Section 8 incorporation plus 80G/12A tax exemption

Non-profits need a different incorporation path and separate tax-exemption registrations before donations become tax-deductible for donors.

Key requirements

• Section 8 Company / Trust / Society registration (Registration) — Choose the structure based on governance style and state-level registration ease.
• 12A registration (Registration) — Exempts the NGO's own income from tax — apply soon after incorporation.
• 80G registration (Registration) — Lets donors claim a tax deduction on their contribution — often the deciding factor for larger donors.
• FCRA registration (if accepting foreign funds) (Compliance) — Separate, stricter registration required before accepting any foreign contribution.