For Charitable & Family Trusts

Trust Registration in India (ROF)

Register your Public Charitable Trust or Private Family Trust with expert legal assistance. Ideal for charitable, religious, educational purposes or family estate planning and asset protection.

Talk to Expert
600+
Trusts Registered
15-20
Days Processing
100%
Success Rate
4.8/5
Client Rating

Key Highlights

Simple Registration Process
Lower Compliance Than Companies
Tax Benefits for Charitable Trusts
Flexible Management Structure

What is a Trust?

A Trust is a fiduciary relationship where one party (the Settlor or Author) gives another party (the Trustee) the right to hold title to property or assets for the benefit of a third party (the Beneficiary). Trusts in India are governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 for private trusts and respective state Public Trust Acts for public/charitable trusts.

Trust registration involves creating a Trust Deed - a legal document that outlines the terms, conditions, and purpose of the trust. Once the deed is executed and registered with the appropriate authority (Sub-Registrar or Charity Commissioner), the trust comes into legal existence.

Trusts are popular for charitable activities, religious purposes, educational institutions, and family wealth management. They offer flexibility in management while providing legal protection and tax benefits (for charitable trusts).

Types of Trusts in India

Public/Charitable Trust

Created for the benefit of general public or a section of public. Cannot be for specific individuals.

Purposes Include:

Education & Scholarships
Medical Relief & Healthcare
Poverty Alleviation
Religious Activities
Environmental Protection
Animal Welfare

Private/Family Trust

Created for specific individuals or family members. Used for estate planning and wealth management.

Purposes Include:

Family Asset Protection
Estate Planning
Wealth Transfer
Minor Children's Welfare
Tax Planning
Succession Planning

Benefits of Trust Registration

Legal Recognition

Registered trust has legal identity and credibility

Lower Compliance

Less regulatory burden than companies or LLPs

Tax Benefits

12A & 80G for charitable trusts

Flexible Structure

Trustees decide management as per deed

Asset Protection

Protect family wealth across generations

Perpetual Existence

Trust continues beyond trustees' lifetime

Donation Eligibility

Can receive donations and CSR funds

Easy Formation

Simpler process than company incorporation

Key Components of Trust Deed

Settlor/Author Details

Person creating the trust and transferring assets

Trustee Information

Names and details of all trustees managing the trust

Beneficiary Details

Who will benefit from the trust (public or specific)

Objects & Purposes

Clear objectives for which trust is created

Trust Property

Assets/corpus being transferred to trust

Powers of Trustees

Rights and authorities given to trustees

Duties & Obligations

Responsibilities of trustees towards beneficiaries

Amendment Provisions

How and when deed can be modified

Succession Planning

How new trustees will be appointed

Dissolution Clause

Conditions under which trust can be dissolved

Trust Registration Process

1

Choose Trust Name

Select a unique name that reflects the purpose of your trust (avoid restricted words)

2

Identify Trustees

Appoint minimum 2 trustees with their consent and KYC documents

3

Draft Trust Deed

Prepare comprehensive trust deed with all terms, objects, and provisions

4

Execute on Stamp Paper

Print trust deed on appropriate value non-judicial stamp paper

5

Register with Sub-Registrar

Submit deed for registration with local Sub-Registrar office

6

Obtain Registration Certificate

Receive registered trust deed with registration number

What You Get

Registered Trust Deed
Trust Registration Certificate
Trust PAN Card
Trust TAN Number
Bank Account Opening Support
Certified Copies of Deed
Compliance Calendar
12A & 80G Application Guidance
Post-Registration Support
Annual Compliance Assistance

Trust vs Section 8 Company vs Society

FeatureTrustSection 8Society
Formation Time15-20 Days30-45 Days20-30 Days
Minimum Members2 Trustees2-3 Directors7 Members
Governing LawTrust ActCompanies ActSocieties Act
Compliance LevelLowMediumLow
CredibilityMediumHighestMedium
Formation CostLowerHigherMedium
ControlTrusteesBoard of DirectorsManaging Committee
DissolutionAs per DeedCourt OrderResolution

Annual Compliance for Trusts

Income Tax Return (ITR-7)

31st July / 30th September

Filing of annual return with income and expenditure details

Audit (If Applicable)

Before ITR Filing

Mandatory if income exceeds ₹2.5 Lakhs (for 12A registered trusts)

Form 10B/10BB

One month before ITR due date

Audit report for charitable trusts claiming exemption

Trustee Meetings

As per Trust Deed

Regular meetings with proper minutes and resolutions

Accounting Records

Ongoing

Maintain proper books of accounts and donation receipts

Note: Charitable trusts with 12A registration have additional compliance requirements. We provide complete post-registration compliance support.

Why Register Trust with Saarthium?

Expert Legal Team
Comprehensive Trust Deed Drafting
100% Online Process
Dedicated Relationship Manager
Quick Registration (15-20 Days)
12A & 80G Application Support
Post-Registration Compliance Help
600+ Trusts Successfully Registered

Trust Registration is Ideal For

Charitable Organizations
Educational Institutions
Religious Bodies
Family Wealth Management
Healthcare & Medical Relief
Environmental Groups
Social Welfare Activities
Scholarship Programs
Old Age Homes
Orphanages
Animal Welfare
Cultural Preservation

Important Considerations

⚠️

Trust Deed once registered cannot be easily altered - draft carefully

⚠️

Choose trustees wisely as they have significant control over trust assets

⚠️

Stamp duty varies by state - confirm applicable rates before registration

⚠️

For charitable trusts, apply for 12A & 80G immediately after registration

⚠️

Private trusts do not get tax exemption benefits like charitable trusts

⚠️

Foreign donations require separate FCRA registration from MHA

Quick Information

Processing Time15-20 Working Days
Documents Required
PAN Card of All Trustees
Aadhaar Card of All Trustees
Passport Size Photos
Address Proof of Trustees
Trust Property Documents (if any)
Registered Office Proof
Utility Bill (Recent)
Draft Trust Deed
WhatsApp Us

Why Choose Us?

Expert Team

CA, CS & Legal Experts

Fast Process

Quick turnaround time

Trusted Service

Trusted by businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Trust?
A Trust is a legal arrangement where a person (Settlor/Author) transfers property or assets to another person (Trustee) to be held and managed for the benefit of third parties (Beneficiaries). Trusts can be public (charitable) or private (family) in nature.
What are the types of Trusts in India?
Trusts in India are mainly of two types: Public Trusts (charitable trusts for public benefit like education, medical relief, poverty alleviation, religious activities) and Private Trusts (family trusts for specific individuals or family members for estate planning).
How many trustees are required for Trust registration?
Minimum 2 trustees are required for Trust registration in India. There is no maximum limit, but it's advisable to have an odd number of trustees (3, 5, 7) to avoid deadlock in decision making. At least one trustee should be a resident of the state.
What is a Trust Deed?
Trust Deed is the foundational legal document that creates and governs the trust. It contains details of settlor, trustees, beneficiaries, objects of trust, powers and duties of trustees, rules for management, succession planning, and other important provisions.
Can Trust receive tax exemption?
Yes, Public Charitable Trusts can get tax exemption under Section 12A of Income Tax Act and provide 80G benefits to donors. Private/Family Trusts do not get these benefits but can be used for estate planning and asset protection.
Is Trust registration mandatory?
Trust registration is not mandatory under Indian Trusts Act, 1882. However, registration provides legal recognition, credibility, and is required for claiming tax benefits, opening bank accounts, receiving donations, and applying for government grants.

Related Services

Section 8 Company

Higher credibility NGO structure with company status

12A & 80G Registration

Tax exemption for charitable trusts and donors

FCRA Registration

Receive foreign donations for your trust

Ready to Register Your Trust?

Join 600+ charitable organizations and families who trusted Saarthium for their trust registration. Expert legal guidance for your noble cause.

+91 9898200424