What is 12A Registration?

What is 12A Registration?

Blog Article

What is 12A Registration?

NGOs play a vital role in solving many social issues. To boost their effectiveness, many NGOs apply for registration under specific sections of the Income Tax Act to obtain tax benefits and tax perks for supporters. In this article, we will look into the benefits and steps of registering under Section 80G and 12A, which are important for NGOs seeking financial support and credibility.
What is 12A Registration?

12A registration is a important process for an NGO to get acknowledged as a non-profit entity under Indian law. The registration enables the NGO to avail income tax exemptions on their income. This means that the income received by the organization will not be taxed, which in turn helps the organization in utilizing more resources for charitable activities. Obtaining 12A registration also enhances the credibility of an NGO and is often a necessary step for receiving grants and donations from various sources.

To get 12A registration, the NGO must file an application to the jurisdictional Commissioner of Income Tax along with key documents, including the deed of trust or memorandum of association, PAN card, and details of activities.
What is Section 80G?



80G of Income Tax Act of the Income Tax Act allows donors to claim deductions on their taxable income against donations made to eligible NGOs. This section motivates individuals and corporations to contribute to charities, making it an essential tool for NGOs seeking public funding. An NGO must obtain 80G registration to provide tax benefits to its donors.

The 80G deduction permits a portion of the donation to be written off from the donor's taxable income. In most cases, a deduction of 50% of the donated amount is allowed. However, the deduction rate may vary depending on the category of the NGO and the type of donation.
Advantages of 80G

Obtaining 80G registration is a great advantage for an trust registration NGO as it enables them to attract more donors. When donors realize they can claim tax deductions on their donations, they are more likely to contribute. This also enhances the NGO’s reputation and boosts its funding base, which is essential for fulfilling social goals.

Moreover, 80G registration is often required by funding agencies and potential donors who are looking for transparency and credibility in charitable organizations. As a result, NGOs with 80G certificates are more likely to get large donations from corporate sectors and high-net-worth individuals.
Eligibility and Process for 80G Registration

To be eligible for 80G registration, an NGO must fulfill specific criteria:

Non-commercial Nature: The NGO should not be conducting any commercial activities, and its primary objective must be charitable.
Proper Fund Usage: The funds should be used only for charitable purposes, and proper records must be maintained.
Registration: The NGO must be registered either as a trust, society, or Section 8 company.

The application for 80G registration needs the NGO to submit documents such as the trust deed, 12A registration certificate, financial statements, and PAN card of the organization. The application is made to the Commissioner of Income Tax, and the registration is typically applicable for five years.
How Donors Benefit from Section 80G

Section 80G of the Income Tax Act offers a system through which donors can benefit from deductions on their taxable income. This section is aimed at promoting charitable activities by encouraging donations. Persons, companies, and other entities making donations to an 80G registered NGO can get tax relief under Section 80G.

The tax deduction is limited to a certain percentage of the donation, generally either 50% or 100%, depending on the specific criteria set by the government. For instance, donations made to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund are allowed a 100% deduction.
Importance of 12A and 80G Registration for ngo registration NGOs

Having both 12A and 80G registration is useful for NGOs. 12A registration helps an NGO avail exemptions on income, reducing their tax liability, while 80G registration encourages donors to contribute by enabling them claim 80G deductions on their donations. These registrations boost the credibility of the NGO, allowing them to attract funding from multiple sources, including government schemes and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
How NGO Consultancy Can Help

For NGOs looking to handle the registration processes and adhere to tax regulations, engaging an NGO consultancy can be highly helpful. NGO consultancy services provide assistance on documentation, application procedures, and compliance with regulations related to trust registration, 80G, and 12A. These consultancies are skilled in handling the complexities of registrations and can make sure that the application is processed smoothly and in a timely manner.
How to Register a Trust

For organizations that are planning to start an NGO, trust registration is one of the most widely used ways to form a non-profit entity. In India, a charitable trust is typically set up by executing a trust deed, which details the objectives and operational framework of the trust. This legal document is submitted to the registrar, making the organization an official entity capable of gaining donations and grants.

Trust registration is often the first step before obtaining 12A and 80G registration. It forms the basis for the NGO’s activities and allows it to operate as a recognized entity under the law.
Summary

Becoming registered an NGO under Section 12A and Section 80G is essential for any organization aiming to receive tax exemptions and increase donations. These registrations offer major advantages, both for the NGO and for the individuals or corporations supporting the cause. With 80G registration, donors are motivated to contribute, knowing they can enjoy tax benefits, while 12A registration makes sure that the NGO’s income is not taxable.

If you are planning to establish an NGO or are an existing one looking to get these registrations, it’s suggested to consult with experts in NGO consultancy to assist you through the process and ensure compliance with all requirements. These steps will not only boost your NGO's credibility but also help in expanding your outreach and financial stability.