In India, charitable and not-for-profit organizations such as trusts, societies, and NGOs can apply for income tax exemptions and donor benefits under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. These registrations offer two key benefits: exemption of income for the organization (12A) and tax deductions for donors (80G). Earlier, once granted, these registrations were valid for a lifetime. However, with the Finance Act, 2020, the government has made it mandatory for all such organizations to renew their 12A and 80G registrations every five years to ensure continued compliance and transparency.
The renewal of 12A and 80G registrations is now mandatory every five years to ensure that only active and compliant charitable organizations receive tax benefits. Previously granted permanently, these registrations were often misused by inactive entities. The renewal process promotes transparency, legal compliance, and accountability. It allows the Income Tax Department to regularly verify the organization’s activities and financial records. This system also boosts donor confidence, as it ensures their contributions remain tax-deductible. Additionally, it brings Indian NGO regulations in line with global best practices.
The renewal process is done online through the Income Tax E-Filing Portal. Here is a step-by-step overview:
Documents Required for Renewal
Organizations must keep the following documents ready while applying for renewal:
- PAN card of the organization.
- Certificate of registration under the applicable Act (Trusts Act, Societies Registration Act, Companies Act, etc.).
- Trust deed or Memorandum of Association (MOA).
- Audited financial statements of the last three years.
- Activity report of the organization.
- Copy of previous 12A and 80G certificates.
- List and ID proofs of trustees or key persons.
- FCRA registration certificate (if applicable).
- Bank account details and utility bill for address proof.
Make sure the documents are scanned clearly and uploaded in the required format (PDF preferred).
Fee Structure
| Particulars |
Estimated Fee (INR) |
Remarks |
| Government Fee |
₹0.00 |
No official fee for Form 10A/10AB filing |
| CA or Consultant (Basic Filing) |
₹5,000 – ₹7,500 |
For simple renewal with no major issues |
| CA or Consultant (Moderate Complexity) |
₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
Involves additional compliance, documentation, or clarifications |
| CA or Consultant (High Complexity) |
₹12,000 – ₹15,000+ |
For large NGOs, FCRA-registered orgs, or those with complex past records |
Timeline
For new registration: within 3 months of registration under any law.
For existing registered entities: reapply for renewal at least 6 months before expiry.
Processing time: Around 3 to 6 months, but varies depending on the department’s workload.
Conclusion
Renewal of 12A and 80G registration is an important step for any charitable organization aiming to maintain its tax-exempt status and donor trust. The updated rules bring more transparency and periodic checks to ensure that only genuinely functioning NGOs enjoy these benefits. While the process may seem slightly technical, with proper documentation and possibly professional help, it can be completed smoothly and timely.
Suggested Read :
Form 10G for 80G registration
Donation Under Section 80G
Section 80G of Income Tax Act
Difference between 12A and 80G
How to Download 12A and 80G Certificate?
FAQ
1. What if I forget to renew my 12A and 80G registrations?
Failure to renew will lead to loss of tax exemption, and donors will not get tax benefits, potentially affecting funding and compliance.
2. Can both 12A and 80G be renewed in the same application?
Yes, if your organization is eligible for both, they can be applied together, but they are reviewed and issued separately.
4. Do I need to provide proof of charitable activities for renewal?
Yes, an activity report and audited financials are required to show that your organization is actively working for charitable purposes as claimed during the initial registration.
5. Can a professional help me with the renewal process?
Absolutely. Chartered Accountants or tax consultants with experience in NGO compliance can assist with documentation, filing, and follow-up with the department, ensuring a smoother process.
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