In India, society registration is governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This law allows individuals to come together to form an organization that aims to promote charitable, literary, scientific, or educational objectives. Below is an overview of the process to register a society in India:
Prepare the Required Documents
- Memorandum of Association (MoA): This document outlines the name, objective, and registered address of the society and the names and addresses of its founding members.
- Rules and Regulations: The society must draft rules and regulations that define its functions, such as admission of members, meeting frequency, financial policies, and how disputes are resolved.
- Signatures: The MoA and the rules and regulations must be signed by all the founding members (a minimum of seven people is typically required).
Minimum Members and Objectives
- Minimum Members: The Act mandates at least seven members to form a society. These members can be Indian citizens or foreign nationals.
- Objective: The society must be set up to promote activities that benefit the public, such as education, art, culture, charity, religion, or other similar activities.
Choose a Unique Name
The name of the society should be unique and should not resemble any other registered society or entity. It should not suggest any connection with the government of India or any state government, nor should it contravene any government guidelines.
At this stage, many organizations consult professionals like CRUISE CORPORATE CONSULTANCY SERVICES Pvt. Ltd. (CCCS) to ensure proper documentation and compliance with state-specific rules.
Submit the Application to the Registrar of Societies
Application Submission: Submit the completed application with the MoA, rules and regulations, and ID proofs of the founding members to the Registrar of Societies in the state where the society is based.
Registration Fee: Pay the nominal registration fee, which varies by state.
Professional assistance from firms such as CRUISE CORPORATE CONSULTANCY SERVICES Pvt. Ltd. (CCCS) can simplify this step and reduce errors in filing.
Verification and Approval
After submission, the Registrar reviews the documents and may request additional details or verification.
If all documents are in order, the Registrar will issue a Certificate of Registration.
Post-Registration Requirements
PAN Card: Apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for the society, which is required for financial transactions and tax purposes.
Compliance: The society must maintain annual records, conduct regular meetings, and file annual returns with the Registrar.
