NGO Compliances
12A & 80G Registration
NGO Compliance Registration
NGO Compliance Registration encompasses critical statutory and financial obligations for non-profit organizations in India, particularly those seeking government recognition or funding. A key aspect is NGO Darpan registration, a centralized portal maintained by the Ministry of Rural Development that enables NGOs to register, report activities, and ensure transparency regarding government grants. It enhances the credibility of NGOs involved in rural development, poverty alleviation, or similar sectors.
In addition, compliance with Form 10BD and 10BE is essential under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. Form 10BD is filed annually by NGOs to declare details of all donations received, while Form 10BE is issued to donors as proof for claiming tax deductions. These forms ensure accountability in the tax-exempt donation process. Failure to file Form 10BD attracts penalties, making timely and accurate compliance vital.
Proper NGO compliance ensures continued eligibility for funding, fosters public trust, and safeguards against legal or financial repercussions.
NGO DARPAN Registration
NGO DARPAN is a government-managed online portal developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC). It serves as a bridge between non-governmental organizations (NGOs), voluntary organizations (VOs), and various government departments. The portal allows Trusts, Societies, and Section 8 Companies to register and obtain a Unique ID (Darpan ID)—a mandatory requirement for accessing government grants, applying under schemes, or registering under FCRA.
By submitting basic details like registration certificates, PAN, office address, and annual activity reports, NGOs can gain national-level visibility, demonstrate compliance, and improve their credibility. NGO DARPAN registration not only enables transparency but also facilitates a unified database for effective monitoring and policy collaboration between the government and civil society.
Section 8 Company Compliance
Section 8 Companies, formed for charitable or non-profit purposes under the Companies Act, 2013, must follow specific compliance norms to retain their legal standing and tax benefits. These companies operate without the goal of distributing profits to members; instead, all income must be reinvested into promoting education, charity, arts, environment, or other socially beneficial causes.
To stay compliant, Section 8 Companies are required to hold regular board meetings, file annual returns, conduct audits, maintain statutory registers, and submit their financial statements to the Registrar of Companies (RoC). They must also file Income Tax Returns under ITR-7 and keep their 12A and 80G registrations active for tax exemptions. Proper compliance not only ensures smooth operations but also strengthens credibility and eligibility for grants or donations.
CSR-1 Registration
CSR-1 registration is a mandatory process introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India for non-profit entities that wish to undertake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and receive CSR funds from companies. It formalizes and brings transparency to CSR efforts by ensuring that only eligible organizations—such as Section 8 companies, registered trusts, and societies with 12A and 80G certifications—can receive and utilize CSR funds.
Entities applying for CSR-1 must have at least three years of proven track record in social activities and must submit Form CSR-1 on the MCA portal along with required documents like PAN, registration certificates, 12A & 80G approval, and digital signatures. After submission and verification by a professional (CA/CS), the MCA issues a CSR Registration Number (CSR RN), enabling the NGO to work on CSR-funded projects.
CSR-1 registration boosts credibility, enhances access to corporate partnerships, and ensures better governance and accountability in the implementation of social initiatives across India.
FCRA Registration
FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) Registration is a legal authorization required for Indian non-profit organizations—such as registered Trusts, Societies, and Section 8 Companies—to receive foreign donations. This registration is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, and ensures that international funds are used only for approved charitable, social, cultural, or developmental purposes in India.
To be eligible, an NGO must be at least three years old, have spent a minimum of ₹10 lakhs on its core activities (excluding administrative costs), and maintain proper financial records. The application process is fully online and involves submitting Form FC-3A, relevant documentation, and setting up a designated bank account with SBI, Sansad Marg, New Delhi, as per the FCRA 2020 Amendment.
Once approved, FCRA registration is valid for 5 years and must be renewed timely. Registered entities must also comply with mandatory annual filings (Form FC-4) to report the utilization of funds. This registration enhances transparency, builds credibility with international donors, and enables NGOs to legally receive and manage foreign contributions in India.
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