Trust Registration
Registration of charitable and private trusts with 12A/80G support.
Trusts are commonly used for charitable, religious or family estate-planning purposes. We assist with drafting the trust deed, registration with the local registrar, and subsequent 12A and 80G registration with the Income Tax Department so that donors can claim tax deduction on contributions.
Why this matters for your business
- Legal recognition as a distinct entity for charitable activity
- 12A registration exempts the trust's income from tax
- 80G registration allows donors to claim tax deduction
- Structured governance through a properly drafted trust deed
What you'll need to share
- PAN and address proof of settlor and trustees
- Trust deed on appropriate stamp paper
- Registered office address proof
- Photographs of settlor and trustees
- Objects and activities of the proposed trust
How It Works
A step-by-step guide to establishing a legally registered trust, from defining its purpose to the final certificate.
Define Objectives & Type
Determine the trust's purpose (charitable, religious, public, or private) and choose the trustees.
Draft Trust Deed
Create a comprehensive Trust Deed including name, address, objects, beneficiaries, and rules, then notarize it.
Document Preparation
Prepare all supporting documents required alongside the Trust Deed for submission.
Document Submission
Submit all required documents along with the Trust Deed and registration fee to the local Registrar of Trusts/Sub-Registrar.
Scrutiny & Verification
The Registrar verifies the documents and details, and may conduct an inquiry or site visit.
Receive Registration Certificate
Upon successful approval, the Registrar issues the final Registration Certificate, marking the legal existence of the trust.
Trust Registration questions, answered
A minimum of two trustees is generally required, including the settlor, with no upper limit on the number of trustees.
12A registration is not mandatory to exist as a trust, but without it the trust's income is taxable like any other entity.
Under the current regime, registration is typically granted for five years and must be renewed before expiry.
Limited commercial activity incidental to charitable objects is permitted subject to conditions; purely commercial activity can jeopardise tax-exempt status.
Ready to get started with Trust Registration?
Share a few details and our team will reach out with next steps within one business day.