How to Get 12A Certificate Online in India: A Step-by-Step Guide for NGOs

If you’re running a trust, society, or Section 8 company in India, obtaining a 12A certificate is crucial. It not only legitimizes your nonprofit but also exempts your income from taxation — allowing you to use every rupee for social impact.

Thanks to recent digitization efforts, you can now apply for the 12A certificate online without visiting any government office. In this guide, we’ll explain what the 12A certificate is, why it’s important, and how you can get it online in India — step by step.

🧾 What is a 12A Certificate?

A 12A certificate is issued by the Income Tax Department of India to non-profit organizations under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This certificate exempts the NGO’s income from income tax, provided that the income is used solely for charitable or religious purposes.

Without this certificate, your NGO’s donations, grants, and other income are taxable just like any business.

✅ Benefits of Getting a 12A Certificate

Tax exemption on the organization’s income
Eligibility to apply for 80G certificate (donor tax benefit)
Increased credibility for CSR and foreign donors
Requirement for applying for FCRA registration
Qualification for government and international grants

🌐 Can 12A Registration Be Done Online?

Yes. As of the latest update by the Income Tax Department, the entire 12A registration process is now online through the Income Tax e-Filing Portal. This means:

No physical visits to Income Tax offices
No hardcopy document submission
Digital verification through DSC or Aadhaar OTP

📋 Documents Required for 12A Certificate Online Application

Before applying online, keep the following documents ready in PDF format:

PAN card of the NGO
Registration certificate (Trust Deed / Society MOA / Section 8 COI)
PAN and ID proof of trustees/directors
Details of key persons (Name, PAN, contact info)
Financial statements (preferably last 3 years, if applicable)
Activity report or list of programs
Utility bill or rent agreement for office address

🛠 Step-by-Step Process to Apply for 12A Certificate Online in India

Step 1: Log in to the Income Tax Portal

Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in
Log in using your NGO’s PAN (registered as a non-profit) and password. If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to register your organization.

Step 2: Go to e-File > Income Tax Forms > File Income Tax Forms

Search for Form 10A, which is the application for 12A and 80G registration under the updated rules.

Step 3: Fill in Organization Details

You’ll be asked to enter:

Name, address, and contact of NGO
Date of incorporation
Nature of activities
Legal structure (Trust/Society/Section 8)
Details of trustees or directors

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents in PDF format. The system will prompt you to attach registration certificates, ID proofs, PAN, financials, etc.

Step 5: Verification

Use either:

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of an authorized signatory
OR Aadhaar-based OTP verification

Step 6: Submit Application and Track Status

After submission, you’ll receive an Application Reference Number (ARN). You can track the status through the same portal. Usually, the Income Tax Department processes 12A applications within 15–30 days.

They may:

Approve the application and issue the 12A certificate
Request additional clarification or documents (via notice)

You’ll receive the 12A certificate by email once approved.

🔄 What If My Application Is Rejected?

Don’t worry — you can respond to the notice, correct the errors, and resubmit the application within the timeline provided. In most cases, rejections occur due to:

Incomplete or mismatched documents
Missing financial reports
Incorrect verification method (wrong DSC or OTP)

🧠 Expert Tip: Get Professional Help If You’re Unsure

Filing Form 10A online can get technical, especially for first-time NGOs or newly registered trusts. Small errors may cause delays or even rejection.

That’s why many NGOs prefer to take expert assistance from professionals like Taxlegit — who handle:

Preparation of accurate documents
Proper online filing of Form 10A
Real-time updates and follow-ups with ITD
Help with 80G, 12AB, and FCRA if needed

📌 Conclusion

Obtaining a 12A certificate online in India has never been easier. The process is fully digital, transparent, and accessible — if you have the right documents and follow the steps carefully. This certificate is a must-have if you want to run a legally recognized and tax-exempt NGO in India.

So don’t delay — file your 12A application today and unlock funding, tax benefits, and long-term credibility for your NGO.