Register Your Section 8 Company For a Purpose That Matters
A Section 8 Company is the most credible and legally recognised structure for non-profit organisations, NGOs, and charitable institutions in India. Incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, it offers tax exemptions, legal recognition, and the institutional credibility needed to attract grants, CSR funding, and donor support — get registered in just 10–15 working days.
What is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company is a type of non-profit organisation incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, specifically for the promotion of charitable objectives such as education, art, science, commerce, religion, social welfare, environment protection, and sports. Unlike a Trust or Society, a Section 8 Company is registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and is governed by the same regulatory framework as a Private Limited Company — giving it a higher degree of legal credibility, transparency, and institutional recognition.
The defining characteristic of a Section 8 Company is that it is a not-for-profit entity — all income, profits, and surpluses generated by the company must be applied exclusively towards promoting its stated charitable objectives. No dividend or profit can be distributed to its members or directors under any circumstance. This restriction is enforced by the MCA, and any violation can result in the revocation of the licence and prosecution of the responsible persons.
Section 8 Companies are widely preferred by NGOs, foundations, charitable trusts, educational institutions, and welfare organisations because of the significant benefits they offer — including income tax exemptions under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, eligibility to receive CSR contributions from corporates, and the ability to receive foreign funding subject to FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration. Upon successful incorporation, the company receives a Certificate of Incorporation and a unique CIN from the Registrar of Companies, giving it a permanent and legally recognised identity.
Key Benefits of Section 8 Company Registration
A Section 8 Company is the most structured and credible way to run a non-profit organisation in India — offering significant tax advantages, legal standing, and the institutional recognition needed to scale your charitable mission effectively.
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Tax Exemptions A Section 8 Company is eligible to apply for income tax exemptions under Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act. Section 12A exempts the company's income from tax, while 80G registration allows donors to claim tax deductions on their contributions — significantly boosting fundraising capability.
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Legal Recognition Unlike an informal trust or unregistered society, a Section 8 Company is incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 and regulated by the MCA. It is a legally recognised entity that can own property, enter into contracts, open bank accounts, and sue or be sued in its own name.
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Credibility The structured governance framework, mandatory audit, and MCA oversight of a Section 8 Company gives it significantly higher credibility compared to a Trust or Society. This credibility is essential for attracting CSR funding from corporates, government grants, and support from international donor organisations.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before you begin the Section 8 Company registration process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free filing experience with the MCA.
PAN Card
PAN card of all proposed directors and members is mandatory for DIN application, identity verification on the MCA portal, and income tax registration of the Section 8 Company.
Address Proof
A recent utility bill (electricity, water, or gas — not older than 2 months), bank statement, or Aadhaar card of all directors confirming their current residential address for MCA filing.
NGO Objectives
A detailed written statement of the organisation's charitable objectives — covering the cause it serves, the activities it will undertake, and the target beneficiaries. This forms the basis of the MOA and the MCA licence application under Section 8.
How the Process Works
Our end-to-end online process ensures your Section 8 Company is incorporated and licensed in just 10–15 working days with complete expert support at every stage.
Obtain DSC & DIN
Apply for the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) for all proposed directors — both are mandatory before filing any form on the MCA portal.
Name Approval
Reserve the company name through the RUN (Reserve Unique Name) form or propose it within the SPICe+ form. The name must reflect the charitable nature of the organisation and comply with MCA naming guidelines.
Draft MOA & AOA
Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA) defining the organisation's charitable objectives and the Articles of Association (AOA) setting out its internal governance structure — both are filed with the MCA as part of the incorporation process.
Apply for Section 8 Licence
File Form INC-12 with the Regional Director of the MCA to obtain the Section 8 licence — the key approval that authorises the company to operate as a non-profit entity under the Companies Act, 2013.
Incorporation Filing with MCA
Submit the SPICe+ form along with the Section 8 licence, MOA, AOA, and all supporting documents to the Registrar of Companies through the MCA21 portal for final review and approval.
Certificate of Incorporation
Upon MCA approval, receive the Certificate of Incorporation along with the company's CIN, PAN, and TAN — your Section 8 Company is now officially registered and ready to pursue its charitable mission.
Get Started — Apply Now
Fill in the form below and one of our Section 8 Company registration specialists will get in touch within 24 hours to guide you through the entire incorporation process — from document collection to your Certificate of Incorporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a Section 8 Company cannot distribute profits to its members or directors. All income and surplus generated must be applied exclusively towards the company's stated charitable objectives. Any violation of this condition can result in the revocation of the Section 8 licence by the MCA and prosecution under the Companies Act, 2013.
A minimum of 2 members and 2 directors are required to incorporate a Section 8 Company in India. The same individual can act as both a member and a director. At least one director must be a resident of India as per the Companies Act, 2013.
Yes, a Section 8 Company is eligible for significant tax benefits under the Income Tax Act. It can apply for exemption under Section 12A (exempting the company's income from tax) and Section 80G registration (allowing donors to claim tax deductions on their contributions) — making it highly attractive for fundraising and donor engagement.
Yes, a registered Section 8 Company is eligible to receive CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contributions from corporates under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013. This makes it one of the most preferred structures for organisations seeking sustainable funding from Indian companies that are mandated to spend on CSR activities.
Yes, statutory audit is mandatory for every Section 8 Company regardless of income or activity level. A qualified Chartered Accountant must audit the financial statements every financial year. This is a non-negotiable compliance requirement under the Companies Act, 2013 and is also necessary for maintaining 12A and 80G exemptions.
Yes, a Section 8 Company can receive donations, grants, and funding from individuals, corporates, government bodies, and institutional donors. Donations received by a company with 80G registration entitle donors to a tax deduction — making it significantly easier to raise funds compared to an unregistered or non-compliant organisation.
Yes, registration with the MCA is mandatory to operate as a Section 8 Company. Unlike a Trust or Society — which can operate with state-level registration — a Section 8 Company requires a specific licence from the Central Government (Regional Director, MCA) and incorporation under the Companies Act, 2013.
The compliance level for a Section 8 Company is high. It must conduct board meetings, file annual returns (MGT-7) and financial statements (AOC-4) with the MCA, undergo statutory audit, file income tax returns, and maintain compliance with its 12A and 80G registrations. Any lapse in compliance can lead to licence revocation and penalties.
Yes, a Section 8 Company can receive foreign contributions, but only after obtaining FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Without FCRA registration, receiving any foreign donation or funding is prohibited under Indian law and can attract serious legal consequences.
A Section 8 Company has lifetime validity. Once incorporated and licensed, it continues to exist as a separate legal entity until it is formally wound up, dissolved, or its licence is revoked by the MCA. It enjoys perpetual succession — meaning changes in directors or members do not affect the company's continued existence.