Section 8 Company Registration for Non-Profits
Set up a non-profit company for charitable, educational or social objectives, with the credibility of a formal corporate structure. Leegal manages licensing and incorporation end-to-end.
What Is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company is a non-profit entity registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, formed to promote objectives such as education, art, science, sports, research, social welfare, charity, religion or protection of the environment.
Any income or profit the company earns must be applied only toward promoting its stated objectives — it cannot be distributed as dividend to its members.
| Section 8 Company | Trust / Society |
|---|---|
| Registered under the Companies Act, 2013 with MCA | Registered under trust or societies registration laws |
| Governed by Memorandum & Articles of Association | Governed by a trust deed or society bye-laws |
| Generally higher credibility with funders/CSR partners | Credibility varies by state and registering authority |
| Subject to ROC filings similar to other companies | Filing requirements vary by state and structure |
Documents Required
Keep these ready before your consultation to speed up drafting and filing.
- PAN and address proof of all directors/members
- Passport-size photographs of directors/members
- Proof of the registered office address
- No-objection certificate from the property owner, if rented
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) for directors
- Draft objectives and proposed activities of the organisation
How It Works
Free Consultation
We understand your objectives and confirm eligibility for Section 8 status.
DSC, DIN & Name Reservation
We obtain digital signatures and reserve your company's name.
License & Incorporation Filing
We prepare the Section 8 license application and incorporation documents and file them with the Registrar.
Post-Incorporation Support
We help you set up PAN, bank account and guide you on 12A/80G tax exemption options.
Incorporation & License
End-to-end Section 8 license application and incorporation filing.
Tax Exemption Guidance
Guidance on 12A and 80G registration so donors and the organisation can claim tax benefits.
Annual Compliance
Board meetings, annual filings and statutory audit support handled on schedule.
Why Register Your Section 8 Company With Leegal
- Experienced professionals handle your license and incorporation filings.
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges.
- One dedicated point of contact throughout the process.
- Guidance on tax exemption registrations after incorporation.
Talk to Our Team
GS006, Vikash Nagar, Ramgarh Cantt, Jharkhand 829122, India
Frequently Asked Questions
How many members are needed to form a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company can be formed with a minimum of two members for a private company structure, or seven for a public company structure, along with the required number of directors.
Can a Section 8 Company earn profit?
Yes, it can generate income through its activities, but that income must be applied only toward promoting its stated objectives and cannot be distributed to members as dividend.
Is a Section 8 Company automatically tax-exempt?
No. Incorporation under Section 8 is separate from income tax exemption. The organisation typically needs to apply for 12A and 80G registration with the tax authorities to claim exemptions and let donors claim deductions.
What compliance does a Section 8 Company have every year?
It needs to hold board meetings, file annual returns and financial statements with the Registrar of Companies, and get its accounts audited, similar to other companies under the Companies Act.
Can a Section 8 Company be converted into another entity later?
Conversion out of Section 8 status is possible only under specific conditions and with regulatory approval. Our team can advise based on your organisation's circumstances.
Ready to Register Your Section 8 Company?
Talk to our team and get a clear plan for licensing and incorporation — no obligation.