Country Overview
Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Society, Trust, Section 8 Company (LLC)
Main social issues addressed by these organizations: Education, Healthcare, Community and Economic Development, Environment, Rural Transformation
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 31-60 days
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: USD 15 - 400
Societies and Trusts are registered by State authorities having different requirements and therefore, the time may vary from state to state. Approximate time taken for preparation of documents and registration of the organization with the statutory authority is 15 days for a trust, 30 days for a society, and 40 days for a Section 8 company. Estimated cost for registration of a PO is USD 15 to USD 400. Registration of a trust requires a payment of fee of USD 15. Registration of a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 involves a fee which is less than a dollar. Registration of a Section 8 company can require a fee up to USD 350 to USD 400 depending on the professional managing the registration process.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Central/Federal Government, State Government
Registration of a trust or a society is at the state level but to avail tax exemptions and deductions, the POs need to work with the Income Tax Department which is under the central/federal government.