Section 8 Company (NGO)
Register your non-profit organization for social causes.
A Section 8 Company is a non-profit company created to promote charitable, educational, social or similar causes. It offers a formal legal structure with limited liability while requiring all profits to be applied to its objects. CASYST helps you obtain the licence, incorporate the company and plan for tax exemptions.
What is Section 8 Company (NGO)?
A Section 8 Company is a company registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, with objects such as promoting commerce, art, science, education, sports, charity or environmental protection. Any profit must be applied towards those objects, and no dividend can be paid to members.
It is a separate legal entity with limited liability, and it needs a licence from the Regional Director before it is incorporated.
Who needs Section 8 Company (NGO)?
- Founders of NGOs, foundations and charitable trusts
- Educational and healthcare initiatives
- Industry associations and chambers of commerce
- Social enterprises that want a formal, credible non-profit structure
Tax exemption under sections 12A and 80G is applied for separately after incorporation. We can help with those registrations too.
Benefits of Section 8 Company (NGO)
Limited liability
Members are not personally liable for the company's debts.
Recognised non-profit structure
Grants, CSR funds and donors prefer a registered non-profit company.
Separate legal entity
The company can own property and sign contracts in its own name.
Tax exemption potential
With 12A and 80G registration, the entity and its donors may claim exemptions.
Credibility
A company structure signals transparency and governance.
Eligibility
- The company must be formed for charitable or public-interest objects
- Profits can only be applied to promote those objects
- At least two directors and two members for a private company
- A licence from the Regional Director before incorporation
Documents required
- PAN card and Aadhaar card of all directors and members
- Passport-size photographs of directors
- Address proof of directors
- Proof of registered office address with NOC
- Proposed names and the objects of the company
- Digital Signature Certificates for the directors
Section 8 Company (NGO) process
- 1Step 1
DSC and DIN
We obtain the Digital Signature Certificates and director identification numbers.
- 2Step 2
Name approval
We reserve a name suitable for a non-profit, without words such as Private Limited.
- 3Step 3
Draft MoA and AoA
We draft the Memorandum and Articles, including objects and the non-profit clauses.
- 4Step 4
Apply for the Section 8 licence
We file the application for the licence with the Regional Director.
- 5Step 5
Certificate of Incorporation
After the licence is issued, you receive the certificate of incorporation.
- 6Step 6
PAN, bank account and tax exemptions
We guide you through PAN, the bank account and 12A and 80G applications.
Compliance and tax exemptions
- Apply for 12A and 80G registration to claim tax exemptions
- Hold board meetings and an annual general meeting
- File financial statements and the annual return with the Registrar
- File the income tax return and any exemption-related returns
- Apply the income only towards the stated objects and keep proper records
Section 8 company vs trust vs society
| Point | Section 8 company | Trust | Society |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Companies Act, 2013 | Trusts Act or state law | Societies Registration Act |
| Regulator | Registrar of Companies | Charity Commissioner | Registrar of Societies |
| Compliance | Higher | Lighter | Moderate |
| Credibility with funders | Very high | Good | Good |
Objects allowed
- Promotion of commerce, art, science, sports or education
- Social welfare, religion, charity and protection of the environment
- Any other useful object approved by the Regional Director
- Income and property applied only to promote those objects
Who can be a director?
- An individual with a valid DIN
- Persons not disqualified under the Companies Act
- At least one director resident in India
- A person willing to act without profit motive
Tax exemptions available
Section 12A
Exempts the income of the organisation when applied to its objects.
Section 80G
Lets donors claim a deduction on their donations.
CSR eligibility
Registered non-profits can receive CSR funds, subject to conditions.
How long does registration take?
Timelines depend on document readiness and on how quickly the authority reviews and responds, so we give you an estimate for your case at the start and keep you updated at each stage.
Related services
Section 8 Company (NGO) cost
Our Section 8 Company (NGO) package starts from ₹9,999. Government fees, stamp duty and other statutory charges are separate and depend on your state and the exact filing involved. We give you a clear, itemised quote before we start, with no hidden charges.
Get a QuoteSection 8 Company (NGO) checklist
- DSC and DIN
- Name approval
- Draft MoA and AoA
- Apply for the Section 8 licence
- Certificate of Incorporation
- PAN, bank account and tax exemptions
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the profit can only be used to promote the company's objects. It cannot be distributed to members as dividends.
A private Section 8 company needs at least two directors. We confirm the requirement for your structure.
Yes. Section 8 companies file annual financial statements and annual returns, and must keep proper accounts.
Yes. A Section 8 licence must be obtained from the Regional Director before incorporation.
A Section 8 company is governed by the Companies Act with limited liability and stricter compliance, which many donors and funders prefer.
Ready to register Section 8 Company (NGO)?
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