be transferred to another society with similar objectives.
Notification: The Registrar of Societies must be informed to issue a formal dissolution certificate.

Renewal and Cancellation

Renewal: In most states, registration is permanent. However, some state-specific laws (e.g., for housing or cooperative societies) may require renewal every 5 years or annually. Tax-related registrations like 12A/80G must be renewed as per Income Tax laws.
Cancellation: The Registrar may cancel registration for illegal activities, persistent non-compliance, insolvency, or failing to maintain the minimum required member count.

Compliance Requirements

Registered societies must adhere to several annual and post-registration formalities:

Permanent Account Number (PAN): Mandatory for banking and tax filings.
Annual General Meeting (AGM): Must conduct an AGM and file the minutes with the Registrar.
Financial Audits: Annual accounts must be audited and submitted to the Registrar.
Managing Committee List: A list of the latest office bearers must be filed annually.
NGO Darpan: Registration on NITI Aayog's portal is often required to qualify for government grants.

Documents Required

Documents Required for Society Registration

Here's a list of documents you need for Society Registration:

Memorandum of Association (MOA): Duly signed by all founding members.
Rules and Regulations of the Society: Also signed by the founding members, outlining how the society will operate.
Identity Proof of All Members: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
Address Proof of All Members: Recent utility bill, Aadhaar Card, or bank statement.
Passport-size photographs of All Members
Address Proof of the Registered Office of the Society: Property title deed, rent agreement, or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord (if applicable).
Affidavit: An affidavit from the President/Secretary of the proposed society stating their willingness and ability to hold the position.
Covering Letter: An application letter addressed to the Registrar of Societies for registration.
Minutes of the First Meeting: Detailing the decision to form the society and appoint its governing body.
Consent Letters: From the members of the governing body.

FAQ

What is a Society?

A Society is a non-profit organization formed by a group of individuals for charitable, educational, cultural, religious, or social welfare purposes.
Is the Society legally registered?

Yes, our Society is legally registered under the applicable Societies Registration Act, giving it official legal recognition.
Under which law is the Society registered?

The Society is registered under the relevant Societies Registration Act applicable in our state/country.
How many members are required to register a Society?

A minimum number of members is required as per applicable law (commonly seven or more), depending on jurisdiction.

Society Registration