A society is an association of individuals united by a common purpose. These members work together to achieve shared goals related to culture, education, science, or social welfare. The Society Registration Act, 1860 governs the registration and operation of societies in India. Registering a society is essential for legal recognition and effective functioning in pursuit of its objectives.

Reasons for Society Registration

• Support for arts and cultural development
• Spreading political and educational awareness
• Contributing to charitable trusts
• Promoting literature, science, and useful knowledge
• Creating funds for military orphans
• Setting up public museums, galleries, and libraries
• Preserving natural history collections
• Showcasing mechanical and philosophical inventions

Documents Required for Online Society Registration

• PAN cards of each and every member of the society
• Account statement
• Utility Bill, driving license, and aadhaar card
• Passport
• Articles of Association (AoA)
• Terms and conditions of the society
• Guidelines to join the society
• Address proof
• Information of all the participant

Purpose of Society Registration

Society registration establishes a legal entity that can own property, sign contracts, and engage in legal proceedings. It formalizes a voluntary group formed for a shared goal.

Key purposes include:

• Granting legal identity to the society to operate independently
• Defining rules and governance through the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Safeguarding members’ rights and outlining responsibilities

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

The MOA must be submitted to the Registrar of Societies in the respective state. This document outlines the society's structure and purpose and is essential for legal registration.

The MOA must include:

• Society name
• Purpose of the society
• Registered office address
• Names and addresses of founding members
• Rules and regulations

Amendments to the MOA require approval from the society’s members and must be filed with the Registrar.

Benefits of Society Registration

• Grants the society a legal identity to own property and enter contracts
• Establishes a structured framework to manage operations
• Safeguards members’ rights and responsibilities
• Eases access to funding and government support

Legal consultation is recommended to ensure the MOA is drafted correctly and follows all legal requirements.

Online Society Registration in India

Online society registration must follow the process outlined in the Societies Registration Act. Below are the key requirements:

• Members: Minimum of 7 members for a state society; for a national-level society, at least 8 members from different states, including one from Delhi.
• Jurisdiction: Based on the location of the society's registered office; registration must be done before the local District Registrar.
• Governing Act: The Societies Registration Act, 1986 governs the registration process.
• Property Management: Property is held in the society’s name and may be sold as per its byelaws.
• Dissolution: On dissolution, debts must be cleared, and remaining assets donated to a similar society. Funds cannot be distributed among members.
• Executive Committee: Typically includes a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
• Annual Compliance: A list of managing committee members (name, address, and roles) must be filed yearly with the Registrar.

How to Check Society Registration Status Online

You can check society registration status using two methods:

• Registrar of Societies (ROS) Website:
  Visit your state’s ROS portal, enter the society name and registration number to view current status.
• Third-Party Websites:
  Paid platforms are also available to fetch registration details using society name and number. These sites extract data from the official ROS portals.

Society Compliances Post Registration

• Apply for a PAN card in the name of the society
• Open a dedicated bank account
• Maintain proper accounting and bookkeeping records
• File annual Income Tax returns
• Register for GST or Professional Tax, if applicable
• Meet Registrar of Societies requirements – submit AGM resolutions, financial statements, and an updated member list annually

Applicability of Tax Exemption

Many believe societies are automatically tax-exempt due to their charitable work, but this is incorrect. Like any legal entity, societies must pay taxes unless they obtain proper exemptions. To qualify, a society must apply for certificates under sections like 12A and 80G from the Income Tax Department.

Society Registration Renewal Online

Renewal steps may vary by state, but the general process includes:

• Check deadlines: Most societies must renew registration annually or biennially.
• Prepare documents: Original registration certificate, bylaws, AGM minutes, and office bearers list.
• Visit official portal: Log in using society credentials.
• Enter details: Fill in name, registration number, and office address.
• Upload documents: As per specified format and size.
• Pay renewal fee: Use available online payment options.
• Submit and track: Review application before submitting and monitor status online.

Why Choose Sperso Filings?

At Sperso Filings, we offer complete guidance throughout the Online Society Registration process. Our experts understand your specific needs and handle everything—from document preparation to online submission—without requiring your physical presence.

We manage every step, keep you updated on progress, and ensure all filings are legally compliant. Your data is secure, and our dedicated support team is always available to answer your queries. Register your society with confidence through Sperso Filings.

Recent Updates on Society Registration (Updated 2025)

With the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act, 2021 now in force, stricter rules have been introduced for NGOs and societies, particularly regarding foreign funding.

Key highlights:

• Disqualification Rule: Any individual convicted and sentenced to two years or more by a court is now barred from holding any position or membership in a registered society.
• The amendment received Presidential assent and was officially enforced from July 18, 2021.
• The Act governs the registration and functioning of literary, scientific, charitable societies, including NGOs and educational bodies.
• In Uttar Pradesh alone, the Act covers over 3.5 lakh registered societies.

This update aims to enhance transparency and accountability in society operations, especially those receiving international contributions.