PAN Card & Aadhaar Card
Passport-size Photograph
Address Proof (Bank Statement/Electricity Bill)
Rent Agreement & NOC (if rented)
Latest Utility Bill (Electricity/Water Bill)
Terms & Conditions
Minimum Members
At least 7 members are required to form a society. One must be an Indian citizen.Document Authenticity
All member documents must be valid and up to date. Kanoons is not liable for delays caused due to document mismatch or errors.State Variations
Rules, fees, and procedures may differ from state to state. Timelines are estimated.Government Delays
Approval of the registration certificate depends on state Registrar’s processing time.Refund Policy
No refunds once the drafting process has started or government filings have been initiated.Legal Disclaimer
Kanoons provides facilitation services. Final decision rests with government authorities.
Society Registration
Empower your cause with legal recognition—register your society under the Societies Registration Act for community, cultural, religious, or charitable objectives.
A Society is a non-profit organization formed by a group of individuals united by a common goal—be it charitable, educational, cultural, religious, or scientific. Registration of a society provides it with legal status, enabling it to own property, open bank accounts, and receive government grants or donations.
Under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, societies can be registered either at the state or district level depending on the jurisdiction. The registration ensures transparency, accountability, and credibility.
At Kanoons, we simplify the registration process by preparing all necessary documents, drafting the MoA and Rules, and submitting your application to the Registrar of Societies.
Why Choose Society Registration? (Advantages & Disadvantages)
Advantages:
- Legal recognition and separate entity status
- Eligible for government grants and foreign donations
- Tax exemption eligibility (12A/80G)
- Perpetual succession
- Builds trust and credibility among donors
Disadvantages:
- Cannot distribute profits among members
- More regulatory compliance than unregistered bodies
- Subject to state-level variations in rules
- Cannot engage in commercial profit-making activities
- Internal disputes can delay activities
Who Should Register a Society Registration?
- NGOs and charitable organizations
- Religious or spiritual organizations
- Educational trusts and schools
- Cultural and arts promotion groups
- Welfare and environmental advocacy groups.
Documents Required for Society Registration
For Members (Min 7) Documents:
- PAN Card & Aadhaar Card
- Passport, Voter ID
- Passport-size Photograph
- Address Proof (Bank Statement/Electricity Bill)
For Society Address Proof:
- Rent Agreement & NOC (if rented)
- Latest Utility Bill (Electricity/Water Bill)
Society Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
- Free consultation & eligibility check
- Collection of member details & address proofs
- Drafting of Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Drafting of Rules & Regulations
- Submission to Registrar of Societies
- Certificate of Registration issued
- Support for PAN, 12A, and 80G (if opted)
What’s Included in Our Society Registration Package?
- Drafting of MoA & Rules and Regulations
- Application filing with Registrar
- Registration Certificate
- PAN Application for Society
- Support for 12A & 80G (on request)
Post-Incorporation Compliances for Society Registration
✔ Open a bank account in the name of the Society
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Maintain minutes of meetings and member registers
✔
File annual returns and audited accounts with Registrar
✔
Renew 12A/80G if applicable
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Adhere to state-specific compliance rules
Why Kanoons?
🌟 Drafting of legally compliant MoA and Rules
🌟
State-wise application filing support
🌟
Expert guidance on tax exemption applications (12A & 80G)
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End-to-end process handling with registrar follow-up
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Transparent pricing and documentation checklist
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Ongoing compliance support available on request
Failure to meet Society Registration obligations can result in severe consequences:
- Failure to file annual returns may lead to cancellation of registration
- Misuse of funds can lead to prosecution
- Non-maintenance of records may affect funding eligibility
- Penalties vary across states and may include fines or loss of recognition
- Inactive societies may be struck off the register
Valuable insights to change your startup idea
FAQ
Society Registration Frequently Asked Question
How many people are required to register a society?
A minimum of 7 individuals is required, with at least one Indian citizen.
Can foreigners be members of a society in India?
Yes, foreign nationals can be members, but one founder must be a resident Indian.
Is it necessary to register a society?
Registration is optional but provides legal status, tax benefits, and eligibility for grants.
Can a registered society receive foreign donations?
Yes, but only after obtaining FCRA Registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What are MoA and Rules & Regulations?
The MoA outlines the objectives and scope of the society, while Rules govern its internal management.
What is the difference between a Society and a Trust?
A society requires multiple members and democratic functioning, while a trust is usually run by trustees and has a more centralized structure.
Get Started Today!
Incorporate Your Society Registration Now & Get Legal Compliance Support!
Limited-Time Offer
Get Your Society Registered at ₹9,999!
Take the first step towards building a legally recognized and protected business. With Kanoons, experience a hassle-free, fully online Society Registration backed by expert legal and compliance support.
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"We registered our educational society with Kanoons. The team was efficient and responsive."
S. Prasad NGO