Society Registration

Registering a Society in India is governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Here's a comprehensive guide to the process:

A Society is a group of individuals who come together for a common purpose, typically for the promotion of:

• Literature
• Science
• Fine arts
• Charity
• Diffusion of useful knowledge

2. Key Requirements:

• Minimum Members: At least seven members are required to form a society.
• Name: The society must have a unique name that doesn't resemble any existing registered society or suggest government patronage.
• Registered Office: The society must have a registered office address.

3. Steps to Register a Society:

• Name Selection and Approval: Choose a suitable name for the society and ensure it's available with the Registrar of Societies.
• Drafting the Memorandum of Association (MOA): The MOA is the charter of the society and contains:
  • Name of the society
  • Objects of the society
  • Name, address, and occupation of the members
  • Registered office address
• Drafting the Rules and Regulations (By-laws): These outline the internal management of the society, including:
  • Membership details
  • Meetings and voting procedures
  • Management committee details
  • Financial matters
• Preparing the Application: Prepare the application for registration, including:
  • Covering letter
  • MOA (in duplicate)
  • Rules and Regulations (in duplicate)
  • Affidavit
  • Address proof of the registered office
  • Identity and address proof of the members
• Filing the Application: Submit the application to the Registrar of Societies of the relevant state.
• Scrutiny and Registration: The Registrar will scrutinize the application and documents. If everything is in order, the society will be registered, and a registration certificate will be issued.

4. Post-Registration:

• PAN and TAN: Apply for a PAN and TAN from the Income Tax Department.
• Bank Account: Open a bank account in the name of the society.
• Section 12A and 80G Registration (for tax benefits): Apply for registration under Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act to avail tax exemptions on income and donations.

Documents Required (General):

• Covering letter
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Rules and Regulations (By-laws)
• Affidavit
• Address proof of the registered office (e.g., rent agreement, utility bill)
• Identity and address proof of the members (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport)

Where to Register:

• Registrar of Societies of the relevant state

Important Considerations:

• The Societies Registration Act, 1860, is a central act, but states may have made amendments to it. It's essential to check the state-specific rules and regulations.
• It's advisable to consult with a legal professional or NGO expert for guidance throughout the registration process.

By following these steps and ensuring all requirements are met, you can successfully register a society in India.