Register Your Trust or NGO and Start Your Work
Trust and NGO registration in India. Compare trust, society and Section 8 company options, with deed drafting and filing handled by qualified professionals.
- Fixed, itemised price
- Partner CA / CS / advocate
- Free Ambition Pro for 12 months
Trust and NGO Registration at a glance
- Professional fee
- Quote on request, confirmed before you pay
- Typical timeline
- Trust registration is often completed within a few weeks, while society registration timelines vary by state and depend on the registrar's processing.
- Who handles it
- A qualified professional from the Vibence partner network
- Documents
- PAN card of trustees or founding members, Aadhaar or other identity and address proof, Passport-size photographs and more
- Included free
- Free Ambition Pro for 12 months and domains at cost
Last reviewed October 2026
Anyone setting up a non-profit in India can choose between three main structures: a public charitable trust, a society or a Section 8 company. Each is governed by different laws, has different founder requirements and carries different levels of compliance. The right choice depends on how many founders you have, how you want decisions made, where you will operate and whether you expect large donors or CSR funding.
Vibence helps you understand the options and then handles the paperwork through qualified professionals from the Vibence partner network. For a trust, we draft the trust deed and arrange its registration with the local sub-registrar. For a society, we prepare the memorandum and rules and file with the state registrar. Once registered, we can guide you on follow-on tax registrations commonly known as 12A and 80G.
Who this is for
- Individuals or families setting up a charity
- Community groups formalising their work
- Religious or educational initiatives
- Founders comparing trust, society and Section 8 options
Right structure
Professional guidance helps you choose the form that suits your mission.
Legal recognition
A registered body can open a bank account and hold property in its name.
Donor confidence
Registration and clear governing documents build trust with supporters.
Path to tax benefits
A registered NGO can apply for income-tax exemption and donor-deduction registrations.
What's included
- Consultation on trust, society and Section 8 company options
- Drafting of the trust deed or society memorandum and rules
- Guidance on stamp duty and execution
- Filing with the sub-registrar or state registrar
- PAN application for the organisation
- Guidance on follow-on registrations such as 12A and 80G
We confirm an itemised fixed price for your exact case before any payment.
Get my quote- Free Ambition Pro for 12 months
- Domains at cost
Stamp duty and registration fees depend on the structure and your state and are payable in addition to our fee and GST.
Documents you'll need
- PAN card of trustees or founding members
- Aadhaar or other identity and address proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of the registered office address
- No-objection letter from the property owner
- Details of the objects and initial corpus or contribution
Trust registration is often completed within a few weeks, while society registration timelines vary by state and depend on the registrar's processing.
Stamp duty and registration fees depend on the structure and your state and are payable in addition to our fee and GST.
Qualified professionals from the Vibence partner network, with certification wherever the law requires it.
The process
- Choose a structureWe discuss your mission and recommend a trust, society or Section 8 company.
- Draft documentsProfessionals draft the trust deed or society memorandum and rules.
- Execute and stampDocuments are stamped and signed as required by your state.
- RegisterWe file with the sub-registrar or the state registrar of societies.
- Post-registrationWe apply for PAN and guide you on tax registrations.
Trust and NGO Registration: FAQs
What is the difference between a trust, a society and a Section 8 company?
A trust is created by a deed in which one or more trustees manage property for charitable purposes. A society is a membership body registered under the Societies Registration Act or a state version of it, run by an elected governing body. A Section 8 company is a non-profit company licensed by the MCA. Each differs in compliance, control and credibility.
How many people are needed to form a trust or society?
A public charitable trust can be created with a small number of trustees, and practice in most states is to have at least two. A society generally needs a larger group of founding members, and the exact minimum depends on the central Act and any state amendments. We confirm the requirement for your state before drafting.
What are 12A and 80G registrations?
These are income-tax registrations an NGO can apply for after it is formed. One allows the organisation's eligible income to be exempt from tax, and the other allows donors to claim a deduction for their donations. They are widely known by their older section numbers, 12A and 80G. Approval depends on the tax department's review, so it is never automatic.
Can an NGO receive foreign donations?
An NGO needs separate registration or prior permission under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act before it can accept foreign contributions. FCRA has its own eligibility conditions, including requirements about how long the organisation has been active. Receiving foreign funds without approval can lead to serious penalties, so plan for this early if foreign donors are likely.
What compliance does a registered NGO have each year?
Compliance depends on the structure and the registrations held. Most NGOs maintain books of accounts, get them audited where required, and file income tax returns. Societies may need to file annual reports with the state registrar, and Section 8 companies file with the MCA. Organisations with tax or FCRA registrations have extra reporting duties.
Related services
Section 8 Company Registration
Section 8 company registration for non-profits. Licence under Section 8, MOA, AOA, DINs, PAN and TAN, with drafting and filing by qualified professionals.
PAN Card Application
Apply for a new PAN card online with Vibence. Professionals prepare your PAN application, check your documents and track it until your e-PAN is issued.
Income Tax Return Filing
File your income tax return with Vibence. Professionals prepare ITRs for salaried people, freelancers, firms, LLPs and companies and file them on time.