Section 8 Company Registration
Empowering Social Impact Through Structured Compliance
A Section 8 Company is a not-for-profit entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013, aimed at promoting charitable objectives such as education, art, science, sports, social welfare, environmental protection, and other similar causes. The core philosophy of a Section 8 Company is reinvestment—where profits are channelled back into the mission rather than distributed as dividends.
At The Consulting Crew, we simplify the entire registration process for your Section 8 Company—offering expert legal guidance, documentation support, and complete end-to-end service to help you build a purpose-driven organization with a strong legal foundation.
What is a Section 8 Company?
- No profit distribution to members or directors.
- Separate legal identity, like a private or public company.
- Mandatory reinvestment of any surplus towards the stated objectives.
- Governed by strict compliance with the Companies Act, 2013.
Under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, this type of entity is registered with the sole intent of advancing social, charitable, and non-profit objectives. Key features include:
01
Purpose-Driven
Established for charitable, educational, religious, or environmental goals.
02
Legal Recognition
Enjoys separate legal entity status and perpetual succession.
04
Tax Exemptions
Eligible for tax exemptions under Sections 12AA and 80G of the Income Tax Act.
03
No Minimum Capital
Flexibility to start without a specified minimum paid-up capital.
05
Flexible Naming
No need to include “Private Limited” or “Limited” in the company name.
06
Strict Compliance
Must maintain books of accounts and file annual returns with MCA.
Key Features of Section 8 Companies
Advantages of Section 8 Company Registration
100% Tax Exemption
Exemption under 12AA; donors can claim deduction under 80G.
Separate Legal Entity
Company can own assets, sue, and be sued in its own name.
Credibility & Trust
High compliance builds public trust and corporate partnerships.
No Minimum Capital Requirement
Easy to start without capital restrictions.
No Stamp Duty
No stamp duty on MoA, AoA for Section 8 registration.
Directors
- Minimum 2 (Private Ltd structure) or 3 (Public Ltd structure)
- At least one must be a resident of India
Members
- No maximum limit for public structure; capped at 200 for private
Directors
- No maximum limit for public structure; capped at 200 for private
Name
- Must reflect purpose; no suffix like “Pvt Ltd” or “Ltd” required
Documents Required for Section 8 Company Registration
From Directors & Subscribers
- PAN Card & Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
- Address Proof (Bank Statement, Utility Bill)
Company-Related
- Proposed Company Name (with significance)
- Declaration of Unregistered Companies (if applicable)
- Articles of Association (AoA)
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- INC-3 (Consent of nominee, if applicable)
- Registered Office Proof (rent agreement/NOC + utility bill)
Section 8 Company Incorporation Process
Step 1: Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Obtain DSC for all directors to sign filings digitally.
Step 2: Director Identification Number (DIN)
Apply via DIR-3 if the director does not already have a DIN.
Step 3: Name Approval (SPICe+ Part A)
Reserve your company’s unique name via MCA portal.
Step 4: Incorporation Application (SPICe+ Part B)
File incorporation forms (INC-32) with MoA, AoA, and other details.
Step 5: Apply for License (Form INC-12)
Submit objectives, projections, and declarations to obtain MCA license.
Step 6: Receive Certificate of Incorporation (INC-16)
Upon approval, the Registrar issues the incorporation certificate.
Funding & Tax Compliance for Section 8 Companies
Acceptable Donations
Foreign donations (with FCRA approval), domestic donations, equity-based funding.
Tax Registrations
- Section 12AA: Tax exemption on income used for charitable purposes.
- Section 80G: Donors get tax deductions, boosting credibility.
Renewal Required
Registrations valid until March 2025 must be renewed to continue availing exemptions.
Post-Incorporation Compliance
Section 8 Companies must:
- Maintain books of accounts
- Conduct regular board meetings
- File annual returns with MCA
- Adhere to IT and GST compliance (if applicable)
- Update MCA in case of changes in MoA/AoA
Who Can Register a Section 8 Company?
- Indian citizens or HUFs
- Minimum 1 director (as per structure)
- Must have a clearly defined non-profit objective
Why Choose The Consulting Crew?
End-to-End Support
From documentation to license approval
MCA Compliant Filings
Fast-track your incorporation with zero errors
Tax Advisory
Guidance on Section 12AA & 80G registration
Experienced Experts
Professional consultation for NGOs, trusts, and foundations
Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs or unnecessary delays
