Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Trust, society, limited liability company
Five main social issues addressed by these organizations: Higher education, primary and high school education, basic needs, animals, human rights
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 31-60 days
There are multiple levels of registration:
1) To register as a trust or society in certain states of India could take up to 90 days.
2) Tax exemption and tax deduction licenses could take an additional 90 days.
3) Obtaining a license to receive foreign funds could take additional 90 days.
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: US$500
Professional fees charged by lawyers and accountants to register POs could vary between US$500 to US$1,000, even though the registration fees are only about US$15.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Central/federal government, state government
Charity in India is a state subject under the constitution. Hence, registration of a trust or society is at the state level. However, income tax is under central or federal law, and tax exemption and deduction is regulated by the central government.
View the full India country report