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Register Your Society with Legal Confidence
Lawfinity streamlines your society registration, from drafting MOA to post-registration compliance, ensuring full legal recognition and eligibility for tax exemptions.
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Know More About SOCIETY
Introduction and Its Compliance
A Society is broadly a legally recognized group of individuals who come together for the non-profit motives of meeting for a given objective or purpose like charity, art, science, religion or public well-being. Societies are registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in India and primarily focus on pooling together social interactions and resources. For societies in India, Lawfinity assists in drafting and registration as well as managing compliance to guarantee a suitable legal form, responsible governance and continual existence. Such assistance is provided from drafting the society’s Memorandum of Association through post-registration processes and filings.
Why It Is Needed
Society registration enables the formal recognition of the pool of initiatives and makes it eligible to grants, tax exemptions and property rights. Registering a society also guarantees the body gets recognized in all ways it transacts and interacts with the public and the government as well. Lawfinity eases the society-registration process and ensures the body complies in all ways and has the right documents to continue existing.
Benefits and Advantages
- Legal Recognition The registration grants legal status to the society, enabling it to enter contracts, hold property and sue or be sued.
- Eligibility for Government Grants A registered societies can apply for financial support, welfare schemes and government-aided projects.
- Credibility Among Donors Society registration boosts public trust, which is essential for raising donations from individuals, institutions and CSR contributors.
- Democratic Functioning A clear management structure and elections outlined in the bylaws promote transparent and democratic administration.
- Perpetual Existence Registered societies continue to function regardless of changes in membership, ensuring the continuity of their objectives.
- Tax Exemptions Societies can register under Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act to claim income tax exemptions and offer donor benefits.
- Fundraising Capability Societies can open bank accounts, receive foreign donations (via FCRA) and enter agreements for fundraising activities.
- Access to Legal Rights Enables the society to own assets, enforce contracts and enjoy the same legal privileges as other registered entities.
Eligibility Criteria
Requirements
- A minimum of seven members is required to register a society (more in some states).
- At least one member should be a resident of India.
- Societies must be formed for a charitable, religious, scientific, literary or cultural purpose.
- Foreign nationals can be members, subject to government scrutiny in some states.
- The society must have a unique name, not resembling existing registered entities.
Documents Required
Required Documents
- PAN and Aadhaar card of all members
- Address proof (utility bill/ration card) of registered office
- Passport-size photographs of members
- Proof of address and NOC from property owner (if applicable)
- Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations
- Covering letter requesting registration
- Affidavit from president/secretary declaring correctness of documents
- Lawfinity ensures all documents are properly compiled, verified and formatted for seamless registration.
Steps
- Consultation: Understand the purpose and type of society to be formed.
- Drafting Documents: Prepare MOA and Rules & Regulations tailored to your objectives.
- Name Approval: Verify the society’s name availability and uniqueness.
- Document Compilation: Gather ID/address proofs and registered office documents.
- Submission to Registrar: File the complete application and supporting documents with the Registrar of Societies.
- Verification: Registrar may call for clarification or physical verification.
- Issuance of Certificate: Upon approval, a Society Registration Certificate is granted.
Penalties
- Non-registration results in no legal identity, disqualifying the society from property ownership or legal contracts.
- Failure to maintain proper records and conduct annual meetings may lead to deregistration.
- Misuse of society funds or deviation from objectives can invite penalties under civil or criminal law.
- Non-compliance with tax filings or annual returns can result in fines or cancellation of tax benefits.
Timelines
The registration of a society typically takes 15 to 30 working days, depending on the state, completeness of documentation and registrar’s workflow. Lawfinity accelerates this process by managing timely submissions and follow-ups.
Timelines may vary depending on document verification and government approvals.
Fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Because every great business starts with the right answers.
Yes. However, if a society wishes to operate across India, it must have members from at least seven different states.
A society is a member-based organization with democratic governance, while a trust is usually controlled by trustees and based on a Trust Deed.
No, direct conversion is not allowed. A fresh registration must be carried out under the new structure.
Yes. The name must be unique and should not resemble existing registered entities or violate Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act.
It is generally valid perpetually, subject to compliance with annual filing and rules laid out in the bylaws.
Yes, but it must register under FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) to receive foreign donations.
Yes, societies must maintain books of accounts and get them audited annually.
Yes, once registered, a society can purchase, hold and transfer immovable and movable properties in its name.
Absolutely. Lawfinity provides end-to-end support, including tax exemption applications, donor certifications and post-registration filings.
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Anil Yadav
Shaperz India Grain Private Limited
“From FSSAI to Trade License, Lawfinity handled all our approvals efficiently. One-stop solution for all licensing needs.”
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