For any non-profit organization in India, registering under sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act is essential. These registrations not only provide tax exemptions for the organization but also allow donors to claim tax benefits. In 2025, the process has become easier with the ability to online apply for 12A and 80G through the Income Tax portal. In this blog, we answer the top FAQs about the online apply for 12A and 80G process.
1. What is 12A and 80G Registration?
Section 12A registration allows a non-profit to claim tax exemption on its income. Section 80G enables donors to claim tax deductions for donations made to the organization. Both are critical if you want to run a legitimate NGO in India. The good news is that you can now online apply for 12A and 80G together in a streamlined manner.
2. Who Can Apply for 12A and 80G?
Any charitable trust, society, or Section 8 company can online apply for 12A and 80G. Whether your NGO is newly registered or has been operating for years, applying for these registrations ensures better credibility and access to government and corporate funding.
3. What Documents Are Required?
To online apply for 12A and 80G, you’ll need:
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PAN Card of the NGO
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Certificate of Registration
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Trust Deed or Memorandum of Association
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Details of trustees or directors
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Audited financial statements (if available)
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Activity reports
Make sure all documents are scanned and ready before you start the process to online apply for 12A and 80G.
4. What is the Procedure in 2025?
In 2025, the Income Tax Department has continued to refine the process. Here are the steps to online apply for 12A and 80G:
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Visit the Income Tax E-Filing portal.
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Log in using your NGO's PAN credentials.
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Navigate to the “e-File” section and select “Income Tax Forms”.
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Choose Form 10A (for fresh registration).
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Fill in all details accurately and upload the required documents.
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Submit the application with a digital signature.
Once you online apply for 12A and 80G, you will receive an ARN (Application Reference Number) to track the status.
5. How Long Does It Take?
The timeline after you online apply for 12A and 80G varies. Typically, it can take 2–3 months. If the application is complete and clear, approvals are usually faster. The IT Department may also request clarifications or additional documents.
6. Is It Mandatory to Renew the Registration?
Yes. As per recent amendments, NGOs must renew their 12A and 80G registrations periodically. You can also online apply for 12A and 80G renewal via Form 10AB.
Conclusion
The ability to online apply for 12A and 80G has made it simpler for NGOs to comply with tax regulations while boosting transparency. Whether you're setting up a new non-profit or maintaining an existing one, completing this process in 2025 is easier and more accessible than ever. Always keep your documents updated and follow the latest guidelines to ensure a smooth application.
Still confused about how to online apply for 12A and 80G? Consider consulting a tax professional or NGO consultant to make the process even easier!