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Society Registration In India

Society Registration starts @ ₹18,000

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Society Registration In India - Complete Process

Updated on Feb 11, 2024 10:39:28 AM

Society Registration in India is a way to create organized groups with mutual aims and goals. Non-profit Organizations, social clubs, cultural associations or any other endeavor, etc, get a legal recognition and a structured framework for operation after their legal registration as Society. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of society registration, outlining the process, benefits, and important considerations involved.

The process of Society Registration involves various intricacies and approvals from the Government. So Consult with Professional Utilities for the purpose of registering a society in India.

What is the Society Registration Act,1860?

The Society Registration Act, 1860, is a legal framework that governs the registration of societies and their functioning in India. It aims to promote and regulate various non-profit organizations working for charitable, literary, scientific, or social purposes.

An organization or group of people could decide to register as a society under the Society Registration Act, 1860 in order to obtain legal status if they are working together for the good of the community rather than for their own benefit.

Documents Required For Society Registration

Documents required for Society Registration are as follow

PAN Card of all members of the society is required during the process of registration along with the application.
Aadhaar Card, Passport, Bank statement, Driving license, Utility bill, or any other Residential Proof required of all members for registration.
A legal document Memorandum of Association is created, which includes the name, registered address, area of operation of the society.
At least 3 members of the governing board should sign the XRules & Regulations.
Copy of registered office Address Proof along with NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the landlord, if any, has to be attached.
A complete list of all members of the governing body is given along with their signature.
A covering Letter mentioning the purpose for which the society is being formed
The President of the Proposed Society must give a declaration stating that he/she is willing & qualified to hold the mentioned position.

Society Registration Process

Documentation

Selecting Unique Name

Drafting a MOA

Rules & Regulations

Application For Registration

Documentation

Selecting Unique Name

Drafting a MOA

Rules & Regulations

Application For Registration

Fee For Society Registration

Type of Society Registration	Registration Fees (INR)
State Level Society	₹18,000
National Level Society	₹23,000

Please note that the fees for Society Registration may vary from State to State depending on their respective stamp duty requirements. The mentioned fees cover Government Fees, legal and professional fees, as well as administrative expenditures.

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Eligibility Criteria for Society Registration

Society Registration typically entails meeting the following eligibility criteria:

Minimum Membership: A society must comprise a minimum of 7 members for its establishment.
Shared Objectives: Its members should align on shared goals, encompassing social, cultural, charitable, literary, scientific, or other non-profit endeavors.
Non-profit Orientation: The primary aim of the society should be community welfare, devoid of profit-making intentions.
Jurisdictional Compliance: The society must be formed within the jurisdiction stipulated by the relevant government authority.
Legal Capacity: All members involved should possess the requisite legal capacity to engage in contractual agreements and establish an organization.

Types Of Societies

Societies encompass a diverse array of objectives, leading to their classification based on their founding principles:

Charitable Societies: Devoted to the upliftment of marginalized segments of society, these societies undertake initiatives to bolster their welfare through various projects and support systems.
Educational Societies: Focused on the advancement and dissemination of knowledge, educational societies establish and manage institutions dedicated to fostering learning and intellectual growth.
Cultural & Art Societies: Committed to the preservation, promotion, and nurturing of India’s rich cultural heritage, these societies undertake endeavors to celebrate and safeguard diverse artistic expressions.
Environment Societies: Engaged in endeavors related to ecological conservation, sustainable development, and fostering environmental awareness, these societies play a crucial role in safeguarding our planet’s natural resources.
Health & Medical Societies: Concerned with public health initiatives, healthcare services, and medical research, these societies work towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and promoting overall well-being.
Women’s Empowerment Societies: Dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women economically, socially, and politically, these societies strive to create inclusive environments and opportunities for women’s advancement.
Sports Societies: Committed to promoting sports activities, organizing tournaments, and fostering physical fitness, these societies play a pivotal role in encouraging active lifestyles and nurturing sporting talents.
Youth Development Societies: Focused on fostering the holistic development of young individuals, these societies provide platforms for skill enhancement, leadership training, career guidance, and entrepreneurship initiatives, nurturing the future leaders and innovators of society.

How to Check Online Status of Society Registration?

Steps you might take to check the online status of a society registration are as follow:

Step 01. Identifying the Official Website

Step 02. Search For “Status Check”

Step 03. Enter Required Details

Step 04. Check Status

**Additional Steps

In case, if you can’t find an online status check option on the website, look for contact information such as phone numbers or email addresses or you can visit the office of the relevant agency and inquire about the status of the society registration.

Importance Of Society Registration

Society registration carries significant weight for the following compelling reasons:

Legal Endorsement: Registering as a society affirms its legal existence as a distinct entity, providing tangible proof of its rights and responsibilities within the legal framework.
Access to Financial Resources: Many governmental agencies, private foundations, and corporations require a valid registration certificate before disbursing financial grants or resources. Society registration thus becomes instrumental in accessing crucial funds for operations and initiatives.
Limited Liability Protection: Through registration, societies often secure limited liability status, shielding members from personal liability for debts and obligations incurred by the organization.
Enhanced Credibility: Possession of a valid registration certificate elevates the organization’s credibility and fosters trust among stakeholders, including partners, donors, and the wider community. This credibility is paramount in garnering support and collaboration for the society’s endeavors.
Tax Benefits and Exemptions: Society registration serves as a prerequisite for availing benefits and exemptions under relevant tax regulations. It ensures compliance with tax laws and enables the organization to access tax incentives, thereby optimizing its financial resources for furthering its mission and objectives.

Society Registration Renewal

Society Registration renewal marks the pivotal process of updating a society’s or non-profit organization’s registration with the appropriate governmental entity.

Under the purview of the Society Registration Act, 1860, every society’s registration is initially valid for a period of 5 years. Following this timeframe, renewal becomes imperative to maintain its legal standing and operational continuity.

The Renewal Fee for Society Registration typically begins at ₹200, although this may vary contingent upon the regulations of the respective state.

The renewal procedure encompasses a comprehensive array of documentation, including:

Renewal Application
Updated Registration Certificate
List of Executive Members
Certificate of Authenticity
Financial Statements
Audit Report
Utilization Certificate Copy
Signatures of New Members
Bank Account Details and Passbook
Affidavit as per Requirement
Recent Passport Size Photographs

Society Registration Renewal Process

The process of renewing society registration in India involves several distinct steps to ensure compliance and continuity:

Step 1: Application Submission The renewal application must furnish a comprehensive list of the governing body members appointed subsequent to the initial registration or any prior renewals. This step ensures that the society’s leadership remains current and aligned with its objectives.

Step 2: Verification of Registration Certificate Renewal of the society registration certificate is necessary only if the Registrar hasn’t dispensed it earlier due to reasons such as loss, damage, or any other relevant circumstances. This ensures the authenticity and validity of the society’s legal documentation.

Step 3: Online Application Submission Applicants are required to complete an online renewal application form provided by the respective state government via its official website. This form typically entails details such as the current society registration file number, identification of the group seeking renewal, and comprehensive contact information including telephone and email addresses. This streamlined online process facilitates efficient communication and documentation management.

Step 4: Documentation Submission Submission of requisite documentation is a crucial aspect of the renewal process. Upon renewal, the previous file number is retained to maintain continuity and traceability. This ensures that all relevant records and information remain intact, facilitating seamless administrative procedures and regulatory compliance.