100% Safe Money

Mequintrax is one of India’s most trusted platforms for business registration and compliance delivering services through secure, transparent, and government-verified processes.

Apply Online for 12A Registration – Tax Exemption for NGOs, Trusts & Section 8 Companies


Get Your 12A Certificate with Mequintrax – India’s Trusted Compliance Partner
100% Digital Process | Expert Support | Fast Turnaround


Are you running a nonprofit organization, charitable trust, or Section 8 company in India? Obtaining Section 12A Registration from the Income Tax Department is a vital legal step to claim complete income tax exemption on your organization’s surplus funds.


12A Registration is a one-time, lifetime registration that enables nonprofits, NGOs, welfare institutions, and charitable societies to operate without the burden of income tax, provided the income is used for charitable or religious purposes. This registration boosts your organization’s credibility and allows access to grants, donations, and foreign contributions.


At Mequintrax, we simplify the entire 12A registration online process, offering expert documentation, Form 10A filing, and end-to-end compliance support — all through a fast, secure, and government-compliant platform.


What is 12A Registration?


12A Registration is a tax exemption certificate issued by the Income Tax Department of India to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) such as NGOs, public charitable trusts, religious institutions, and Section 8 companies. This registration allows such entities to claim full exemption from income tax on their surplus funds, provided the income is applied solely for charitable or religious objectives.


Whether you're involved in education, healthcare, poverty relief, environmental protection, or spiritual welfare, Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 ensures that your organization’s funds are protected from taxation and can be reinvested into your mission.


Who is Eligible for 12A Registration in India?

Section 12A Registration under the Income Tax Act, 1961 is specifically designed to grant income tax exemption to organizations working for charitable, religious, educational, or social causes. Several types of nonprofit entities are eligible to apply for the 12A certificate after incorporation.


If your organization falls into any of the categories below, you are eligible to file Form 10A and seek tax-exempt status:


1. Charitable Trusts


Public charitable trusts and religious trusts, registered to promote welfare activities such as education, healthcare, community upliftment, or spiritual programs, are eligible for 12A registration. These entities must operate without any profit motive.


2. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)


NGOs, whether registered as trusts, societies, or companies, that carry out nonprofit social activities like rural development, women empowerment, skill training, environment protection, or cultural promotion can apply for Section 12A exemption.


3. Religious & Charitable Institutions


Institutions such as temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, educational institutes, hospitals, orphanages, and old age homes that serve public welfare qualify for Section 12A registration.


4. Registered Societies


Societies formed under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, actively engaged in non-commercial, philanthropic, or religious causes, are considered eligible to apply for the 12A certificate.


5. Section 8 Companies


Companies incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, which aim to promote art, science, sports, education, research, health, religion, or social welfare, are eligible for 12A registration for tax-free operations.


Note: Private family trusts, profit-making bodies, or organizations not serving public utility are not eligible for 12A registration.


Let Mequintrax Help You Confirm Your Eligibility


Still unsure if your organization qualifies? Our experts will review your documents, constitution, and objectives to confirm your eligibility and guide you through the entire 12A registration process online.

Speak to a Mequintrax Advisor | Get Free Consultation

Eligibility Criteria for 12A Registration Under the Income Tax Act

  • To apply for 12A registration and secure a 12A certificate from the Income Tax Department of India, your organization must satisfy specific conditions defined under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These guidelines ensure that only genuine nonprofit entities engaged in charitable or religious activities are eligible for tax exemptions.


    Key Eligibility Requirements for Section 12A Certificate:

    1. Charitable Purpose as per Income Tax Act

    The organization must be established for one or more of the following purposes:


    • Relief of the poor
    • Promotion of education
    • Medical relief and healthcare
    • Preservation of the environment
    • Protection of historical monuments
    • Advancement of any other object of general public utility

    2. No Profit Motive

    The organization must operate on a non-profit basis, meaning it should not aim to earn or distribute profits to founders, trustees, or members.


    3. Public Benefit Only

    Activities must be directed toward benefiting the general public, especially underprivileged or underserved communities. Any private or family-centered benefit disqualifies the applicant.


    4. Limited Commercial Activity


    If the organization engages in trade or business:


    • Income from such commercial activity must not exceed 20% of the total receipts.
    • Profits, if any, must be reinvested in the charitable objectives and not diverted for personal gain.

    5. Legal Entity Registration

    The organization must be formally registered under a recognized legal structure, such as:


    • Trust Deed (for Public Trusts)
    • Society under Societies Registration Act
    • Section 8 Company under Companies Act, 2013

    6. Exclusion of Private/Family Trusts

    Private trusts, family-run institutions, and organizations established for the benefit of a closed group are not eligible for 12A registration.

Key Benefits of 12A Registration for NGOs, Trusts & Section 8 Companies

  • Obtaining 12A Registration under the Income Tax Act, 1961 provides powerful financial and operational advantages to nonprofit organizations across India. Once your organization is registered under Section 12A, you become eligible for tax exemption on income, open the door to national and international funding, and enjoy long-term compliance credibility.

    Here’s a complete overview of the top benefits of 12A Registration:


    • Full Income Tax Exemption


    Income applied for charitable or religious purposes is not taxable under Sections 11 and 12. With a valid 12A certificate, your organization can retain surplus funds and redirect them into social impact programs instead of paying income tax.


    • Application of Income Recognized


    Any expenditure made towards eligible nonprofit activities (e.g., free education, healthcare, relief, environment, etc.) is considered as "application of income", which reduces your taxable income base significantly.


    • Accumulation of Income Allowed


    Your organization can legally set aside up to 15% of its annual income for future use or large-scale projects. This provision ensures sustainable financial planning while staying fully compliant with income tax laws.


    • Exclusion from Total Income Calculation


    The portion of income applied or earmarked for charitable causes is excluded from the total assessable income, resulting in zero or minimal tax liability.


    • Access to Grants & CSR Donations


    Having 12A registration makes your NGO or trust eligible for government schemes, corporate CSR funding, and foreign grants (after FCRA approval). Many funding agencies require 12A certification as a mandatory prerequisite.


    • One-Time Lifetime Registration


    Once your 12A certificate is issued by the Income Tax Department, it remains valid perpetually (unless revoked). No renewal or re-application is required, saving time and legal effort in the long run.


    • Enhanced Credibility & Recognition


    Registered entities are considered compliant, transparent, and trustworthy by government authorities, banks, CSR donors, and the public. 12A registration improves your reputation in the development sector.


    • Flexible Use of Exemptions


    12A-registered NGOs can utilize exemption benefits as needed, without mandatory yearly declarations or filings, offering greater financial and operational flexibility.


Documents Required for Section 12A Registration in India

  • To successfully apply for 12A registration under the Income Tax Act, 1961, NGOs, charitable trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies must submit a set of legally valid documents that establish their nonprofit status, objectives, and past activities.


    At Mequintrax, we ensure that all your documentation is prepared, reviewed, and filed correctly during the Form 10A application process for a smooth and compliant 12A certificate issuance.


    Mandatory Documents for 12A Registration:


    1. Constitutional Documents of the Entity


    • Self-attested copy of the Trust Deed (for trusts)
    • Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) (for Section 8 Companies)
    • Society’s Rules & Regulations (if applicable)
    • In the absence of a formal deed, submit proof of legal establishment or creation

    2. Registration Certificate

    A self-certified copy of the Certificate of Registration with the relevant authority:


    • Registrar of Companies (for Section 8 companies)
    • Registrar of Firms and Societies
    • Registrar of Public Trusts

    3.Evidence of Amendment (if applicable)

    If the organization has ever amended its objectives, submit a self-attested copy of the document reflecting the change in objects.


    4. Financial Statements

    • Audited Annual Accounts for the last three financial years (if available)
    • For newly formed entities, submit available provisional statements or income-expense reports

    5. Activity Report / Note on Activities

    A detailed description of activities carried out by the organization since its incorporation, highlighting social impact and public benefit.


    6. Previous Registration Orders (if applicable)

    • If the organization had a 12A registration cancelled due to default, attach the copy of the rectified order or explanation

    • If a prior 12A application was rejected, include the copy of the rejection order for reference in the new application


Top 6 Reasons to File Your Import & Export with a Trusted Tax Filing Expert

Expert 12A Registration for NGOs & Trusts

Mequintrax simplifies 12A registration under the Income Tax Act, enabling NGOs, trusts, and societies to claim income tax exemption. Our experienced team handles document drafting, online application, and portal submission ensuring a smooth and accurate process for getting your 12A certificate.

100% Online & Hassle-Free Filing

With Mequintrax, the entire 12A registration process is digital. We manage everything—Form 10A filing, document upload, and tracking on the Income Tax portal. You don’t need to visit any office just sit back while we ensure timely and compliant approval for your NGO.

Affordable Pricing for Nonprofits

Our 12A registration service is designed to be budget-friendly for NGOs, charitable trusts, and societies. Mequintrax offers fixed, transparent pricing—no hidden charges—making tax-exempt status accessible and affordable for new and existing nonprofit organizations seeking long-term financial sustainability.

PAN India NGO Compliance Services

Mequintrax offers 12A registration services across India—from metro cities to rural areas. Whether you run an educational trust, charitable society, or religious institution, we help you secure your 12A certificate legally and efficiently, regardless of your location.

End-to-End Compliance Support

Beyond registration, Mequintrax supports NGOs with compliance services like 80G registration, annual return filing, and renewal of tax-exempt status. Our advisory ensures your organization remains eligible for government grants, CSR funding, and donor confidence with proper legal structure and reporting.

Trusted by NGOs & Social Enterprises

Hundreds of NGOs and social organizations across India trust Mequintrax for 12A and 80G registrations. Our commitment to transparency, expertise, and timely delivery makes us the go-to compliance partner for those committed to driving social change through legitimate, tax-exempt operations.

? What is 12A Registration and Why is it Important?

? Who Can Apply for 12A Registration in India?

? How Does Mequintrax Help with 12A Registration?

? What is the Benefit of 12A Registration?

? Is 12A Registration Mandatory for NGOs?

? What Documents Are Required for 12A Registration?

? How Long Does It Take to Get 12A Registration?

? Is 12A Registration Permanent?

? Can I Apply for 80G and 12A Together?

? Why Choose Mequintrax for 12A Registration?


Start tracking your Registeration

WhatsApp
Chat with us

Enter your WhatsApp number and email to start chatting with us: