The Complete Guide to Society Compliance in India
Everything you need to know about annual filings, renewals, and statutory requirements for registered societies — in plain language.
Why compliance matters
A registered society is a legal entity, and with that status comes a set of ongoing statutory obligations. Missing them can mean penalties, loss of tax exemptions, or even de-registration. The good news: with a clear calendar and the right system, staying compliant is entirely manageable.
The annual filing cycle
Most societies must file an annual list of managing committee members with the Registrar of Societies, along with audited accounts. The exact form and deadline depend on your state Act — for example, the Societies Registration Act as adopted by your state.
- Hold your Annual General Meeting (AGM) and adopt accounts
- Get accounts audited by a qualified auditor
- File the annual return and list of office bearers with the Registrar
- Renew any lapsing registrations well before expiry
Tax registrations: 12A, 80G, and FCRA
If your society claims income-tax exemption (12A) or offers donors tax deductions (80G), these registrations must be kept current and, under the current regime, periodically revalidated. Organizations receiving foreign contributions additionally need FCRA registration and must file annual FC returns.
How SocietyConnect keeps you compliant
The platform builds a statutory calendar tailored to your registration type and state, sends reminders before every deadline, tracks your compliance score, and generates audit-ready statements — so nothing slips through the cracks.
Put this into practice — free
SocietyConnect automates compliance, finance, and governance for your society.
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