NGO Registration

Society Registration

A membership-based body for charitable and cultural causes.

About Society Registration

A Society is a membership-based non-profit formed by a group of individuals united for a common charitable, literary, scientific, educational or cultural purpose. In Tamil Nadu, societies are registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act with the Registrar of Societies. A society requires a minimum of seven members and is governed by a Memorandum of Association and rules & regulations, along with an elected managing committee that runs its affairs democratically. Societies are commonly used for schools, cultural associations, sports clubs and welfare organisations, and they can also obtain 12A and 80G registrations for tax benefits.

Who needs this

Groups of seven or more people running schools, clubs, associations or welfare bodies.

Documents required

The process — step by step

  1. Draft the Memorandum and Rules & Regulations
  2. Assemble at least 7 founding members
  3. File the application with the Registrar of Societies
  4. Receive the Society Registration Certificate
  5. Apply for PAN and (optionally) 12A/80G

Timeline & fees

Timelines and government fees are indicative and subject to processing by the relevant authority. Approval and its timing are decided by the authority and cannot be guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How many members are needed?

A minimum of seven members is required to form a society.

Is a society different from a trust?

Yes. A society is member-driven and democratically managed, while a trust is managed by trustees.

Can a society claim tax exemption?

Yes, after obtaining 12A/12AB and 80G registrations from the Income Tax Department.

Related services

Tax Guider — A unit of Corpzen Advisors Private Limited, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

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