Explore all the details you need about FCRA Registration, tailored for your needs.
FCRA registration is mandatory for accepting foreign contributions in India.
Solocorp helps you obtain FCRA registration smoothly, ensuring compliance and hassle-free approval. Our experts guide you through every step of the process to meet government requirements.
FCRA stands for the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act, which governs the acceptance of foreign donations by organizations in India. As per this law, any Indian entity must register with the relevant authorities before receiving financial support from foreign sources. Enacted in 1976, the FCRA aims to regulate the flow of foreign funds to NGOs and charitable institutions, ensuring these contributions are utilized properly and transparently within the country.
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration is a legal requirement for individuals, associations, or companies in India that wish to receive foreign donations or contributions.
This applies to organisations that have been operational for at least three years and have a proven track record of societal contributions. The organisation must have spent at least Rs. 10 lakhs over the past three years, excluding administrative costs. It should be registered under an Indian statute, such as the Societies Registration Act of 1860 or the Indian Trusts Act of 1882.
Designed for newly established organisations that may not meet the three-year operational requirement. The organisation must have a specific project and a commitment from a foreign donor regarding the purpose and amount of the donation. Prior permission is granted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the project and donor commitment.
FCRA registration enables organisations to receive foreign donations for specific cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social programs without government restrictions.
FCRA act registration and obtaining an FCRA license promotes greater transparency by ensuring that NGOs and other trusts involved in social causes properly disclose how foreign funds are raised and spent.
Organizations registered under FCRA receive government support, including tax exemptions on income, capital gains, and donations, providing significant legal and financial protection.
FCRA status of registration aids social workers by allowing them to identify and analyse the sources of foreign funds received by their clients, offering more freedom for organisations working towards societal welfare.
The FCRA registration system helps the government prevent the misuse of foreign donations, ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes and in compliance with regulations.
To be eligible for FCRA Act registration, associations must meet legal registration, operational history, and capital asset usage requirements.
The association should be registered under an existing statute such as: Societies Registration Act, 1860, Indian Trusts Act, 1882, or Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
The organization must have been in operation for at least three years with a total expenditure of at least Rs. 10 lakhs, excluding administrative costs.
If the organisation has capital assets, the Chief Functionary must provide an undertaking that these assets will be used exclusively for FCRA-related activities.
For newly formed organisations seeking prior permission to receive foreign contributions, certain conditions must be met.
Foreign contributions include any article, currency, or foreign securities.
A foreign source includes foreign governments, agencies, companies, and individuals.
The applicant must meet certain conditions for FCRA registration or prior permission.
To successfully apply for NGO FCRA registration, an organisation must meet the following mandatory requirements.
To register your NGO under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA Act), different sets of documents are required depending on whether you are applying for Normal FCRA Registration or Prior Permission FCRA Registration.
FCRA registration is valid for five years, and organizations must apply for FCRA renewal before its expiry to continue receiving foreign contributions. The FCRA renewal process is overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and it ensures that the organization remains compliant with FCRA Act regulations. Ensure that the FCRA renewal status is tracked to determine whether the validity is extended or not.
The FCRA registration process can be complex, but by following the steps carefully, you can successfully register your NGO to receive foreign contributions. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide for the FCRA online registration process:
Go to the FCRA online portal provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The official FCRA website is where all registration procedures are initiated.
On the portal, click on 'Sign Up' to create a login ID and password. Once your account is created, a confirmation message will appear. Log in to the FCRA portal using your newly created login ID and password.
After logging in, choose the relevant registration option from the dropdown list under 'I am applying for.' Select from: FC-3A for FCRA Registration, FC-3B for Prior Permission Registration, FC-3C for FCRA Renewal, or FC-4 for FCRA Annual Return Filing.
Based on your selected type of registration (FC-3A, FC-3B, FC-3C), fill out the corresponding FC-3 form. Provide the necessary information, including association details, Darpan ID (if available), registration number, and nature of the association.
Fill in details about the association, such as: Association Address, Registration Number, Registration Date, Main Object and Nature of the Association. Then enter details of the Executive Committee, including key functionaries. You can add, delete, or edit these details through the 'Add details of Key Functionary' option.
Enter the required FCRA bank account details, including: Bank Name, Account Number, IFSC Code, Bank Address. The FCRA account must be opened at SBI New Delhi Main Branch for receiving foreign donations.
Upload all the necessary documents in PDF format as per the size and format guidelines provided on the MHA portal.
Enter the place and date in the designated fields. Review the details carefully and click the Final Submission button to submit your application.
After submission, complete the registration by making the required online payment. The government fees will vary depending on the type of FCRA registration (normal, prior permission, or renewal). Once the payment is made, no further changes can be made to the form.
Once the payment is processed, your application is considered submitted. You will receive a confirmation, and the FCRA Act registration process is complete. You can now track the status of your application on the FCRA portal. Also, you can track the FCRA renewal status if you are undergoing the FCRA renewal process.
If your NGO or trust is registered and receives foreign donations, you are required to file an annual return with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, if your total foreign receipts exceed Rs. 1 crore in a financial year, you must also file a quarterly return. The annual return must cover the fiscal year (April 1st - March 31st) and be submitted within nine months after the fiscal year ends, by December 31st at the latest. The return must include a certified balance sheet and statement of receipts and payments from a Chartered Accountant. All returns must be filed using Form FC-4. The FCRA online portal provides a convenient way to submit these returns.
Registering under FCRA can be a complex process, but Solocorp makes it simple and hassle-free.
Our expert team guides you through each step, ensuring all required documentation is accurately prepared and submitted and tracking registration and FCRA renewal status.
Whether you're applying for normal FCRA registration or prior permission, we handle the entire process from start to finish, helping you meet all legal requirements and receive foreign contributions without delay.
Choose Solocorp for a seamless FCRA registration experience and confidently focus on your organization's mission.
Our team helps you navigate the FCRA registration process, ensuring compliance with all necessary legal requirements.
We ensure all documentation is correctly prepared and submitted to avoid delays and ensure successful registration.
We track your FCRA registration and renewal status to keep you informed throughout the process.
We manage the entire FCRA registration process, from start to finish, including handling all forms and fees.