Fact-check notes
Last fact-checked: 2026-05-27
Transition rule: AY 2026-27 covers FY 2025-26 and continues under the Income-tax Act, 1961. The Income-tax Act 2025 Tax Year language applies for income earned from 1 April 2026 onward.
This Batch 12 page avoids treating future-dated payroll/form/rule changes as final filing advice. Verify the active form, notification, payroll circular or portal utility before implementation.
What this covers
Section 80JJAA can reward eligible new hiring, but payroll conditions and audit documentation are strict. Check whether it is available under the chosen regime and applicable year.
- 30% additional employee cost deduction may apply for eligible new employees.
- Wage and minimum-day conditions need employee-level tracking.
- Audit report and payroll records are critical.
Who this is for
- Startup hiring junior employees.
- SME scaling headcount.
- CA preparing tax audit.
- Founder planning payroll budget.
Documents and data to verify
- Payroll register.
- PF/ESI records.
- Employee joining dates.
- Salary thresholds and audit report.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting ineligible high-wage employees.
- No 240-day tracking.
- No audit support.
- Claiming for replacement hires incorrectly.
How to proceed
- Confirm the applicable year, taxpayer type, form, state and portal status before acting.
- Reconcile portal data with payslips, books, invoices, Form 16/26AS/AIS, GST returns, EPFO records or contracts.
- Prepare a written computation, filing note, checklist or response with assumptions clearly stated.
- Download acknowledgements, challans, workings and evidence after filing or submission.
FAQs
Can WorkIndex help with this?
Yes. Post the facts and documents; relevant experts can quote for filing, advisory, reconciliation, registration, appeal support or ongoing compliance.
Is this page final legal advice?
No. Use it to prepare. A professional should verify the active law year, notification, portal utility and records before filing or taking a tax position.
What should I mention while posting?
Mention the year, state, form, deadline, amount involved, documents available, portal status and whether you need filing, correction, advisory or representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key registration and compliance requirements for an NGO or trust involved in Section 80JJAA for Startups?
Charitable trusts or societies working on Section 80JJAA for Startups 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 Section 80JJAA for Startups?
NGOs dealing with Section 80JJAA for Startups 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.