FCRA Registration In India

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is an Indian law that regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions or funds by organizations or associations in India. The FCRA registration is mandatory for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other entities that receive foreign contributions. In this article, we will discuss the FCRA registration process, fees, documents required, and online registration process.

FCRA Registration Process

The FCRA registration process involves the following steps:

Step 1: Determine the eligibility of your organization for FCRA registration To be eligible for FCRA registration, your organization must be:

• Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or the Companies Act, 2013.
• Working towards social, cultural, economic, educational, or religious objectives.
• Not having a political nature.
• Not blacklisted by any government agency.

Step 2: Prepare the required documents

To apply for FCRA registration, you need to prepare the following documents:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Trust Deed or Articles of Association (AOA)
• Registration Certificate under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or the Companies Act, 2013
• PAN Card
• Audited financial statements of the last three years
• Activity report of the last three years
• List of office bearers and their contact details
• Bank account details

Step 3: Apply for FCRA registration

You can apply for FCRA registration through an online portal developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The FCRA online application process is simple and easy to follow. After filling out the application form, you need to upload the required documents and pay the registration fee.

Step 4: Track the FCRA registration status

Once you have submitted the FCRA application, you can track the status of your application through the online portal. The MHA usually takes 3-4 months to process the FCRA application. In case of any discrepancy or query, the MHA will communicate with you through email or phone.

FCRA Registration Fees

The FCRA registration fee varies based on the type of organization. The registration fee for NGOs and associations is INR 5,000, while the fee for companies is INR 15,000. Additionally, an annual fee of INR 1,000 needs to be paid by all registered organizations.

FCRA Online Registration

The FCRA online registration process has made the application process simple and hassle-free. The online portal developed by the MHA allows organizations to apply for FCRA registration, track the status of their application, and update their details online.

To apply for FCRA registration online, you need to visit the FCRA portal and create a new account. After registering, you can fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the registration fee online.

FCRA Registration Status

After submitting the FCRA application, you can track the status of your application through the online portal. The MHA usually takes 3-4 months to process the FCRA application. In case of any discrepancy or query, the MHA will communicate with you through email or phone.

FCRA New Registration

Organizations that have not registered under FCRA previously are required to apply for FCRA new registration. The process of FCRA new registration is similar to FCRA registration, and the same documents and fees are applicable

FCRA Registration Documents Required

To apply for FCRA registration, you need to prepare the following documents:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Trust Deed or Articles of Association (AOA)
• Registration Certificate under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the Indian Trust

FCRA registration is an important requirement for NGOs and other organizations that receive foreign contributions. The FCRA registration ensures that these organizations are transparent and accountable in their use of foreign funds.

In addition to the documents mentioned above, organizations may also need to provide additional documents or information as requested by the MHA. This could include details of foreign donors, the purpose of the foreign contribution, and the activities for which the foreign funds will be utilized.

It is important to note that organizations that are found to be in violation of the FCRA regulations could face severe penalties, including cancellation of registration and legal action. Therefore, it is important for organizations to ensure that they comply with all FCRA regulations and maintain accurate records of their foreign contributions and utilization.

In conclusion,

FCRA registration is a mandatory requirement for NGOs and other organizations that receive foreign contributions in India. The FCRA registration process is straightforward and can be completed online. Organizations should ensure that they comply with all FCRA regulations and maintain accurate records of their foreign contributions and utilization to avoid penalties and legal action.