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SOCIETY Registration

A society is an association of several individuals combined using a mutual accord to deliberate, govern and act cooperatively for some communal purpose. Societies are usually registered for the advancement of charitable activities like sports, music, culture, religion, art, education, etc.

Society Registration, under, The Society Registration Act, in India, lays down certain procedures for the sake of society registration & operation. This act was implemented with the purpose of augmenting the legal stipulations of society registration for the advancement of literature, fine arts, science or distribution of awareness for bountiful purposes. The society registration act, 1860 has been accepted by several state governments without or with further amendments.

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

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  • Promotion of fine arts.

  • Diffusion of political education.

  • Grant of charitable assistance.

  • Promotion of science and literature.

  • Creation of military orphan funds.

  • Maintenance or foundation of galleries or public museum.

  • Maintenance or foundation of reading rooms or libraries.

  • Promotion or diffusion or instruction of useful knowledge.

  • Collections of natural history.

  • Collections of mechanical and philosophical inventions, designs, or instruments.

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Applicability of tax exemption

  • There is a general notion that society need not pay tax as they work towards the welfare of the public at large. But this is not true. A society, like any other legal entity, is liable to pay tax. In order to be exempted from tax, a society is required to obtain certification for the said exemptions such as Section 12 A, 80G etc. from the income tax authorities.

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documents required 

  • PAN Card: PAN card of all the members of the proposed society has to be submitted along with the application.

  • Residence Proof: The residence proof of all the members of the society also has to be submitted. The following can be used as valid residence proof:

    • Bank Statement

    • Aadhaar Card

    • Utility Bill

    • Driving License

    • Passport

  • Memorandum of Association: The memorandum of association has to be prepared which must contain the following clauses and information:

    • The work and the objectives of the society for which it is being established.

    • The details of the members forming the society.

    • It will contain the address of the registered office of the society.

  • Rules & Regulations of the Society: The rules and regulations of the society also have to be prepared which must contain the following information:

    • Rules and regulations by which the working of the society will be governed and the maintenance of day to day activities.

    • It will contain the rules for taking the membership of the society.

    • The details about the meetings of the society and the frequency with which they are going to be held is to be mentioned.

    • Information about the Auditors.

    • Forms of Arbitration in case of any dispute between the members of the society.

    • Ways for the dissolution of the society will also be mentioned

  • Once the rules have been formed, they can be changed but the new set of rules will be signed by the President, Chairman, Vice President and the Secretary of the Society.

  • Covering letter: A covering letter mentioning the objective or the purpose for which the society is being formed will be annexed to the beginning of the application. It will be signed by all the founding members of the society.

  • Proof of Address: A copy of the proof of address where the registered office of the society will be located along with a NOC from the landlord if any has to be attached.

  • List of all the members: A list of all the members of the governing body has to be given along with their signatures.

  • Declaration: A declaration has to be given by the president of the proposed society that he is willing and competent to hold the said post.

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