Overview of Online Section 8 Company Registration
A Section 8 Company is registered with the objective of promoting art, science, commerce, education, sports, research, social welfare, religion, charity, or environmental protection, among other purposes of public benefit.
Once the registration process is successfully completed, the company is legally permitted to operate across India, furthering its mission without the intent of profit distribution to its members.
Key Highlights of Section 8 Company Registration
Here are some important points to consider when registering a Section 8 Company in India:
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in India can register either under the Registrar of Societies or as a non-profit entity under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- Any income generated by a Section 8 Company must be used solely for promoting its social objectives and cannot be distributed as profits to its members or shareholders.
- These companies must adhere to all provisions of the Companies Act, including maintaining financial records, filing annual returns with the Registrar of Companies, and complying with GST and Income Tax regulations.
- Any modifications to key legal documents such as the Memorandum of Association (MoA) or Articles of Association (AoA) require prior approval from the central government.
Benefits of Registering a Section 8 Company in India
Registering a Section 8 Company offers several unique advantages for individuals and organizations focused on social welfare, charitable causes, and not-for-profit objectives. Here are the key benefits:
1. Tax Exemptions
- Section 8 companies registered under Section 12AA of the Income Tax Act are eligible for 100% tax exemption, as all income must be utilized solely for charitable or social purposes. This makes them highly efficient for non-profit operations, with no tax liability on surplus income.
2: No Minimum Capital Requirement
- Unlike public limited companies, Section 8 companies are not required to maintain a minimum paid-up capital. They have the flexibility to modify their capital structure as needed for growth and operations, providing greater financial freedom.
3: Separate Legal Identity
- A Section 8 Company is a separate legal entity with perpetual succession, just like any other registered company. This ensures long-term stability, legal recognition, and the ability to own assets and enter into contracts independently.
4: Enhanced Credibility
- Due to the stringent compliance requirements under the Companies Act, Section 8 companies are perceived as more credible and trustworthy compared to other forms of non-profit entities like NGOs and trusts. Their transparent governance increases trust among donors, institutions, and government bodies.
5: Flexibility in Naming
- Section 8 companies are not obligated to include the words Section 8 in their company name. This provides greater flexibility and professionalism in choosing a name that aligns with the organization's mission.
Key Legal Requirements for Section 8 Company Registration
To register a Section 8 Company in India, the following legal criteria must be fulfilled based on the company type:
Legal Requirement | Private Limited Company | Public Limited Company |
|---|
Minimum Directors | At least 2 directors | At least 3 directors |
Minimum Members | Maximum of 200 members (as per MCA guidelines) | No limit on the number of members |
Capital Requirement & Naming | No minimum capital required; no specific naming format mandated | No minimum capital required; no specific naming format mandated |
Company Objectives | Must be formed for non-profit purposes only | Must operate with non-profit objectives, and any profits must be reinvested in the company or used for charitable activities |
Documents Required for Section 8 Company Registration
To complete the registration process of a Section 8 Company in India, the following documents are required:
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
- Declaration by the first directors and subscribers (affidavit not mandatory)
- Proof of registered office address, such as a recent utility bill (electricity, water, or gas)
- Certificate of incorporation of a foreign corporate entity (if applicable)
- Board resolution passed by the promoting company or entity
- Consent of nominee in Form INC-3
- Identity and address proof of the directors and subscribers
- Proof of residence of the applicant
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of all proposed directors and subscribers
Eligibility Criteria for Section 8 Company Incorporation
To incorporate a Section 8 Company in India, the following eligibility conditions must be met:
- An Individual, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), or a Registered Company is eligible to apply for Section 8 Company registration.
- A minimum of two individuals must act as shareholders or directors, and they must comply with all legal requirements for incorporation.
- At least one director must be a resident of India.
- The primary objective of the company must be to promote activities such as sports, social welfare, science, arts, education, or financial assistance to underprivileged sections of society.
- Any surplus income or profits must be reinvested in achieving the company's core objectives.
- The founders, directors, and members of the company cannot draw any salary or remuneration.
- No profit distribution, either direct or indirect, is allowed among company members or leaders.
- The company must have a clear three-year project plan and a defined vision for its activities and impact.
Annual Compliance Requirements for Section 8 Companies
Section 8 Companies must adhere to the following mandatory annual compliances to remain legally compliant and in good standing:
1. Filing of Annual Return with MCA
- Section 8 Companies are required to file an annual return with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). This return must include details about the company's activities, financial performance, and governance structure for the financial year.
2. Filing of Statement of Accounts and Solvency
- An annual Statement of Accounts and Solvency must also be filed with the MCA. This document provides a summary of the company's assets, liabilities, income, and expenditure.
3. Statutory Audit
- If a Section 8 Company has an annual turnover exceeding ₹40 lakhs or capital contribution over ₹25 lakhs, it is mandatory to get its financial records audited by a Chartered Accountant.
4. Income Tax Return Filing
- Regardless of whether the company is liable to pay tax or not, it must file an annual income tax return with the Income Tax Department.
Donations and Funding Options for Section 8 Companies
A Section 8 Company is not permitted to raise capital through public deposits, but it can legally accept donations from individuals and organizations. Funding can be raised through various channels, including:
1. Domestic Donations
- Section 8 Companies can freely accept donations from domestic sources.
- There are no specific restrictions on domestic contributions.
- However, it is crucial to implement a robust financial tracking system to ensure transparency and prevent misuse or money laundering.
2. Foreign Contributions
- Foreign donations are allowed only if the company is registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
- FCRA registration can be applied for after completing three years of incorporation.
- In cases where foreign funding is needed before three years, the company can apply for prior approval from the relevant regulatory authority or commissioner.
3. Equity Funding
- Although profit-sharing is prohibited, equity-based funding is possible by issuing new equity shares at a premium, provided it aligns with the company's non-profit objectives.
Section 12AA and 80G Registration for Section 8 Companies
Registering a Section 8 Company under Section 12AA and obtaining approval under Section 80G offers valuable tax advantages and boosts donor confidence.
- Section 12AA Registration: – Grants income tax exemption for the company, provided its income is utilized strictly for charitable purposes. This ensures that more funds are directed toward social impact rather than tax liabilities.
- Section 80G Registration: – Enables donors to claim tax deductions on their contributions, making the organization more appealing to individual and corporate donors and thereby enhancing fundraising opportunities.
Note:
For Section 8 Companies, 80G registration is valid until March 2025. To continue availing tax benefits for Assessment Year 2025–2026, it must be renewed in March 2025.
At CapEasy, we simplify the Section 12AA and 80G registration process, helping your organization secure critical tax exemptions and attract donor support with complete ease and compliance.
Streamline Section 8 Company Registration with CapEasy
CapEasy is your trusted partner for hassle-free Section 8 Company registration in India. Our expert team and efficient online process make it easy for entrepreneurs, NGOs, and social ventures to set up legally compliant, not-for-profit organizations focused on charitable and social welfare activities.
From initial consultation and document preparation to filing and securing approvals, CapEasy handles the entire registration process with professionalism and speed—ensuring you meet all legal requirements under the Companies Act, 2013.
Get in touch with CapEasy today to kickstart your Section 8 Company registration and bring your social impact vision to life.
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