Section 8 Company Registration Process, Fees & Documents (2026)

Introduction: Section 8 Company Registration – Key to Non-Profit Success

Section 8 Company is a legal entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013, with the objective of promoting non-profit activities such as education, art, science, social welfare, and more. It enjoys tax exemptions and credibility. This guide covers the complete registration process, fees, documents, and how Liquetax can help you set up your Section 8 company effortlessly.

What is a Section 8 Company?

A Section 8 Company is a company with a non-profit objective. It is formed to promote commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, or environmental protection. It is registered under the Companies Act, 2013, and enjoys tax exemptions under Income Tax Act.

• Legal status: Separate legal entity, perpetual succession.
• Liability: Limited liability of members.
• Tax benefits: Exemptions under Section 12A and 80G.
• Minimum members: 2 directors and 2 members (for private limited).
• No profit motive: Profits are used for promoting the objectives.

Why Section 8 Company Registration Matters for Non-Profits

• Legal recognition: Provides credibility to your non-profit activities.
• Tax exemptions: Eligible for income tax exemptions and 80G donations.
• Government funding: Eligible for grants and contracts from government bodies.
• Perpetual succession: Continues to exist even if members change.
• Limited liability: Protects members from personal liability.

Eligibility & Requirements for Section 8 Company Registration

• Non-profit objective: Must be for promoting commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, or environmental protection.
• Minimum members: At least 2 directors and 2 members (for private limited).
• Digital signature: DSC for all directors.
• Director Identification Number (DIN): Required for all directors.
• Registered office: Must have a registered office address in India.
• No profit distribution: Profits must be used for the objectives.

Step-by-Step Process to Register a Section 8 Company

1. Obtain Digital Signature (DSC): Get DSC for all directors.
2. Apply for Director Identification Number (DIN): File Form DIR-3.
3. Name Approval: Apply for name reservation (RUN) or Form INC-1.
4. Prepare MOA & AOA: Draft Memorandum and Articles of Association with non-profit objectives.
5. File Incorporation Form: Submit Form SPICe+ (INC-32) with required documents.
6. Apply for License: File Form INC-12 for Section 8 license with ROC.
7. Certificate of Incorporation: ROC issues Certificate of Incorporation and license.
8. Apply for PAN & TAN: Apply for PAN and TAN for the company.
9. Open Bank Account: Open a current bank account in the company's name.

Documents Required for Section 8 Company Registration

• ID proof: PAN card of all directors and members.
• Address proof: Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
• Passport-size photo: Recent photo of all directors.
• Registered office proof: Electricity bill, rent agreement, or property tax receipt.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): From the landlord for the registered office.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): For all directors.
• MOA & AOA: Drafted with non-profit objectives.
• Declaration: Form INC-14 and INC-15 for Section 8 license.

Government Fees & Penalties for Section 8 Company Registration

The government fees for Section 8 Company registration depend on the authorized capital:

• Authorized capital up to ₹1 lakh: Fee of ₹2,000.
• Authorized capital up to ₹5 lakh: Fee of ₹4,000.
• Authorized capital up to ₹10 lakh: Fee of ₹6,000.
• Stamp duty: Varies by state, approx. ₹500 – ₹1,500.
• Professional fees: Additional for DSC, DIN, and drafting.
• Late filing penalty: ₹10,000 or more if annual returns are not filed on time.

How Liquetax Can Help You with Section 8 Company Registration

• Expert consultation: We guide you on eligibility, objectives, and documentation.
• DSC and DIN: We assist in obtaining DSC and DIN for directors.
• Name approval: We help you choose a unique name and get it approved.
• MOA & AOA drafting: We draft non-profit MOA and AOA as per your objectives.
• Form filing: We prepare and file all forms with ROC accurately.
• License application: We apply for Section 8 license and follow up with ROC.
• Post-incorporation compliance: We assist with PAN, TAN, and bank account opening.

Choose Liquetax for a hassle-free, error-free Section 8 company registration experience.

Client Success Story: Education Trust Gets Section 8 Registration

With Liquetax, you can register your Section 8 company quickly and correctly.

FAQs on Section 8 Company Registration