For non-profit organizations, charitable trusts, and societies in India, securing 12A registration is vital for income tax exemption. With the Indian government's move towards digital governance, the 12A registration process has undergone significant updates. This blog post provides a detailed look at the latest guidelines, including mandatory online filing via Form 10A/10AB, the requirement for re-registration for existing entities, the new 5-year validity period, and essential steps to ensure a smooth, compliant experience for your organization.

This guide details Form 10AB, used by Indian charitable trusts, NGOs, and institutions for final or renewal registration/approval under Income Tax Sections 12A, 80G, and 10(23C). It clarifies the difference between Form 10A (provisional) and 10AB (final/renewal), outlines who must file, and explains the benefits and process of filing online via the Income Tax e-Filing portal. The post covers required documents, crucial deadlines (including the 6-month rules), discusses past extensions (like the June 30, 2024 deadline), the new condonation of delay facility, and the outcome of filing (5-year validity via Form 10AC).