Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 Registration In India
(Price Start at $ 423 /-)
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, commonly known as ‘FCRA’, is an essential piece of legislation in India that regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions and donations by individuals, associations, and companies. Organizations anticipating receiving foreign funds for purposes such as social, economic, educating and cultural will need to register under FCRA. In this regard, there are a number of procedures, conditions as well as stipulations involved in FCRA registration aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in foreign contributions.
Foreign contributions play a substantial role in supporting various projects in India, and FCRA registration is the doorway for organizations to legally collect and utilize such funds. In this article, we will explore the benefits of FCRA registration, the eligibility criteria, required documents, the registration procedure, the time required for registration, and how seedling can assist you throughout the process.
Benefits of FCRA Registration:
- Legal Authorization: FCRA registration provides legal permission to receive and utilize foreign contributions, safeguarding compliance with Indian laws.
- Global Recognition: Registered organizations gain credibility and global recognition, fostering trust among donors and partners.
- Expanded Funding Opportunities: FCRA registration opens up avenues for increased funding opportunities from international donors and organizations.
- Enhanced Transparency: The registration process emphasizes transparency in fund utilization, promoting accountability and ethical practices.
Eligibility Criteria for FCRA Registration in India:
- The applicant must be a legal entity such as society registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860 or a trust registered under Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or a non – profit company registered under section 8 of The Companies Act, 2013 etc.
- The applicant should have been in existence for at least 3 (three) years.
- The applicant must have spent a minimum amount of rupees INR 15,00,000 (Indian Rupees Fifteen Lakh Only) on its core activities for the benefit of society during the last 3 (three) financial years:
- The applicant should be engaged in activities falling within the ambit of FCRA's objectives.
- The applicant has not been prosecuted or convicted for indulging in activities aimed at conversion through inducement or force, either directly or indirectly, from one religious faith to another.
- The applicant has not been prosecuted or convicted for creating communal tension or disharmony in any specified district or any other part of the country.
- The applicant has not been found guilty of diversion or mis-utilisation of its funds.
- The applicant is not engaged or likely to engage in propagation of sedition or advocate violent methods to achieve its ends.
- The applicant is not likely to use the foreign contribution for personal gains or divert it for undesirable purposes.
- The applicant has not been prohibited from accepting foreign contribution.
Documents Required for FCRA Registration in India:
Although there is a huge list of documents which will be required at the time of registration under the FCRA, however, below are some summed up heads of the documents which would be required at the time of registration:
- Copy of Registration Certificate: A copy of the registration certificate of the organization, either registered as a trust, society or the nonprofit company.
- Audited Accounts: The application for the FCRA registration would require the audited accounts of the organization for the past 3 (three) years.
- Details of Activities: Comprehensive details of past and present activities of the applicant.
- Bank Account Details: Details of the organization's bank accounts.
- FCRA Declaration: A declaration by the chief functionary of the organization regarding compliance.
Procedure for FCRA Registration in Ind
Although there is a huge list of documents which will be required at the time of registration under the FCRA, however, below are some summed up heads of the documents which would be required at the time of registration:
- Preparation of Documents:Gather and prepare all necessary documents as per the FCRA guidelines.
- Application Submission:Submit the application online on the FCRA portal along with the required documents.
- Scrutiny by Authorities:The application undergoes scrutiny by the designated authorities.
- Field Visit:In some cases, authorities may conduct a field visit to verify the organization's activities.
- Granting of Registration: Upon successful verification, the authorities grant FCRA registration.
Time Required to Register for FCRA in India:
The time required for FCRA registration in India varies, but it typically takes around 2 (two) to 6 (six) months from the date of application submission. Delays may occur due to additional scrutiny or field visits.
How Seedling Can Help You with FCRA Registration:
Seedling Associates is a professional firm with a dedicated team that specializes in FCRA registration. With a wealth of experience in assisting organizations with the registration process, Seedling Associates ensures a smooth and timely completion of the entire procedure. The firm's experts guide clients through document preparation, application submission, and liaising with authorities, providing valuable support at every step.
Most common question about our services
Can a newly established organization apply for FCRA registration?
No, the organization must have been in existence for at least 3 (three) years to be eligible for FCRA registration.
Can FCRA registration be renewed?
Yes, FCRA registration can be renewed every 5 (five) years, and organizations should apply for renewal at least 6 (six) months before the expiry date.
What activities are prohibited under FCRA?
FCRA prohibits the use of foreign contributions for activities such as political campaigns, speculative business, and activities detrimental to the national interest.
Are there any post registration compliances in FCRA?
Yes, an annual return in the form FC-4 is required to be filed with the FCRA department by every 31st December for the preceding financial year.
How can we make amendments in the existing credentials of FCRA?
There are different forms for each kind of amendment in FCRA, which are required to be filed with the department in specific format.
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