80G & 12A Registration in West Bengal

West Bengal's economy centres on Kolkata's long history as a trading and commercial hub, a substantial MSME base, agriculture, the well-known Darjeeling tea industry, and an emerging IT sector around Rajarhat and New Town. As philanthropic giving grows across West Bengal, 80G & 12A registration is what lets NGOs there capture that goodwill as tax-deductible support.

StartRight4U works with NGOs across West Bengal to get 80G & 12A registration and renewals done on time, every cycle.

80G & 12A Registration — What They Cover

12A registration exempts an NGO's own income from income tax, while 80G registration allows the NGO's donors to claim a deduction on their contribution — two related but distinct approvals from the Income Tax Department that most funders expect an NGO to hold together. Since 2021, both require periodic renewal rather than being permanent, one-time approvals.

Why an NGO Needs Both

An NGO without 12A pays tax on its surplus income just like a commercial entity, directly reducing funds available for its mission. Without 80G, donors receive no tax benefit for giving, which measurably discourages larger contributions from individuals and CSR programs alike. Together, these two registrations are what make an NGO sustainable and credible to serious funders.

Eligibility Criteria

• Registration as a trust, society, or Section 8 company with genuinely charitable objects
• No provision allowing income or assets to benefit private individuals
• Demonstrated charitable activity, or a credible plan to begin such activity
• Properly maintained books of account from the organisation's founding
• FCRA compliance if foreign donations are expected

Documents Required

• Trust deed, society certificate, or Section 8 company incorporation papers
• PAN of the organisation
• Trustee, member, or director details with PAN and address proof
• Financial statements from prior years, where the organisation has operated
• An activity report detailing the charitable work undertaken

The Registration Process

1. Ensure the governing document reflects charitable objects with no private-benefit clause
2. File Form 10A on the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal for new registration
3. Provide the required supporting documents and activity details
4. Receive provisional registration, valid for a limited window for new NGOs
5. File Form 10AB for final registration before the provisional period ends, backed by evidence of actual activity

Why Choose StartRight4U

StartRight4U combines regulatory experience with an end-to-end execution team — documentation, compliance review, and direct liaison on your application — so you're not navigating the process alone.

1. Dedicated specialists, not a generic filing service
2. Clear, upfront documentation checklist — no last-minute surprises
3. Direct support through queries and clarifications during review
4. Transparent pricing with no hidden charges