What are 12A and 80G registrations?
Registering a trust, society or Section 8 company does not by itself make it tax-free. To get income tax exemption, an NGO must obtain registration under the provisions popularly known as Section 12A, and to attract donors and CSR funds it needs approval under the provisions known as Section 80G, so that donors can claim a deduction. These names are still widely used, although the Income-tax Act, 2025 has renumbered the sections and forms. A new NGO usually gets provisional registration first and applies for regular registration later, and registrations have to be renewed from time to time. TaxBucket prepares the application, the objects and activity details and supporting documents, files them online, replies to any queries from the department and keeps your NGO compliant afterwards.
Who needs it?
- Charitable and religious trusts
- Societies registered under the Societies Registration Act
- Section 8 (non-profit) companies
- NGOs that want their income to be tax-exempt
- NGOs that want to raise donations or CSR funds from companies and individuals
Key benefits
- Income applied for charitable objects is exempt from income tax
- Donors can claim a tax deduction, which makes fundraising easier
- Eligibility for many CSR funds and government grants
- Greater credibility with donors, banks and partners
- Proper compliance from the start, avoiding loss of exemption later
Documents required
Checklist: keep these ready
- Registration certificate of the trust, society or Section 8 company
- Trust deed, society bye-laws or MoA and AoA
- PAN of the NGO
- PAN, Aadhaar and contact details of trustees, members or directors
- Details of activities, with reports and photographs if already working
- Financial statements and bank statements (for existing NGOs)
- NGO Darpan ID, if available
Step-by-step process
- 1
Step 1
Review of the NGO's objects, activities and documents
- 2
Step 2
Preparation of the 12A and 80G application with activity and financial details
- 3
Step 3
Online filing with the Income Tax Department using the NGO's digital signature or e-verification
- 4
Step 4
Reply to any queries or requests for documents from the department
- 5
Step 5
Receipt of the registration orders for 12A and 80G
- 6
Step 6
Ongoing support: renewal, annual returns, audit and donation receipts
Key facts: fees, timelines, due dates and penalties
- 1Applied for online on the income tax e-filing portal; both registrations are usually filed together
- 2New NGOs generally get provisional registration first and then apply for regular registration
- 3Registrations are time-bound and must be renewed before they expire
- 4After registration, the NGO must keep proper accounts, get them audited where required and file its return on time to keep the exemption
- 5Our fee depends on the type of NGO and work involved, and is confirmed before we start
Why choose TaxBucket for 12A and 80G Registration for NGOs?
- 14+ years of experience in tax, GST, MCA and legal compliance
- ISO 9001:2015 certified company with a team of tax and compliance professionals
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
- End-to-end online process with a dedicated expert and regular status updates
- Office in South West Delhi; serving clients across India
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for 12A and 80G registration?
Charitable or religious trusts, registered societies and Section 8 companies that work for charitable purposes can apply. The NGO must be registered under the relevant law and have a PAN before applying.
What is the difference between 12A and 80G?
12A registration (as it is commonly known) makes the NGO's own income exempt from tax. 80G approval benefits the donors, allowing them to claim a tax deduction on donations to the NGO. Most NGOs apply for both.
Can a newly formed NGO apply?
Yes. A new NGO can apply soon after it is set up and usually receives provisional registration first. It then applies for regular registration once it has started its activities.
Are 12A and 80G registrations permanent?
No. They are granted for a fixed period and must be renewed before they expire. Missing the renewal can lead to loss of the tax exemption, so we track the due dates for you.
Are the names 12A and 80G still used under the new Income-tax Act?
The Income-tax Act, 2025 has renumbered these provisions and forms, but the terms 12A and 80G are still widely used by NGOs, donors and banks. We file under the current provisions and forms.
Do you help after the registration?
Yes. We handle accounting, audit, income tax return filing, donation receipts and renewal, so your NGO stays compliant.
Get expert help with 12A and 80G Registration for NGOs today
Call +91 7838-000-473 or send your enquiry and our expert will get back to you.