Nonprofit organizations in India operate with the intent of serving the public good. To strengthen their financial foundation and legal recognition, it’s essential for them to register under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act. The best part? You can now complete the entire process of 12A registrations online — no need to visit any government office physically.
Let’s understand how you can obtain your 12A certificate step-by-step without stepping out of your home or office.
Why 12A Registration Is Important
The 12A registration is a critical legal step for NGOs, trusts, and Section 8 companies. Once registered under 12A, the NGO becomes eligible for tax exemption on its income, provided the funds are used for charitable purposes.
More importantly, 12A registrations act as a gateway for:
Applying for 80G (donor tax benefits)
Receiving CSR funds from corporates
Qualifying for foreign funding via FCRA
Gaining public and institutional trust
Without 12A, your organization is treated as a taxable entity under Indian income tax laws — even if it’s non-profit in nature.
Can 12A Registrations Be Done Online?
Yes. Thanks to digital transformation in Indian governance, you can now file for 12A registrations completely online via the Income Tax e-Filing Portal:
? https://www.incometax.gov.in
This eliminates the need for visiting Income Tax offices or submitting physical paperwork. All documents are uploaded digitally, and approvals are issued electronically as well.
Online 12A Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Register on the Income Tax Portal
Log in using the PAN of your NGO or sign up if you are registering for the first time. Ensure the account is verified.
Step 2: Access Form 10A
Go to:
e-File → Income Tax Forms → File Income Tax Forms
Search for Form 10A, which is used for applying for both 12A and 80G registrations.
Step 3: Fill Organization Details
Complete the form with the following information:
Legal name and type of entity (Trust/Society/Section 8 company)
PAN, date of establishment
Address, email, and contact info
Nature of charitable activities
Step 4: Upload Documents
Prepare and upload the required scanned documents in PDF format. This includes:
PAN card of the NGO
Registration certificate (Trust Deed / MOA / Incorporation Certificate)
Identity PAN of founders/directors/trustees
Last 3 years’ financial statements (if applicable)
Activity report or a write-up on past programs
Utility bill or rent agreement as proof of address
Step 5: Verification
You’ll need to verify the submission using either:
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Or Aadhaar OTP of the authorized signatory
Step 6: Submission and Tracking
After verification, submit the application. You will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) to track your status. The Income Tax Department may take 2–4 weeks to process the application and issue the 12A certificate by email.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting expired or unclear documents
Not using the right format for the scanned files
Choosing the wrong section in the form (12A vs 80G)
Missing digital verification via DSC or Aadhaar OTP
Failing to respond to notices or clarifications
These errors can delay the approval or even cause rejection of your 12A registrations.
Do You Need a Consultant?
While the online system is more convenient, many NGOs still find the process complex, especially first-time applicants. If you’re unsure about how to prepare the required documents or respond to notices, it’s best to consult professionals.
Platforms like Ngoexperts specialize in NGO compliance and can help you:
Prepare and file Form 10A correctly
Ensure error-free document submission
Track the application
Handle queries from the Income Tax Department
With expert help, your 12A registrations become stress-free and faster.
Final Words
Getting 12A registration for your NGO is a vital step toward becoming a recognized, tax-exempt, and fundable organization. The best part is that today’s digital systems allow you to apply from anywhere — no paperwork, no long queues, no need to visit government offices.
Just gather your documents, access the e-filing portal, and follow the process as outlined. And if you’d rather focus on your mission than paperwork, let trusted experts like Taxlegit guide you.
