Society Registration in India - Overview

For a society registration, the under-mentioned documents are required: -

• Name of the society
• Address proof of the society
• Identity proof of all the members of the society
• Two copies of the Memorandum of Association and By-laws of the society

The Society Registration Procedure involves the following steps:

Proposing a Name For Society

While selecting a name for the society, it is important to keep in mind that according to the Societies Act, 1860, the name should be unique and not resemble with other existing Societies. Further, it is to be noted that the name proposed must not suggest patronage of the Government of India or any State Government or attract the provisions of Emblem and Names Act, 1950.

Preparation of The Memorandum of Association

While registering the society, an applicant has to prepare the Memorandum of society/association. The Memorandum of the Society along with the Rules and Regulations of the Society must then be duly signed by each of the founding members, witnessed by-

• An Oath Commissioner,
• Advocate
• Gazetted Officer,
• Notary Public
• Chartered Accountant or
• First Class Magistrate with their official stamp and complete address.

Preparation of Documents

Next the applicant has to prepare the requisite documents for registration as mentioned above in this article. And all the documents must be duly signed.

Filing Of Application along with documents

An applicant shall file the signed Memorandum and Bylaws of the Society with the concerned Registrar of Societies in the respective State and pay the prescribed fee.

Obtain Society Certification

Once the documents are submitted and the Registrar is satisfied with application after proper verification, he would approve and issue Society Certification.

Every Societies after the Society Registration is obligated to follow the Mandatory Post-Registration Compliances under Societies Registration Act, 1882, failing which may attract penalty to Society and its members and also result in the cancellation of Society Registration.

Every Society in India has to work within the guidelines as mentioned in the Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations as defined at the time of registration. Following are some compliances under the Societies Registration Act:

• Conduct of General and Board Meetings.
• Maintenance of Accounts Records.
• Filing of ITR or Income Tax Return.
• Society's fund for personal use is barred
• Audit of Books of Accounts on annual basis.
• Intimation of Governing Body List on annual basis or intimation of Change in Governing Body to Registrar of Societies.

According to section 20 of the Society Act, 1860, a society registration can be obtained for the following purposes:

• Promotion of fine arts.
• Grant of charitable assistance
• Diffusion of political education.
• Promotion of science and literature.
• Maintenance or foundation of reading rooms or libraries.
• Collections of natural history
• Creation of military orphan funds.
• Maintenance or foundation of galleries or public museum.
• Promotion or diffusion or instruction of useful knowledge.
• Collections of mechanical and philosophical inventions, designs, or instruments.

The Society Registration Procedure takes about 25 to 30 working days subject to verification of departments.

We at Tax Seva Kendra, offer first free expert consultation to guide you choose the right type of non-profit organization as per your requirements. Get in touch with our professional team to decide which form of non-governmental organization is most suitable for your needs and for more information on Society Registration.

We have a team of experienced professionals like Company Secretaries, Chartered Accountants, lawyers and other industry experts who are dedicated towards a common objective i.e. customer satisfaction. We will also ensure smooth and hassle free Society registration services in India.