Trust Registration in India

Company Registration

GST Registration

FSSAI Registration

ITR Filing

IEC Certificate

MSME Registration
SEND US AN EMAIL
Trust Registration @ ₹ 26,000/-*
-
Trust Name Reservation
-
Declaration of Settlor and Trustees
-
Trust Deed Preparation and Registration
-
PAN & TAN Application for the Trust
-
Trust Master Data Documentation
-
Guidance to Open Local Bank Account in Trust’s Name
-
Includes Government and Professional Fees
Note: Registration fees and stamp duty charges may vary for states like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala due to higher stamp duty rates.
Required Documents for Trust Registration
- PAN Card of all Directors.
- Aadhar Card of all Directors
- Address Proof (Mobile Bill, Bank Statement, Telephone Bill)
- Passport Size Photo
- Ownership Proof (Electricity Bill etc)
- Utility Bill (Gas Bill, Electricity Bill)
- NOC
Other Services
Trust Registration
Planning to start a charitable or religious organization? Trust registration is the ideal legal structure — and you’re at the right place!
At Mangalam Taxsavo Consultants Pvt. Ltd., we provide end-to-end services for Trust registration under the Indian Trusts Act. Whether you're forming a public charitable trust or a private trust, our expert Chartered Accountants and legal professionals help you draft the Trust Deed, obtain PAN/TAN, and complete all registration formalities with the local Sub-Registrar.
We also assist with post-registration compliance, including 80G and 12A registration for income tax exemption — ensuring your trust operates smoothly and legally while staying focused on its mission.
About Trust Registration
A Trust is a legal arrangement where a group of individuals or an institution holds and manages assets for the benefit of a specific purpose or community. Trust registration in India is governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (for private trusts) and relevant state laws or the Charitable and Religious Trusts Act (for public charitable trusts).
To register a Trust, a minimum of two trustees are required. Unlike companies, trusts do not issue shares or raise capital from the public but operate with donated funds or grants to serve charitable, religious, educational, or social causes. Trusts are ideal for individuals or groups aiming to establish a nonprofit entity to manage assets transparently and fulfill philanthropic objectives.
Characteristics of Trust Registration in India
Members (Trustees): Requires a minimum of 2 trustees to form a trust. There is no upper limit on the number of trustees.
Liability: Trustees generally do not have personal liability for the trust’s debts and obligations, as the trust is a separate legal arrangement holding assets for a specific purpose.
Separate Legal Entity: While a trust itself is not considered a separate legal entity like a company, it holds and manages property and assets on behalf of the beneficiaries as per the trust deed.
Perpetual Succession: A trust can continue to exist despite changes in trustees, as per the terms laid out in the trust deed.
Raising Funds: Trusts raise funds through donations, grants, or other charitable contributions. They do not issue shares or raise capital from the public like companies.
Compliance and Transparency: Trusts must comply with the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (or applicable state laws) and file necessary documents with local authorities. Public charitable trusts may have to comply with additional regulations such as Income Tax Act provisions for charitable organizations.
Trust Deed: A trust must have a registered trust deed, which outlines the purpose, objectives, powers of trustees, and management rules.
Name: The name of the trust should not conflict with existing entities and often reflects the charitable or religious objective it serves.
Requirements for Trust Registration
-
Trustees
-
Minimum: 2 trustees
-
Maximum: No upper limit (subject to trust deed or local laws)
-
-
Trustee Eligibility
-
Trustees can be individuals or entities depending on the trust’s purpose.
-
At least one trustee should be a resident of India (living in India for 182+ days in the previous calendar year).
-
-
Trust Name
-
Must be unique and not identical or similar to any existing registered trust or organization.
-
Should ideally reflect the purpose or objectives of the trust.
-
Submit 2–3 name options to the registering authority for approval.
-
-
Registered Office Address
-
A temporary address may be provided during registration.
-
A permanent registered office address must be submitted post-registration.
-
This will be the official address for trust correspondence and legal notices.
-
-
Documentation & Digital Signature
-
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) may be required for trustees for signing electronic forms and filings (varies by jurisdiction).
-
DSC must be obtained from government-authorized certifying agencies.
-
-
Professional Certification
-
Trust deed and registration documents must be prepared or certified by qualified professionals such as:
-
Chartered Accountants (CA)
-
Company Secretaries (CS)
-
Cost Accountants (CMA)
-
-
Their certification/signature is mandatory on trust registration forms submitted to the authority.
Advantages of Registering a Trust
Purpose-Driven Structure
A trust is ideal for charitable, religious, educational, or social welfare activities, ensuring your mission is clearly defined and legally recognized.
Legal Recognition
Registered trusts enjoy legal status, allowing them to hold property, enter contracts, and receive grants or donations in their own name.
Asset Protection
Assets held by the trust are separate from the personal assets of trustees, providing protection and ensuring assets are used solely for the trust’s objectives.
Tax Benefits
Registered trusts can avail exemptions under various sections of the Income Tax Act (e.g., Section 12A and 80G), encouraging donations with tax benefits for donors.
Perpetual Existence
A trust continues to exist independently of changes in trusteeship, ensuring continuity of its activities over time.
Credibility and Transparency
Registration enhances the trust’s credibility among donors, beneficiaries, and government agencies. Registered trusts are subject to audit and reporting requirements that increase transparency.
Flexibility in Governance
Trust deeds can be tailored to specify powers, duties, and succession of trustees, providing flexible governance according to the trust’s needs.
⚠️ Key Considerations
The trust must have a clearly defined charitable or specific purpose.
Trustees must act as fiduciaries, managing the trust’s affairs prudently and transparently.
Trust registration and compliance procedures vary by state and trust type.
Annual filings and audits may be mandatory to maintain tax exemptions and legal standing.
A registered trust is the preferred vehicle for nonprofits and charitable organizations seeking legal recognition, asset protection, and tax benefits — providing a trusted framework for social impact with structured governance and compliance.