A Tax Exemption Certificate is an official approval from the Income Tax Department that allows NGOs, charitable trusts, and other non-profit institutions to claim tax relief on income and offer tax deductions to donors. This certificate primarily includes 12A registration, which exempts the NGO’s income from tax, and 80G registration, which allows donors to claim tax deductions on their contributions. These registrations not only help organizations save money but also attract more donations by offering tax benefits to contributors. It establishes your organization as a credible and law-abiding entity, increasing public trust and opening doors to government and CSR funding.
Both registrations are valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiry to continue the benefits. These registrations not only help in maximizing funds but also enhance credibility while applying for CSR funds or government schemes.
If your organization qualifies, get registered with the expert assistance of Udyog Suvidha Kendra and start benefiting from legal tax relief.
Organizations involved in charitable, religious, educational, or social welfare activities can apply for a Tax Exemption Certificate under Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act. This certification enables tax benefits for the organization and its donors, ensuring legal compliance and financial sustainability.
These organizations must not engage in profit distribution or activities that violate the charitable purpose.
These organizations must not engage in profit distribution or activities that violate the charitable purpose.
To apply for a Tax Exemption Certificate under Sections 12A and 80G, the following documents are generally required. These help verify the legal standing, financial transparency, and charitable nature of your organization:
Trust deed, society registration certificate, or Section 8 company license.
Permanent Account Number registered under the entity's name.
Governing documents outlining the objectives and structure of the organization.
Name, PAN, Aadhaar, address, and designation of all managing persons.
Audited income and expenditure statements for the last 3 years (if available).
Summary of the work and initiatives carried out by the organization.
Cancelled cheque and account proof in the organization’s name.
In case you’re applying for revalidation.
For online submission through the income tax portal.
Proof of registered office address.
Additional documents may be requested based on your organizational structure or legal status.
Registering for a Tax Exemption Certificate under Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act involves a structured process to ensure legal recognition and eligibility for tax benefits. Below is a detailed breakdown of the registration process:
Prepare key documents including NGO registration certificate, PAN card, Trust Deed or MOA & AOA, audited financial statements for the last three years, activity reports, and identity/address proof of trustees or office bearers.
The organization must register on the official Income Tax e-Filing Portal using its PAN. This portal is used for submitting applications, uploading documents, and tracking the registration status.
● Use Form 10A for new registrations under Section 12A and/or 80G.
● Use Form 10AB for re-registration or modification of existing certificates.
Fill in details such as nature of activities, organizational objectives, financials, and governing body information.
Submit all the supporting documents along with the application. The application must be digitally signed using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) or verified through an Electronic Verification Code (EVC).
The department will verify the information and documents submitted. If required, they may raise additional queries or request clarifications. Timely and accurate responses are crucial for smooth processing.
Upon successful verification, the organization will receive the 12A and/or 80G registration certificates, generally valid for a period of five years. These certificates are available for download from the Income Tax portal.
If you're eligible and want a seamless registration experience, get started with expert assistance from Udyog Suvidha Kendra.
We manage everything—from document verification to form submission and follow-ups—with complete transparency and support.
Understanding the cost involved and the time it takes to obtain a Tax Exemption Certificate is crucial for effective planning. Here’s a clear breakdown of both government charges and the estimated duration for approval.
Udyog Suvidha Kendra provides affordable and transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
We recommend keeping all paperwork ready and ensuring prompt replies to avoid delays.
After obtaining the 12A and 80G Tax Exemption Certificates, your organization must meet ongoing compliance requirements to retain the benefits. Proper record-keeping, timely renewals, and mandatory filings ensure uninterrupted tax exemption and legal standing.
As per the amended Income Tax Rules, registrations under 12A and 80G must be renewed every 5 years. The renewal must be applied for at least six months before expiry using Form 10AB. Organizations that fail to renew on time may lose their tax exemption status and face penalties.
To maintain compliance:
● Submit annual returns using Form 10B (if income exceeds limits).
● Maintain audit reports and books of accounts as per IT Act.
● Report all donations accurately to the Income Tax Department.
● Ensure donors receive valid donation receipts with PAN and registration
details.
Non-compliance can lead to cancellation of the certificate and legal consequences. Udyog Suvidha Kendra helps you stay compliant year after year.
Expert Guidance & Error-Free Documentation
Our experienced team ensures all documents are accurately prepared and verified, helping you avoid common errors and rejections in the tax exemption registration process.
Fast Processing & Follow-Up with Authorities
We handle the entire process swiftly, from submission to coordination with tax authorities, ensuring your application moves smoothly without unnecessary delays or legal complications.
End-to-End Support for NGOs, Trusts & Societies
From eligibility checks to final certification, we provide complete assistance tailored to your organization type, ensuring a stress-free and reliable experience throughout the registration journey.