Society Registration
Form a society under the state registrar with a memorandum, rules and the required founding members.
A society is a membership-based body formed to promote a charitable, literary, scientific, educational or similar purpose. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and in Maharashtra it is also commonly registered as a public trust under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act.
The structure suits groups — resident welfare associations, sports clubs, cultural bodies, educational institutions and NGOs — because it is governed democratically by a managing committee elected from the members, rather than by trustees appointed for life.
What this costs
Tamil Nadu
₹12,254 plus GST
+ ₹6,000 government fee, payable at actuals
- by-law preparation
- Online application
- Registration certificate
Society, trust or Section 8 company
All three can pursue charitable objects, and the right choice depends on how you want to be governed and who you expect to fund you.
- A society is member-driven with an elected committee — good for associations and clubs
- A trust is governed by trustees under a trust deed — simpler, but less democratic
- A Section 8 company has the heaviest compliance but the most credibility with institutional and foreign donors
- A society needs a minimum of seven members for state registration
The memorandum and the rules
Two documents govern a society. The memorandum of association states the name, objects and the founding members. The rules and regulations set out how it will actually be run.
The rules need real attention, because they decide how disputes are resolved later — who may become a member, how the committee is elected and removed, quorum for meetings, how funds are operated, and how the rules themselves may be amended.
After registration
- An annual general meeting, with accounts placed before the members
- Annual filing of the list of committee members with the Registrar
- Audited accounts, and filing with the Charity Commissioner in Maharashtra
- Change reports for any change in committee, address or rules
- Income tax return, and registration under 12A and 80G to claim exemption
How we handle it
- 1 Name check The proposed name is checked for availability and for compliance with the Names Act restrictions.
- 2 Drafting the constitution The memorandum and the rules are drafted around your objects and how you intend to be governed.
- 3 Founding meeting The members meet, adopt the documents and pass the resolution to register, and the minutes are recorded.
- 4 Filing with the Registrar The application is filed with the Registrar of Societies for your district along with the prescribed fee.
- 5 Charity Commissioner filing In Maharashtra, the parallel public trust registration is filed where applicable.
- 6 Certificate issued The registration certificate is issued, after which PAN and the bank account can be obtained.
Frequently asked questions
How many members are needed?
Seven or more for registration at state level. For all-India registration a larger and geographically spread membership is required.
Should I register a society or a trust?
A society suits a group that wants elected, member-driven governance. A trust suits a small founding group content to govern through trustees. In Maharashtra a society is often registered under both Acts.
Can a society earn income?
Yes, provided the income is applied to its objects and not distributed to members. Distributing surplus to members defeats the charitable character and the tax exemption.
Is 12A registration automatic?
No. It is a separate application to the income tax authorities, and without it the society’s income is taxable. 80G, which lets donors claim a deduction, is another separate application.
What if the committee changes?
A change report must be filed with the Registrar, and with the Charity Commissioner in Maharashtra. Leaving the record stale creates problems when operating the bank account.
What is not included. Government fees, statutory charges, stamp duty, court and registry fees, digital signature costs and any third-party professional charges are separate and payable at actuals. GST applies on professional fees where indicated. Prices shown are indicative and may change without notice; we confirm the total in writing before any work begins — see our terms on pricing.
Talk to us about Society Registration
Share your requirement and our team will confirm the documents needed, the exact charges and a realistic timeline — usually the same working day.
- Expert document checking before submission
- Regular status updates on WhatsApp
- Transparent professional charges
- Assistance in Marathi & English
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