Give your mission a legal identity that lasts.
A Section 8 Company is India's premier structure for non-profits, NGOs, and social enterprises — offering corporate credibility, tax benefits, and limited liability for your charitable work.
Starting at Just
Your NGO Incorporated in Just 10 Days*
*Timeline is indicative and may vary based on document verification and government processing.
What is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company is a type of company incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 with the objective of promoting commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, or environmental protection. Unlike other companies, a Section 8 Company is prohibited from distributing dividends or profits to its members — all surpluses must be applied towards promoting the company's stated charitable objectives. It requires a special licence from the Central Government (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) and is recognised as a non-profit entity with significant tax exemption eligibility under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Who Should Incorporate a Section 8 Company?
Key characteristics:
Non-Profit
No dividend distribution to members allowed
12A & 80G
Eligible for key income tax exemptions
MCA Regulated
Highest transparency among non-profit forms
NGOs and charitable organisations seeking formal corporate legal status
Social enterprises promoting education, health, environment, or rural development
Organisations planning to receive CSR funds from companies under Schedule VII
Institutions seeking 12A and 80G registration for tax-exempt operations
Religious or cultural organisations needing an incorporated body structure
Non-profits planning to receive foreign contributions (FCRA registration follows)
Foundations and trusts wanting enhanced credibility and MCA-regulated transparency
Documents Required
Directors
PAN, Aadhaar or Passport, address proof, passport-size photo, Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Registered Office
NOC from owner, utility bill or rent agreement for the proposed registered office address
MoA & AoA
Drafted by our team — must specify charitable objects with precision as required by MCA licensing
Declaration
INC-14 (declaration by Advocate/CS/CA/CMA) and INC-15 (declaration by applicants) as required
Item
Details
PAN, Aadhaar or Passport, address proof, passport-size photo, Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
NOC from owner, utility bill or rent agreement for the proposed registered office address
Drafted by our team — must specify charitable objects with precision as required by MCA licensing
INC-14 (declaration by Advocate/CS/CA/CMA) and INC-15 (declaration by applicants) as required
Key Features of a Section 8 Company
Central Government Licence Required:
Unlike other companies, a Section 8 Company requires a specific licence from the Central Government (MCA) before incorporation. Our team manages the entire licence application process.
Limited Liability for Members:
Despite being a non-profit, members enjoy the protection of limited liability — personal assets are shielded from the company's obligations.
12A and 80G Eligibility:
Post-incorporation, the company can apply for 12A (income tax exemption) and 80G (donor deduction eligibility) to maximise fundraising potential.
No Stamp Duty on MoA/AoA:
Section 8 Companies are exempt from paying stamp duty on their Memorandum and Articles of Association, reducing incorporation costs.
CSR Fund Eligibility:
Eligible to receive CSR contributions from corporates for qualifying Schedule VII activities — a major funding source for non-profits.
FCRA Registration Path:
After 3 years of operation, a Section 8 Company can apply for FCRA registration to legally receive foreign contributions for charitable activities.
Compliance & Benefits
Ongoing Compliance
- File annual return (MGT-7) and financial statements (AOC-4) with MCA
- Maintain proper accounts and get them audited by a Chartered Accountant
- Hold board meetings and Annual General Meeting as required under the Companies Act
- Renew 12A and 80G registrations as required and comply with FCRA if applicable
Benefits
- Corporate legal identity with limited liability — superior to unincorporated trusts
- Income tax exemption under 12A on surplus applied to charitable purposes
- 80G approval enables donors to claim 50% deduction — boosts fundraising
- Eligible for CSR funding from listed companies under the Companies Act
- Stamp duty exemption on MoA/AoA — lower cost of incorporation
How It Works
Share Your Details
Fill a short form or call us. We collect your requirements and all documents online — no physical visit needed.
Expert Assignment
A dedicated specialist with expertise in your service category is assigned to your case within 24 hours of payment.
Work in Progress
Your expert prepares documents, files applications with the relevant authority, and follows up on your behalf.
Delivery
Your registration certificate, legal document, or filed return is delivered digitally to your Golden Verdict dashboard.
Get Your NGO Incorporated Without Any Hassle
Complete Section 8 Company registration with Central Government licence, MoA/AoA drafting, and 12A/80G guidance.
Starting at Just
Get Your NGO Incorporated Without Any Hassle
Complete Section 8 Company registration with Central Government licence, MoA/AoA drafting, and 12A/80G guidance.
Starting at Just
Why Golden Verdict For
Section 8 Company Registration?
Section 8 Company registration involves a two-stage process — first, obtaining a licence from the Central Government, and second, the standard incorporation under the Companies Act. The MoA must precisely articulate the charitable objects in language acceptable to the MCA. Golden Verdict's legal team has extensive experience navigating the Central Government licensing process, drafting compliant MoAs, and providing post-incorporation guidance on 12A registration, 80G approval, and FCRA compliance for NGOs receiving foreign contributions.
Social impact needs a strong legal foundation. Golden Verdict builds it for your organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Section 8 Company and an NGO Trust or Society?+
Can a Section 8 Company receive CSR funds?+
What tax benefits does a Section 8 Company receive?+
How many directors and members are required?+
Can a Section 8 Company pay salaries to its founders or directors?+
Ready to get your Section 8 Company Registration?
A Section 8 Company is India's premier structure for non-profits, NGOs, and social enterprises — offering corporate credibility, tax benefits, and limited liability for your charitable work.
“Social impact needs a strong legal foundation. Golden Verdict builds it for your organisation.”
Built for Indian founders, CFOs, and operators.