What is Society Registration ?
The Society Registration Act, in India, lays down certain procedures for the sake of society registration & operation. The society registration act, 1860 has been accepted by several state governments without or with further amendments.
A society is an association or a community of several individuals combined using a mutual accord to deliberate, govern and act cooperatively for some communal purpose. Societies are usually registered for the advancement of charitable activities like sports, music, culture, religion, art, education, etc.
Benefits
- Legal Recognition : A registered society gains legal status, allowing it to own property, enter into contracts, and initiate or defend legal proceedings.
- Tax Benefits : Registered societies may be eligible for various tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act.
- Credibility : Registration enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the society, making it easier to attract donations, grants, and support from government and non-government organizations.
- Perpetual Succession : The society continues to exist even if its members change over time.
Process / Steps
Name Selection
Choose a unique name for the society that is not similar to any existing registered society or restricted by the government.
Preparation of Documents
Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations of the society. These documents should include details such as the society's objectives, registered office address, governing body members, and operational rules.
Submission of Application
Submit the application along with the MOA, Rules & Regulations, and other required documents to the Registrar of Societies in the respective state.
Verification
The Registrar reviews the application and may call for additional information or clarifications.
Register with the Relevant Authority
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to register the trust with a government agency or regulatory body. This step usually involves submitting the trust deed and any required documentation, along with any applicable fees.
Registration Certificate
Upon satisfactory verification, the Registrar issues a Certificate of Registration, officially recognizing the society.
Documents required
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): Outlines the society’s objectives and operational details.
- Rules & Regulations: Defines the rules governing the society’s functioning.
- List of Governing Body Members: Details of the members of the society's governing body, including their names, addresses, and occupations.
- Address Proof: Proof of the registered office address of the society.
- ID Proof of Members: Identity proofs of all the members involved in the formation of the society.
- Affidavit: An affidavit from the president or secretary of the society affirming the correctness of the documents.
Our Support?
Choosing SS Auditors for society registration comes with several distinct advantages. Their experienced team provides expert guidance throughout the registration process, ensuring all legal requirements are thoroughly met. They assist in the meticulous preparation of documents, ensuring everything is accurate and complete.
Even after the society is registered, SS Auditors offers continuous support and advisory services, helping with ongoing compliance and governance matters. This comprehensive approach ensures that organizations experience a smooth registration process and can focus on their primary mission of contributing to social welfare and community development without administrative hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions
A minimum of seven members is required to register a society. These members can include individuals from India, companies, foreigners, and other registered societies.
The duration can vary depending on the state and the completeness of the documentation. Typically, it may take a few weeks to a couple of months.
Yes, foreigners, foreign entities, and other registered societies can be part of the Memorandum of Association of the society.
The society will continue to exist with perpetual succession even if its members change over time. However, any changes in the governing body must be updated with the Registrar of Societies.