Trust Registration is a legal process to establish a trust for charitable, religious, or private purposes. A registered trust enjoys legal recognition and tax benefits, allowing it to operate smoothly under Indian law.
The trust registration process involves several key steps to ensure legal compliance and operational legitimacy. First, the Trust Deed is drafted on stamp paper (value varies by state), clearly stating the objectives, trustees’ details, powers, and operational rules. Next, trustees and the settlor visit the Sub-Registrar Office to sign the deed in the presence of two witnesses, after which the deed is submitted for registration with the applicable fee. Once registered, the trust must apply for a PAN card and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) if handling donations or salaries. After obtaining the PAN, a bank account is opened in the trust's name for financial transactions. The trust can then apply for 12AA registration to avail of income tax exemption and 80G registration to allow donors to claim tax deductions. Additionally, if required, the trust can register with NITI Aayog for government grants, obtain CSR registration to receive corporate social responsibility funds, and apply for FCRA registration to accept foreign contributions.