already incorporated? make your NGO tax-exempt.

What's the difference between 12A and 80G?

They're two distinct benefits. 12A registration exempts your NGO's own income from income tax — it benefits the organisation. 80G registration lets your donors claim a tax deduction on their donation to you — it benefits the donor, not the NGO's own tax position. Many founders assume the two are the same thing; they aren't.

Do I need both 12A and 80G?

Most NGOs apply for both together, since they're filed using the same forms — Form 10A for a fresh application, Form 10AB for renewal — and processed on the same income tax e-filing portal. You could hold only 12A, but without 80G your donors get no deduction for their contribution, which affects your ability to raise donations.

How long is the registration valid?

Provisional registration is valid for 3 years from the year it's granted, or your first year of activity. Regular (permanent) registration is normally valid for 5 years — but under a Finance Act 2025 amendment, if your organisation's total income before claiming the 11/12 exemption stays under ₹5 crore in each of the 2 preceding years, your renewed 12A registration can get 10-year validity instead of 5 — confirm with your CA how this applies to 80G. Renewal must be filed at least 6 months before expiry.

What is Form 10BD and why does it matter?

Form 10BD is an annual statement of donations received that your NGO must file with the income tax department once you hold 80G registration. After it's filed, your donors receive a Form 10BE certificate — the document they actually need to claim their 80G deduction. It's an ongoing annual compliance step, not a one-time filing, and missing it means your donors can't claim their deduction even if your registration itself is valid.

Can a Trust or Society apply, or only a Section 8 Company?

Any of the three — Section 8 Company, Trust, or Society — can apply for 12A and 80G registration. It isn't exclusive to Section 8 companies. The requirement is that your organisation is already registered under one of these structures, with a governing document (MOA, Trust Deed, or Society bylaws) that clearly states your charitable objects.

How much does it cost, and how long does it take?

Shunya's professional fee is ₹1,999. Any government or third-party costs are billed separately. Share your registration certificate and governing document with us and a CA will walk you through the full cost on your first call. We don't quote a fixed timeline upfront; your CA will confirm a realistic timeline once your documents are reviewed.