NGO Registration Online in India | 12A, 80G & FCRA

Are you planning to start an NGO in India? Registering your NGO the right way ensures you can receive donations, enjoy tax benefits, and operate legally. In 2025, online registration has become much simpler thanks to digital government portals and expert assistance from platforms like Corpbiz.io.

In this complete guide, we’ll explain how to register your NGO online, get 12A and 80G registration, and apply for FCRA registration to accept foreign donations. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What is an NGO?

An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit group that works for social, charitable, or educational purposes. It operates independently from the government and reinvests its profits into its social cause instead of distributing them to members.

Types of NGOs in India

Before registering your NGO, you should know the three main types under Indian law:

Trust: Registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
Society: Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Section 8 Company: Registered under the Companies Act, 2013 for charitable purposes.

Each type has its own legal structure, documentation, and compliance requirements.

Step-by-Step Process to Register an NGO Online

Here’s how you can easily register your NGO online in India in 2025:

Step 1: Choose the Type of NGO
Decide whether you want to register as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company based on your goals.

Step 2: Select a Unique Name
The NGO name must be unique and not similar to any existing organization or trademark.

Step 3: Prepare Legal Documents
Common documents include:

ID proofs of all members
Address proof of the registered office
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Articles of Association (AOA) or Trust Deed

Step 4: Apply for Registration
You can register online on the respective government portal.

For Example:

Society/Trust: Apply through the State Registrar.
Section 8 Company: Apply via MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal.

Step 5: Obtain PAN, TAN & Bank Account
After registration, apply for the NGO’s PAN and TAN to handle tax-related activities. You can also open a bank account in the NGO’s name.

Step 6: Get 12A and 80G Registration
Once your NGO is registered, apply for 12A and 80G registration under the Income Tax Act to enjoy tax exemptions.

12A Registration Online

12A registration allows you to claim NGO income tax exemption. Without this registration, your organization’s income will be taxable.

Benefits of 12A Registration:

Full exemption on surplus income
Helps establish NGO credibility
Required for receiving government or CSR funding

How to Apply for 12A Registration Online:

Log in to the Income Tax Department portal
Fill out Form 10A
Upload required documents such as MOA, PAN, and activity reports
Get approval from the Income Tax Department

With Corpbiz.io, you can complete your 12A registration easily with expert assistance and timely filing.

80G and 12A Registration

80G registration allows your donors to claim tax deductions for their donations. Together, 80G and 12A registration make your NGO eligible for tax benefits and greater public trust.

Key Benefits:

Encourages donors through tax deductions (up to 50%)
Improves credibility for CSR and foreign funding
Required by most government departments for grant applications

Corpbiz.io helps NGOs obtain both 12A and 80G certificates online without any legal hassles.

FCRA Registration for NGO

To receive foreign donations, NGOs must have FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration. It is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Eligibility for FCRA Registration:

NGO must be at least 3 years old
Must have spent at least ₹10 lakhs on charitable activities
Maintain proper financial statements and audit reports

Steps to Apply for FCRA Registration:

Visit the FCRA Online Portal
Fill Form FC-3A for registration
Upload supporting documents like audited financials and registration certificate
Submit the form and pay the required fee

Corpbiz.io’s legal experts help NGOs get FCRA registration online smoothly to receive international donations legally.

Tax Benefits for NGO Income

Registered NGOs enjoy several tax benefits under Indian law:

12A registration exempts income from tax.
80G registration allows donors to claim deductions.
FCRA registration permits acceptance of foreign funds.

With these registrations, NGOs can focus on their mission without worrying about tax burdens.

Why Choose Corpbiz.io for NGO Registration?

Corpbiz.io is India’s trusted legal and compliance platform offering complete NGO setup solutions.

Our Services Include:

NGO registration under Trust/Society/Section 8
Online 12A & 80G registration
FCRA registration assistance
Annual compliance & tax filing support

Why Corpbiz.io:
– 100% Online Process
– Expert Legal Assistance
– Transparent Pricing
– Quick Approval & Updates

Documents Required for NGO Registration

PAN card of all members
Aadhaar card or ID proof
Address proof of office
MOA and AOA/Trust Deed
Passport-size photographs
Utility bill for address verification

FAQs on NGO Registration in India

1. How long does it take to register an NGO in India?
Usually, it takes around 20 to 30 working days, depending on the type of NGO and documentation.

2. Can a single person start an NGO?
No, at least two or more members are required for registration.

3. What is the cost of NGO registration in India?
The cost varies depending on the type of NGO and the state, but Corpbiz.io offers affordable packages starting from ₹3,999*.

4. Is 12A registration mandatory for NGOs?
Yes, if you want income tax exemption, 12A registration is mandatory.

5. Can NGOs receive foreign funds without FCRA?
No, NGOs must have FCRA registration to accept foreign contributions legally.

Author Profile

Author: Siddharth Singh
Siddharth Singh is a Legal Advisor at Corpbiz.io, specializing in NGO registration, income tax compliance, and FCRA licensing. He helps organizations establish and manage legal compliance with ease and transparency.

Conclusion

Registering an NGO in India has never been easier. Whether you’re applying for 12A registration online, 80G certification, or FCRA registration, the process is now simple and transparent. Partnering with Corpbiz.io ensures your NGO complies with all legal requirements while focusing on what matters most — creating a positive social impact.