Guide to 12A Registration and 80G Certificate for NGOs

Let’s understand more about 12A registration and why it matters.

What is 12A Registration?

12A registration is a legal process that allows NGOs to claim tax exemption under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Once registered, your NGO does not need to pay tax on its income. This applies to donations, grants, or other earnings.

Without 12A, the income of an NGO is taxable. It is one of the first steps after NGO registration. If you want your NGO to run long-term and save money, you must apply for it.

At NGO Experts, I help you file the correct documents. I ensure there are no delays or rejections.

Why 12A Registration is Important

There are strong reasons to apply for 12A registration:

• Tax exemption: Your NGO income is tax-free.
  
  

• Credibility: Donors trust registered NGOs more.
  
  

• Funding: Many government and private agencies ask for 12A.
  
  

• Long-term benefit: Save money and invest back into your cause.
  
  

When I guide clients at NGO Experts, I stress that 12A helps NGOs grow. It builds a strong legal base for operations.

Difference Between 12A and 80G Certificate

While 12A registration gives tax benefits to the NGO, the 80G certificate gives tax benefits to the donors. If your NGO has both 12A and 80G, it becomes easier to raise funds.

Let’s break it down:

• 12A: Helps NGOs avoid paying income tax.
  
  

• 80G: Helps donors claim tax deductions for the amount they donate.
  
  

Most donors prefer to support NGOs with 80G status. At NGO Experts, I handle both applications together to save time and ensure smooth approval.

Process of 12A Registration

I follow a step-by-step legal method to apply for 12A:

1. First, complete the NGO registration. You can register as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
   
   

2. Collect necessary documents: PAN, registration certificate, MoA, activity reports, and more.
   
   

3. File Form 10A on the Income Tax portal.
   
   

4. Respond to queries, if any, from the Income Tax department.
   
   

5. Receive the 12A registration certificate once approved.
   
   

This process can take a few weeks. I make sure my clients avoid common mistakes during the form submission.

Documents Required for 12A Registration

Here’s a list of common documents I help my clients arrange:

• PAN card of the NGO
  
  

• Registration Certificate (Trust Deed, Society Certificate, or Section 8 License)
  
  

• Memorandum of Association (MoA)
  
  

• Address proof of the NGO
  
  

• Details of trustees or board members
  
  

• Activity report of the last three years (if available)
  
  

• Bank account details
  
  

Proper documentation speeds up the approval process. At NGO Experts, I review every detail before submission.

When Should You Apply for 12A?

It is best to apply for 12A registration soon after NGO registration. Early registration helps avoid tax liability. If your NGO is new, apply within a few months of starting work.

If your NGO is older and hasn’t applied yet, don’t worry. You can still apply and get tax benefits for future years.

At NGO Experts, I work with both new and old NGOs to complete the 12A and 80G certificate process.

Validity and Renewal of 12A Registration

As per current rules, 12A registration has a limited validity. It usually needs renewal every five years. Earlier, it was granted for a lifetime, but now the law has changed.

I remind my clients well in advance to renew it before expiry. This helps avoid problems with tax departments and funding agencies.

The same rule applies to the 80G certificate. Renewing both on time is a smart move.

Why Choose NGO Experts?

NGO Experts is a legal platform where I assist NGOs across India. I offer end-to-end support for:

• NGO Registration
  
  

• 12A registration
  
  

• 80G certificate
  
  

• Section 8 Company registration
  
  

• FCRA registration
  
  

I keep the process simple. My goal is to help you focus on your mission while I handle the legal work. I offer expert guidance, quick updates, and complete compliance support.

Conclusion

If you run or plan to start an NGO, don’t ignore the importance of 12A registration. It saves tax, builds trust, and helps raise funds. Combined with an 80G certificate, it gives your NGO strong legal and financial strength.

Begin with proper NGO registration, then apply for 12A. Let me help you manage the legal process step by step.

Visit NGO Experts today and get started on your 12A journey. Let your NGO grow with full legal support and financial benefits.