12AA Registration in India – Your Gateway to Tax Exemption for NGOs
Is documentation complexity slowing down your 12AA registration? DoStartup.in simplifies the process! Our experts guide you from paperwork to approval—minimizing errors, avoiding rejections, and ensuring timely certification.
12AA Registration (now 12AB) under the Income Tax Act, 1961, is essential for trusts, societies, and non-profit organizations to secure income tax exemption.
With 12AA registration, your organization can maximize resources, attract more donations, and build credibility—while fulfilling all compliance requirements set by Indian law.
Registration Form
Let our CA-certified experts handle your business registrations , legal compliance, and tax needs — while you focus on growing your business with peace of mind.
What You Get:
- Personalized Expert Guidance
- Hassle-Free Documentation
- Fast & Transparent Process
- Dedicated Support Team
- Affordable & Flexible Plans
- Secure & Confidential Handling
- Timely Updates & Reminders
Free Consultation by Expert
Features That Empower You
We provide end-to-end solutions with expert support, ensuring your journey is seamless and stress-free.
Tax Exemption
Enjoy full exemption on income earned from charitable or religious activities.
Encourage Donations
Donors get tax benefits, motivating more contributions and boosting fundraising.
Access to Foreign Funding
Eligible for FCRA registration to receive legal foreign donations.
Credibility & Transparency
Undergoes government scrutiny, boosting donor and stakeholder trust.
Government Grants Eligibility
Registered NGOs can access public funds and benefit from official schemes.
Recruitment Advantage
Tax-exempt status helps attract qualified professionals for impactful growth.
Who Needs to Register?
Tax-Free Income
Income applied toward charitable activities is fully exempt from tax.
Enhanced Donor Confidence
Donors are more likely to contribute when assured of tax benefits.
Foreign Contributions Access
Helps NGOs become eligible for FCRA registration.
Compliance with Law
Ensures adherence to regulatory norms and builds long-term sustainability.
How To File It Online?
Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure your response is submitted correctly
Document Preparation
Gather all required documents and prepare audited accounts.
Application Filing
Fill out and submit Form 10A with supporting paperwork to the Income Tax Department.
Verification
Authorities review documents and may seek clarifications or schedule a field visit.
Approval & Certificate Issuance
Upon satisfaction, the Commissioner grants 12AA registration and issues a certificate.
Ongoing Compliance
Maintain records and file annual returns to retain tax-exempt status.
Deadlines & Penalties
Avoid late fees by submitting on time
Penalty for Late Filing
- Misuse of funds or deviation from charitable objectives.
- Non-compliance with annual filing requirements.
- Failure to maintain proper books and records.
- Use of income for non-charitable purposes.
- Fraudulent or misleading representation in application.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Cancellation of 12AA registration by the Income Tax Department.
- Loss of tax-exempt status for the organization.
- Taxation of all income at applicable rates.
- Ineligibility for donor tax deductions.
- Disqualification from foreign funding and government schemes.
1Eligibility Criteria for 12AA Registration
- Entity must be a registered trust, society, or Section 8 company.
- Primary objective should be charitable or religious in nature.
- Must provide a clear mission and comply with legal requirements.
- Proof of activities and proper financial records are necessary.
2Types of Eligible Entities
- Charitable Trusts (public or private)
- Registered Societies
- Section 8 Companies
- NGOs
- Cooperative Societies (with charitable purpose)
3Documents Required
- Trust Deed (for trusts) / MoA (for societies) / MoA & AoA (for Section 8 companies)
- PAN card of the organization
- Address proof (utility bill, bank statement)
- Audited financials for the past 3 years (if applicable)
- Details of activities conducted
- List of trustees/directors/members
- Income & expenditure statements
Key Benefits
- Helps secure legal tax exemption.
- Encourages donations through donor benefits.
- Enables eligibility for foreign contributions.
- Builds trust among stakeholders and donors.
- Facilitates participation in government schemes and grants.
Pitfalls to Avoid During Filing
Common errors that can delay your submission
Incomplete Documentation
Avoid missing documents.
Ensure trust deed, financials, and member details are all in order.
Wrong Form Selection
Use Form 10A.
Incorrect form usage can delay or reject application.
Non-Compliance Post Approval
Maintain compliance.
File annual returns and maintain proper records post-registration.
Activity Mismatch
Ensure alignment with objectives.
Only charitable/religious activities qualify under 12AA.
| Serial Number | 12AA Registration | Non-Registered Entity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tax-exempt on eligible income | Taxed on all income |
| 2 | Eligible for FCRA and government grants | Not eligible for foreign or public funding |
| 3 | Enhanced trust among donors | Less credible in fundraising |
| 4 | Donor tax deductions allowed | No tax benefit for donors |
| 5 | Formal compliance and reporting | No structured reporting obligations |
Streamlined Filing Process
- Approval timeline: 2-3 months (depending on case complexity).1
- Form 10A must be filed online with attachments.2
- No government fees for filing Form 10A.3
- Service charges vary by provider and documentation status.4
- Fees influenced by number of documents and legal consultation needed.5
Why Trust DoStartup?
Professional services with guaranteed satisfaction
End-to-End Documentation
Assistance in preparing, verifying, and compiling necessary documents.
Form Filing & Submission
Expert filing of Form 10A with the Income Tax Department.
Post-Registration Support
Ongoing compliance and filing guidance after registration.
Error-Free Filing
Minimize risk of rejection by ensuring accurate submissions.
Legal Advisory
Expert consultation on 12AA legal provisions and updates.
Transparent Pricing
Affordable service fees with no hidden costs.
Dedicated Customer Support
Support team available for queries and follow-up.
Expert Network
Access to 3500+ legal and tax advisors across India.
Trusted by NGOs
Trusted by 98% of NGOs and 50+ DoStartup branch offices nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions