Society Registration and Trust Registration

Establish Your Non-Profit Organization with Complete Legal Clarity

Whether you’re starting a charitable society, religious trust, educational institution, or welfare organization, proper registration is the foundation of legal recognition, tax benefits, and operational credibility.

At Rajesh Jalan & Associates, we guide you through the entire registration process — from drafting bye-laws and Memorandum & Articles to securing clearances, obtaining registration certificates, and ensuring ongoing compliance — so your organization can focus on its mission.

Who Needs Society or Trust Registration?

  • Charitable Organizations – healthcare, education, skill development
  • Religious Trusts – temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras
  • Social Welfare Societies – community development, women’s welfare, child welfare
  • Educational Institutions – schools, colleges, skill centers
  • Professional Associations – industry bodies, alumni associations
  • Environmental & Cultural Organizations – conservation, arts, heritage

Our Society Registration Services

Pre-Registration Consultation

  • Advising on the appropriate structure (Society vs. Trust vs. Section 8 Company)
  • Identifying applicable laws — Societies Registration Act, 1860 or State-specific Acts
  • Planning governance structure, membership, and operational framework
  • Cost-benefit analysis and compliance roadmap

Documentation & Drafting

We prepare all required documents with precision:

  • Memorandum of Association (MoA) – defining objectives, powers, and structure
  • Bye-Laws / Rules – governing internal management and member conduct
  • List of Founder Members – with contact details and signatures
  • Affidavit of Applicant – on behalf of the organization
  • Resolution of Governing Body – approving registration application
  • Proposed Office Bearer Details – Secretary, Treasurer, President with addresses and DIN/PAN

Government Registration & Clearances

We handle all interactions with the Registrar of Societies:

  • Filing of Registration Application – with all schedules and supporting documents
  • Submission at District / State Registrar of Societies office
  • Follow-up and correspondence – addressing queries, providing additional documents
  • Obtaining Registration Certificate – and MoA/Bye-Laws stamped by the Registrar
  • Obtaining Unique Registration Number (URN) – for ongoing compliance and tax filings

Tax Registration & Approvals

Post-registration, we assist with:

  • 80G Registration (Income Tax) – enabling donors to claim tax deductions
  • 12A Registration (Income Tax) – exempting the society/trust from income tax
  • FCRA Registration (if applicable) – for organizations receiving foreign donations
  • TAN Application – for tax deduction at source (TDS) compliance
  • GST Registration – if applicable to your activities

Our Trust Registration Services

Pre-Registration Planning

  • Clarifying Trust objectives, beneficiaries, and legal framework
  • Advising on religious vs. charitable trust distinction
  • Identifying applicable laws — Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or Wakf Act, 1995
  • Succession and trustee management planning

Trust Documentation & Drafting

  • Trust Deed – comprehensive document defining trust assets, beneficiaries, trustee powers, and amendment procedures
  • List of Trustees – with full names, addresses, and identification
  • Property Schedule – if trust is being created with immovable property
  • Affidavit of Trustee(s) – confirming acceptance and understanding of responsibilities
  • Notarized & Registered Deed – for immovable property trusts

Government Registration

We manage the registration process:

  • Registration at District Registrar’s Office – for immovable property trusts
  • Obtaining Registration Certificate – and officially stamped Trust Deed
  • Property Mutation – updating revenue records to reflect trust ownership
  • Follow-up for clearances – with Revenue and other authorities if required

Tax Registration & Compliance Setup

  • 80G Registration – enabling donors to claim deductions (if charitable in nature)
  • 12A Registration – tax exemption for the trust
  • PAN Application – for the trust entity
  • GST Registration – if applicable
  • FCRA Registration – for foreign fund receipt (if applicable)

Society vs. Trust – Key Differences

Aspect
Society
Trust
Legal Framework
Societies Registration Act, 1860
Indian Trusts Act, 1882
Members
Can have multiple members
Defined beneficiaries (may have no members)
Governance
Governing Body elected by members
Trustees (appointed in deed)
Amendments
Easier; done by member voting
Difficult; usually require court intervention
Property Ownership
By society (corporate body)
By individual trustees (in trust)
Flexibility
High – can evolve with members
Low – bound by original deed intent
Best For
Ongoing community organizations, associations
Fixed objectives, property endowments, family charities

Why Timely Registration Matters

Issue
Consequence
Operating without registration
No legal status; no tax benefits; vulnerable to legal challenge
Missing tax registrations (80G, 12A)
Donors cannot claim deductions; organization cannot claim exemption
Non-compliant bye-laws
Governance disputes; member grievances; operational blockers
Unregistered property transfer to trust
Revenue authorities may dispute ownership; property disputes

Ongoing Compliance We Support

After registration, we help you stay compliant:

  • Annual Reporting – filing annual returns with the Registrar of Societies
  • Bye-Law Amendments – updating rules when needed
  • Office Bearer Changes – notifying the Registrar of new appointments
  • Property Mutations – updating revenue records for new acquisitions
  • Tax Filing – Form 10B, annual income tax returns, GST returns
  • Minutes & Records – maintaining statutory records and meeting minutes

Why Choose Rajesh Jalan & Associates?

Get Started

Whether you have just incorporated your company or need to regularise pending compliance, our team is here to help.

Helping organizations achieve legal clarity and tax benefits since 2007 — with expertise, care, and attention to every detail.