Society Registration for Non-Profit & Member Groups
Register a society for charitable, educational, cultural or welfare purposes under the Societies Registration Act. Leegal manages the application end-to-end.
What Is a Registered Society?
A society is a membership-based organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (as adopted or amended by each state), commonly used for charitable, educational, cultural, sports or welfare purposes.
It's governed by a memorandum of association and by-laws, and managed by a governing council or managing committee elected by its members, rather than by trustees as in a trust.
| Registered Society | Trust |
|---|---|
| Membership-based, run by an elected governing council | Managed by appointed trustees, not elected members |
| Governed by memorandum of association and by-laws | Governed by a trust deed |
| Registration process set by the state Registrar of Societies | Registration process varies by trust type and state |
| Often used for clubs, associations, welfare bodies | Often used for charitable/religious purposes and estate planning |
Documents Required
Keep these ready before your consultation to speed up registration.
- PAN and address proof of all founding members
- Passport-size photographs of founding members
- Proof of the registered office address
- Memorandum of association and rules/by-laws
- Minutes of the meeting resolving to form the society
- No-objection certificate from the property owner, if rented
How It Works
Free Consultation
We understand your objectives and the members involved.
Memorandum & By-Laws Drafting
We draft the memorandum of association and governing rules.
Registration Filing
We file the registration application with the Registrar of Societies.
PAN & Compliance Setup
We help with the society's PAN and guide you on tax exemption options.
Memorandum Drafting
Clear memorandum and by-laws covering objectives and governance.
Tax Exemption Guidance
Guidance on 12A and 80G registration for eligible societies.
Ongoing Compliance
Support with annual filings and record-keeping as your society operates.
Why Register Through Leegal
- Experienced professionals handle your registration filing.
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges.
- One dedicated point of contact throughout the process.
- Support with tax exemption and compliance after registration too.
Talk to Our Team
GS006, Vikash Nagar, Ramgarh Cantt, Jharkhand 829122, India
Frequently Asked Questions
How many members are needed to register a society?
Requirements vary by state, but a minimum of seven members is a common starting point under most versions of the Societies Registration Act.
Can a society earn income?
Yes, but for a charitable society this income is expected to be applied toward its stated objectives to remain eligible for tax benefits.
Is a registered society automatically tax-exempt?
No. Registration with the Registrar of Societies is separate from income tax exemption, which generally requires separate 12A and 80G applications.
Who manages a registered society?
A governing council or managing committee, typically elected by the members as per the society's by-laws.
Can a society be converted into a Section 8 company later?
In some cases, societies transition their activities into a Section 8 company structure as they formalise further. Our team can advise on your specific situation.
Ready to Register Your Society?
Talk to our team and get a clear plan for your registration — no obligation.