Fact-check notes
Last fact-checked: 2026-06-04
MCA, ROC, company registration, LLP, audit, accounting and compliance work should be verified against current MCA V3 forms, master data, board records and applicable entity facts.
This page is preparation guidance. Ask the expert to verify active law, portal forms, notifications and your documents before filing, signing or paying.
What accounting for charitable trusts covers
Accounting for Charitable Trusts should reflect how charitable trusts earn, bill, spend, invest and maintain records. A generic checklist often misses profession-specific TDS, GST, expense and compliance points.
- Charitable Trusts may have salary, professional fees, business income, retainers, reimbursements, capital gains or foreign income depending on facts.
- Accounting scope should separate filing, advisory, bookkeeping, GST, TDS, notices and ongoing compliance.
- AIS/Form 26AS, bank statements, invoices, contracts and expense proof should be reconciled before filing.
- Ask whether the expert has handled the same profession before and can explain the required records clearly.
Who this is for
- Charitable Trusts comparing experts.
- Taxpayer with mixed salary, professional or business income.
- Professional receiving TDS or GST queries.
- Person preparing for loan, visa, audit or notice response.
Documents and details to prepare
- Income invoices, salary slips, retainers or commission statements.
- AIS/Form 26AS, bank statements and investment records.
- Expense bills, contracts, GST/TDS data and prior returns.
- Notices, deadlines and specific output expected.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong ITR or GST treatment because the profession label sounds simple.
- Missing reimbursed expenses, commission, retainers or foreign receipts.
- Claiming expenses without proof.
- Not reconciling TDS and bank credits.
How to brief the expert
- Mention profession, income streams, city, year and deadline.
- Share prior returns, AIS/Form 26AS, bank and invoice summaries.
- Ask for form selection, tax/GST/TDS treatment and record gaps.
- Save the computation and advice note for future scrutiny.
FAQs
Why does charitable trusts need a specific page?
Different professions have different income patterns, expense records, GST/TDS issues and filing risks.
Can WorkIndex help find a specialist?
Yes. Post your profession, income streams and documents so relevant experts can quote accurately.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is a preparation guide; your expert should verify your facts and current law.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key registration and compliance requirements for an NGO or trust involved in Accounting for Charitable Trusts?
Charitable trusts or societies working on Accounting for Charitable Trusts must obtain registrations under Section 12AB (for income tax exemption) and Section 80G (for donor tax deductions) from the Income Tax Department.
2. What annual filings are mandatory for trusts working with Accounting for Charitable Trusts?
NGOs dealing with Accounting for Charitable Trusts must file their annual statement of donations in Form 10BD by May 31st, submit audit reports in Form 10B/10BB, and file their annual return in Form ITR-7 by October 31st.
3. What is the validity period of Section 12AB and 80G registrations?
Both Section 12AB and 80G registrations are granted for a block of 5 years. NGOs must apply for renewal of registrations at least 6 months before the expiry of the 5-year period. Provisional registrations are granted for 3 years.
4. What is Form 10BD, and when is it filed?
Form 10BD is the annual statement of donations that registered NGOs must file on the e-filing portal. It lists details of all donors (PAN, name, donation amount) and must be filed on or before May 31 of the following financial year.
5. What is a Section 8 Company?
A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organization incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, to promote art, science, sports, education, charity, or environment. Its profits must be applied solely to its objectives, and no dividends can be paid to members.
6. What is FCRA registration, and who needs it?
FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration is mandatory for any NGO that intends to receive foreign donations or contributions. It is regulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is valid for 5 years.
7. What are the conditions for tax exemption under Section 11 & 12?
To claim exemption, the NGO must apply at least 85% of its income toward charitable or religious purposes in India during the financial year. If it cannot apply 85%, it can accumulate the income for up to 5 years by filing Form 10 online.
8. What is the CSR spend obligation under the Companies Act?
Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, companies with a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or a net profit of ₹5 crore or more must spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the preceding 3 years on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
9. Can an NGO carry out commercial or business activities?
Yes, under the proviso to Section 2(15), an NGO can carry out activities in the nature of trade or business, provided the activities are incidental to the main objectives, and the aggregate receipts from such business do not exceed 20% of the total receipts of the NGO in that FY.
10. What is the due date for filing ITR for trusts and NGOs?
Trusts and NGOs registered under Section 12AB must file their ITR in Form ITR-7 by October 31 of the Assessment Year. If audit is required, the audit report in Form 10B/10BB must be submitted by September 30.
11. What is the difference between Form 10B and Form 10BB audit reports?
Form 10B is the audit report required if the trust's total income exceeds ₹5 crore, or if it receives foreign contributions, or if it applies income outside India. Form 10BB is used by other trusts that do not meet these conditions.
12. What is the tax rate on anonymous donations received by a trust?
Under Section 115BBC, anonymous donations received by a religious or charitable trust are taxed at a flat rate of 30% on amounts exceeding ₹1 lakh or 5% of total donations received, whichever is higher.
13. Can an NGO make donations to another NGO?
Yes, an NGO can donate to another registered NGO out of its current year's income. However, such donations cannot be made out of accumulated funds, and donations towards corpus funds of another trust are not allowed as application of income.
14. What is NGO Darpan registration?
NGO Darpan is a portal maintained by NITI Aayog. It provides a unique ID to NGOs, which is mandatory to apply for government grants, schemes, and to file for FCRA registrations.
15. What happens if an NGO fails to file its ITR on time?
If the ITR-7 is not filed before the due date, the NGO loses its tax exemption under Section 11 & 12 for that financial year, and its entire income will be taxed at maximum marginal rates. Late filing fees and interest also apply.