12a and 80g Registration in Kochi Online - Process, Documents, Benefits, Cost

What is 12A and 80G Registration in Kochi?

As a registered NGO, you will want to know about 12A and 80G.

• 12A registration allows NGOs and trusts to be exempted from paying income tax on their surplus income.
• 80G registration allows donors to your organization to claim a tax deduction on the donation they made to you.

Both are essential to the development of any NGO or charity organization wishing to increase its scope of activity.

Why 12A and 80G Registration Matters for Kochi NGOs

Kochi boasts of thousands of NGOs that are struggling to collect funds and make a difference. Within such a competitive environment of donations, CSR funding, and government grants. Having 12A and 80G registration can really give your NGO an edge. Here’s why:

Builds Donor Trust

Donors are more confident in donating to a NGO which is officially registered and recognizable by the government.

Opens Doors to CSR Funding

It is easier for NGOs with 12A and 80G approval to receive donations from many companies through their CSR funds.

Tax Benefits for Everyone

Your NGO will not have to pay income tax on donations and your donors can claim tax deductions too.

Key Benefits of 12a and 80g registration in Kochi

• Income tax exemption for the NGO under Section 12A:
  Once your NGO is registered under 12A, you do not have to pay income tax on the donations or grants you receive. It implies that there are more funds to stay with your organization to support your mission.
• 50% tax deduction for donors under Section 80G:
  Individuals and Companies who donate to your NGO to support your cause can claim a 50% deduction on their income tax. This makes it easier to attract donors, since they also benefit when they support your work.
• Enhanced credibility and transparency:
  Once your NGO is officially registered under 12A and 80G. It implies that you are fully compliant with laws and accountable. Due to these certificates Donors, corporates, and government organizations are more likely to trust and support you.
• Required for CSR and foreign funding applications:
  Most companies will only give CSR donations to NGOs with these registrations. It is also usually necessary when applying for foreign funding thus it opens for you to have additional chances of growing your impact.

Who Can Apply for 12A and 80G Registration in Kochi?

If you are running a non-profit in Kochi, you may be eligible for 12A and 80G registration. The following types of organizations can apply:

• Registered Trusts
• Societies
• Section 8 Companies

To qualify, your organization must also:

• A clear charitable objective: Your goals should focus on public good like education, health, poverty relief, environment, or similar areas.
• No income being distributed to members: All income and donations received should go back into your mission not into the pockets of trustees, directors, or members.

Eligibility Criteria for 12A and 80G Registration in Kochi

In order to obtain 12A registration, as well as 80G certificate, your NGO needs to meet the requirements stated below:

• The NGO should serve the public at large and not just a particular religious group or caste.
• If your NGO’s yearly income exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh, then your financial statements must be audited by a certified auditor.
• Your NGO should be a registered Trust, Society, or a Section 8 Company under the respective Act.

The List of Documents to be submitted under 12A and 80G Certificate in Kochi

In order to apply 12A and 80G Registration in Kochi, the following list of documents will have to be collected by your NGO:

• NGO’s PAN Card
• Registration Certificate as Trust Deed, MOA for Society or Certificate of Incorporation for Section 8
• NOC of a property owner in case your registered office is on rent
• Utility bill such as electricity or water bill as a proof of office address
• Financial statements for past 3 years
• The trustees or directors Aadhaar and PAN
• List of donors, especially those who donated in the last year
• Activity report which shows summary of your NGO’s work and impact
• Darpan Portal ID, if available

Application Process for 12A and 80G Registration in Kochi Online

If you are running an NGO in Kochi and want to save tax and attract more donors. Here is a simple step by step process to help you through the online registration of for 12A and 80G:

1. Register on the Income Tax Portal: Get yourself registered on Income tax portal using your contact details
2. File Form 10A for 12A approval: Choose the appropriate form for getting tax exemption for your NGO’s income.
   • If your are a newly incorporated NGO, apply for provisional registration valid for 3 years.
   • If it’s already running for a few years then go for regular registration valid for 5 years.
3. Submit Form 10G for 80G approval: After filing 10A, now apply for 80G so that your donors can get tax deductions on the amount they donate to your NGO.
4. Upload Documents: You will need to scan and upload documents like NGOs Pan card, registered office address proof, Trust deed or MOA or Certificate of Incorporation, list of donors and activity report during application.
5. Scrutiny and Approval: After submission of application, the Income Tax Department may ask you for extra documents or queries. You will need to respond within 30 day, so check your email and portal regularly.
6. Issuance of Certificate: Once everything is verified and approved by Income Tax department. It will issue online 12A and 80G certificates and Unique Registration Number. You can download and use them to show and attract more donors, corporates, and funding bodies for donations.

Fees and Charges for 12A and 80G Registration in Kochi

It is recommended to take help from a Professionals or CA such as Legalfidelity,

The Professional service for 12a and 80g registration in Kochi fees range from Rs 7000-12000 depending upon the complexity.

All the complicated legal compliance processes take place, rapidly, and professionally with us and this leaves you the time to concentrate on what is important making a social impact.

Validity & Renewal for 12A and 80G Registration in Kochi

Thanks to the Finance Act 2020, all NGOs old and new must now follow the new validity and renewal rules:

Provisional registration for newly registered NGO:

• Newly incorporated NGO must registered itself for provisional registration with valid for 3 years.
• Must apply for permanent registration at least 6 months before expiry of Provisional registration.

Permanent registration:

• Existing NGO may apply for permanent registration, which is valid for 5 years.

The application of renewal should be done at least half a year before expiry.

Failure to renew before the expiry date means that your registration becomes lapsed and you would have to begin afresh.

12A and 80G Registration in Kochi – Specific Tips

• Your application is reviewed by Exemption Commissioner of Income Tax Kochi Zone.
• Officers handle many applications, so delays are common and ensure to respond quickly to any notice or query within 30 days.
• Keep proper audited books, donation receipts, and financial statements. These will be required if there’s a review or audit.

After getting 80G approval, you must apply for CSR Registration through MCA portal. This is a requirement to accept corporate donations under CSR.

Timeline & Forms

Stage	Form	Timeline
Apply for 12A	Form 10A	Week 1
Apply for 80G	Form 10G	After 12A filed
Review & Queries (if any)	—	Within 30 days
Final Approval	—	Within 1–3 months
Renewal Before Expiry	Same forms	6 months before expiry

Conclusion

It is not only a formal requirement that is required to avail 12A and 80G registration in Kochi though a NGO operating there also needs the registration as a matter of long term success and sustainability. These registrations help you to operate tax free and attract more donors who can also benefit in form of deductions. It also a mandatory requirement to qualify for CSR donations and apply for government or foreign grants. It will also contribute towards developing trust and credibility among the donors, corporates and the general public.

With updated rules and government shifting everything online and simplifying the process. Getting registered has become much easier as long as your documents are in correct and proper and you respond to queries or notices on time.

Want help filing your NGO’s 12A and 80G in Kochi?

Get in touch with LegalFidelity today and get easy to work with, timely and cost effective services without any burdensome fees, so you may concentrate on what really matters building social impact.