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In India, 80G and 12A registration are considered relevant for non-profit organizations seeking healthy tax benefits. Indian NGOs strive to register for both to maximize the benefits for themselves and their donors.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - trust, society or Section 8 Company run on funds received through different sources of donations. All NGOs are eligible to apply for 80G certification. 80G registration falls under the purview of section 80G of the Income Tax Act of 1961. It benefits the donors in part or full by exempting them from paying taxes on their donations made to a registered NGO.
All non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are engaged in social endeavours through charity work. While they run their daily operations through donations, they do sometimes earn income as per the law. However, NGOs that are not registered under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act of 1961 have to pay taxes. However, NGOs with 12A registration are exempt from paying taxes on their income.
Facing hurdles in the path of 80G and 12A registration in India? Let our experts eliminate all the hurdles and assist you in experiencing effortless 80G and 12A registration in India.
Having 80G and 12A registration certificates makes an NGO more appealing for the purpose of funding. The requirements for 80G and 12A Registration are:
Charitable foundations, religious trusts, societies, and companies that fall under Section 8 are eligible to apply for a 12A certificate. This registration allows these entities to be recognized for their charitable work and can offer them significant benefits in terms of tax exemptions. It's important to note that private and family trusts are not eligible for 12A registration, which is reserved for organizations committed to broader social causes.
80G and 12A registration are known for building credibility and ensuring trust. The significant benefits of 12A registration for NGOs are:
It exempts the NGOs from paying income tax on income received, helping them direct their funds to philanthropic causes
It makes the NGOs eligible for receiving grants from the government as well as national and international donors.
It is a one-time registration process and needs no periodic renewal until the NGO remains functional.
It facilitates the NGOs to accrue some income for future operations not amounting to more than 15% of the funds received for charitable activities.
Accumulated income is not considered as the taxable income of the NGO, thereby reducing its tax liability.
NGOs with 12A certification are eligible to avail seamless foreign contributions.
80G registration is a pathway to reduction in the tax burden. The key benefits of 80G registration for NGOs are:
As per the recent notification, all existing NGOs registered under Section 80G and 12A now have to re-register themselves under section 12A and 80G to avail tax exemptions. NGOs wanting to avail CSR Funding will now have to register Form CSR-1.
Starting April 1, 2021, there are important updates regarding the 12A and 80G registration process that organizations should be aware of:
Re-approval and Re-registration
Organizations currently holding 12A/80G registrations need to undergo a re-approval or re-registration process. This requires submitting a new application to the Income Tax Department to maintain their status.
New Registrations
For those seeking new 12A/80G registrations, the Income Tax Department offers provisional registration upon receipt of the application. This provisional acknowledgment is typically granted within one month and generally not denied as it serves as an interim measure.
Provisional Registration
Regular Registration
Once provisional status is upgraded, regular registration is valid for three to five years. At the end of this period, organizations must apply for re-approval or re-registration. It is also necessary to include a statement of gifts received during the period as part of the renewal application.
These updates necessitate timely applications for both new and returning organizations to maintain their tax-exempt status under sections 12A and 80G.
To ensure your donation qualifies for a deduction under section 80G, several key criteria must be met:
By adhering to these guidelines, you can maximize your tax savings while supporting causes that matter to you.
12A specifies that all NGOs registered u/s 12A can avail tax exemptions on the donations received. Trusts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Section 8 companies benefit from this registration by being exempt from paying income tax, a crucial advantage for those dedicated to philanthropic and non-profit activities.
Without 12A registration, these organizations would be subject to the standard tax rates. The Income Tax Act of 1962, under Section 12A, ensures that both charitable and religious trusts can enjoy this tax relief, showcasing the inclusivity of the provision.
NGOs and other eligible entities must meet specific criteria to apply for 12A registration:
By aligning with these requirements, NGOs can maximize their resources and focus on their mission, leveraging tax benefits to further their impact.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - trust, society, or Section 8 Company run on funds received through different sources of donations. All NGOs are eligible to apply for 80G certification. 80G registration falls under the purview of section 80G of the Income Tax Act of 1961. It benefits the donors in part or full by exempting them from paying taxes on their donations made to a registered NGO.
The primary purpose of the 80G certificate is to encourage more people to donate to charitable organizations. When donors contribute to certified NGOs, they receive a tax exemption on 50% of their donation. This financial incentive is a significant motivator for individuals looking to support charitable causes while reducing their tax liabilities.
The 80G certificate is issued by the Income Tax Department. This official endorsement assures donors that their contributions are eligible for tax benefits, creating trust and transparency between the donor and the organization.
To qualify for the tax exemption, donors must attach a stamped receipt from the NGO to their donation. This document must clearly specify:
Ensuring these details are accurately recorded helps donors seamlessly claim their tax benefits and supports NGOs in maintaining compliance with tax regulations.
The main objective of 12A registration is to attain an exception from income tax payment. Here is a checklist of documents required for 12A registration:
80G registration creates a route for donors to enjoy tax deduction benefits. Here is a checklist of documents required for 80G registration:
The 12A and 80G registration process online is simple and free of complexities in any form with the right guidance. Given below is the stepwise guide for 12A registration to secure a 12A certificate online:
Application Submission:
Begin by filing the application using Form 10A, in accordance with Rule 17A of the Income Tax Act of 1962. This form must be submitted to the Income Tax Jurisdictional Commissioner (Exemptions).
Document Attachment:
Attach the required documents along with the application to support your case.
Application Review:
Once the application is submitted, it is meticulously reviewed. The Commissioner validates the authenticity of the NGO and confirms the validity of the organization's activity.
Additional Information:
Be prepared to submit any additional information and documents if requested by the officers. The Commissioner has the authority to request further documentation to ensure compliance.
Issuance of Certificate:
Upon satisfactory validation of the documents and the NGO, officers will issue the 12A certificate.
Rejection and Hearing:
In cases where the application does not meet the requirements, the Commissioner will document the refusal to grant the 12A certificate. The applicant is given a fair chance to be heard, allowing them to present their case for reconsideration.
It's important to note that 12A Registration can be cancelled if it's proven that the company's activities are not genuine, contradict the institution's objectives, benefit a particular religion or caste, involve prohibited fund investments, or are used for the benefit of specific individuals. However, once granted, the 12A Registration is valid for a lifetime.
Given below is the step-by-step guide for 80G Registration to secure an 80G certificate online:
By following these steps meticulously, institutions can steer the 80G registration process efficiently and secure the certificate that offers significant tax benefits.
Navigating the re-authorization process for 80G and 12A registrations is crucial for NGOs to maintain their tax-exempt status. Here's what to expect:
To ensure a successful renewal, follow these detailed steps:
Ensure you have the following essential documents ready for submission:
By following these guidelines and preparing the necessary documents, NGOs can smoothly steer through the renewal process, ensuring compliance and continued eligibility for tax exemptions.
Understanding the renewal process for 12A and 80G registrations can seem daunting for NGOs. Here, we'll simplify the steps required to complete this process smoothly.
Application Submission:
Verification:
Approval Process:
Renewing your NGO's 12A and 80G registrations is essential for maintaining tax exemption status. Follow these steps to ensure your organization remains compliant and continues to benefit from these important tax registrations.
80G and 12A registration fees depends on various factors. Corpbiz is a professional team with expertise in 80G and 12A Registration. Our business consultants work in a customer-centric environment offering end-to-end services. The total registration fee is in the range of INR 8,999 to 12,999. This fee is exclusive of GST.
Subject to the submission of the application, validation of documents and approval, obtaining 12A and 80G registration, the entire process takes about 20 to 30 working days. Our team helps with the application filing that takes anywhere between 5 to 10 working days.
At Corpbiz, we have developed a PAN India healthy network of 10,000+ business consultants, CAs, Lawyers, and CS to help entrepreneurs and startup owners fulfil their dreams. We have proven our expertise in business consulting and compliance management. Given below are the reasons why socialpreneurs trust us for 12A and 80G registration in India-
Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions about 12A and 80G Registration.
Legal Researcher
Written by Neha Dawra. Last updated on Jun 15 2026, 09:34 PM
Neha Dawra has 4+ years of experience in legal research and intellectual property advisory. Her expertise lies in analyzing IP laws, drafting structured legal content, and simplifying complex registration procedures into clear, simple insights.
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