Start Business • Non-Profit Corporate Entity
Section 8 Company Registration (NGO & Non-Profit)
Establish a recognized non-profit organization with the highest public credibility, central MCA licensing, and eligibility for CSR funding, institutional grants, and 12A/80G tax deductions with VIDURA.
- Central MCA Government License
- Highest Credibility vs Trust / Society
- Eligible for Corporate CSR Grants
- 12A & 80G Tax Exemption Pathway
Non-Profit Corporation
The most trusted, transparent, and recognized non-profit structure in India
A Section 8 Company, incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, is the most prestigious and legally robust vehicle for non-profit and charitable organizations in India. It is formed for promoting commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, protection of the environment, or any other useful social objective.
Unlike traditional Trusts or Societies which are registered under fragmented state-level authorities, a Section 8 Company is licensed directly by the Central Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). All profits, donations, and income must be applied solely toward promoting its charitable objectives; payment of dividends to members is strictly prohibited by law.
Due to strict statutory accounting and public governance standards, Section 8 companies enjoy unparalleled trust among institutional donors, foreign philanthropies (FCRA), and corporate boards allocating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds under Section 135.
Eligible Causes
Causes and initiatives suited for Section 8 Registration
Applicable for any initiative dedicated to social, cultural, environmental, or educational impact.
Educational & Healthcare Initiatives
Charitable schools, free clinics, skill-development foundations, and medical research trusts.
Environmental & Animal Welfare
Wildlife conservation, afforestation programs, climate change advocacy, and animal rescue organizations.
Arts, Culture & Sports Promotion
Cultural preservation societies, artistic fellowships, grassroots athletic academies, and youth sports bodies.
Corporate CSR Vehicles
Corporates establishing a dedicated foundation to disburse and manage their statutory CSR obligations.
Package Inclusions
Complete Section 8 Incorporation Deliverables
End-to-end licensing, drafting, and statutory filings handled by expert NGO counsel.
Central Government Section 8 License
Official non-profit license issued by the Regional Director / Central Registration Centre under Section 8(1).
Certificate of Incorporation (CIN)
Official registration certificate recognizing the entity as a corporate non-profit.
Approved Non-Profit Name
Clearance of name ending with non-profit words like Foundation, Forum, Association, Council, or Society.
Digital Signatures (DSC) & DINs
Class 3 digital signatures and Director Identification Numbers for founding directors.
Specialized Non-Profit MOA & AOA
Drafting constitutional byelaws with mandatory clauses regarding non-distribution of profits and asset transfer upon dissolution.
Section 8 Financial Projection Estimates
Preparation of 3-year projected asset and expenditure statements required for government license approval.
Corporate PAN & TAN Allotments
Tax identification cards issued concurrently with the incorporation certificate.
12A & 80G Exemption Guidance
Comprehensive advisory on applying for tax exemption for the NGO (12A) and tax deduction for donors (80G).
Licensing Process
Obtaining your Section 8 License & Incorporation in 3 steps
Simple, organized, and guided at every step by our compliance desk.
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1
Charitable Objects & Name Approval
We define your social objectives and submit proposed names (such as 'XYZ Foundation') to the MCA for clearance.
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2
Section 8 License Application (Form SPICe+)
Our legal team drafts the 3-year financial projections, declaration forms, and non-profit MOA/AOA to secure the government license.
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3
Incorporation Certificate & Tax Setup
The Registrar of Companies issues your Certificate of Incorporation, PAN, TAN, and foundation kit.
Checklist
Documents required for Section 8 Registration
Digital paperwork needed from proposed founders and directors.
- PAN Card copy of all proposed directors and members (Mandatory)
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License
- Residential Address Proof: Bank statement or utility bill (not older than 2 months)
- Passport-sized photograph of each founder
- Registered Office Address Proof: Electricity bill or property tax receipt
- Landlord Rent Agreement and No Objection Certificate (NOC)
- A 1-page summary of proposed charitable activities and estimated budget
Structure Comparison
Why Section 8 is superior to a Trust or Society
Pan-India Legal Recognition
Trusts and Societies are registered under state laws and often face jurisdiction hurdles outside their state. A Section 8 Company is recognized centrally across all Indian states.
Preferred by CSR Committees & Donors
Corporate boards and global grant-making bodies overwhelmingly prefer Section 8 entities due to MCA-audited transparency and perpetual succession.
Why VIDURA
Specialized non-profit legal and regulatory guidance
Flawless Object Clause Drafting
Ensuring your MOA precisely satisfies Section 8 licensing rules without trigger queries.
Subsequent 12A & 80G Tax Support
We assist your foundation in obtaining 12A tax exemption and 80G donor deduction certificates from the Income Tax department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions regarding Section 8 Companies
Can directors of a Section 8 Company draw a salary?
Under the Companies Act, directors cannot draw dividends or profit shares. However, if a director performs executive or professional duties for the NGO, reasonable remuneration may be paid with appropriate board and regulatory approvals.
How does a Section 8 Company qualify for CSR funds?
To receive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from corporates, a Section 8 Company must register with the MCA by filing Form CSR-1, hold active 12A/80G registrations, and typically possess a 3-year track record in charitable activities.
What is the difference between 12A and 80G registrations?
Section 12A registration exempts the NGO's own income and donations from income tax. Section 80G allows donors who contribute to the NGO to claim a 50% deduction on their taxable income.
Can a Section 8 Company receive foreign donations?
Yes, but only after obtaining prior permission or formal registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Create Social Impact
Ready to incorporate your Section 8 Non-Profit Foundation?
Speak with our specialized NGO legal counsel today to draft your charitable objects and secure your Central MCA license.