Section 133 / 80G Registration (Donor Tax Deduction Certificate for NGOs)

Make Your NGO Donation-Ready — Give Donors a Reason to Give More

✦ Donors Claim 50% Tax Deduction ✦ 3–5x More Donations ✦ 5-Year Registration, Renewable
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What is 133 / 80G Registration?

Section 133 [old section-80G] of the Income Tax Act, 2025 allows donors — individuals, firms, companies, and other taxpayers — who contribute to approved charitable institutions and funds to claim a deduction from their taxable income on the donated amount. The quantum of deduction is either 50% or 100% of the donation amount (subject to an overall limit of 10% of Adjusted Gross Total Income for certain categories). An NGO, trust, or Section 8 company that holds a valid 80G certificate from the Income Tax Department is an "approved fund" under Section 133 [old section-80G] — making it significantly more attractive to donors who are tax-payers.

The strategic importance of 133 [old-80G] registration for an NGO cannot be overstated. When a corporate donor or HNI individual knows that their donation to your NGO will save them tax — every ₹1 donated effectively costs them only ₹0.50 (considering 50% deduction in the 30% tax bracket) — the resistance to donating drops dramatically. Studies consistently show that NGOs with 133 [old-80G] certification raise 3–5x more in donations than comparable NGOs without it.

Post the 2020 Finance Act amendments, 133 [old-80G] registration is now time-bound (5 years, renewable) and linked to the 12A registration. Both must be applied for and renewed together. VITTAX manages the complete 80G registration — from the initial Form 10A filing to obtaining the 80G approval order and issuing donor receipts in the correct format.

⚠️ NGOs with 133/80G certification raise 3–5x more in donations than comparable NGOs without it — this is the most impactful NGO registration after 12A.

Who Needs 133/80G Registration?

All Donation-Seeking NGOs

All public charitable trusts, NGOs, and Section 8 companies that want to receive tax-deductible donations

CSR Recipients

NGOs seeking CSR funds from corporates (many companies prefer 80G-registered entities)

Religious Institutions

Religious institutions and temples that receive significant public donations

Education & Health NGOs

Educational institutions and hospitals running charitable activities

12A-Registered NGOs

NGOs already having 12A registration who have not yet obtained 80G

80G Registration Process & Timeline

1

Eligibility Check

1 day

Ensure 12A registration is in place (80G requires 12A first). Verify the trust deed and activities comply with 133[old-80G] conditions.

2

Form 10A / 10AC Filing

1–2 days

Apply online on the Income Tax portal — Form 10A for provisional 80G (new NGOs) or Form 10AB / 10AC for regular/final 80G registration.

3

Document Upload

1–2 days

Upload Trust Deed/COI, PAN, 12A certificate, audited accounts, activity report, and evidence of genuine charitable activity.

4

PCIT Review

1–3 months

Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemptions) reviews the application; may call for documents or a hearing.

5

80G Approval Order

1–3 months

Upon approval, the PCIT issues the 80G approval order specifying the registration number and validity period (typically 5 years).

6

Donor Receipts

Ongoing, post-registration

NGO issues donation receipts in the correct format (with 80G registration number, name, PAN, amount, and date) for every donation received.

Documents Required

Organisation Documents

  • Trust Deed (registered) / MOA-AoA (Society) / COI (Section 8)
  • PAN of the NGO
  • Section 12A / 12AB registration certificate

Financial & Activity Evidence

  • Audited financial statements for last 3 years (or since formation, if newer)
  • Detailed activity / annual reports for last 3 years (or since formation)
  • Photographs, event reports, or programme documentation of charitable activities
  • Bank statements to evidence application of funds toward charitable purposes

Governance

  • List of trustees/directors with PAN and Aadhaar
  • Minutes of governing body meetings for last 2 years
  • Income Tax Return (ITR-7) filed for the last 3 years (if applicable)

Pricing Plans

80G Provisional Registration

₹8,999 one-time

For new NGOs applying for the first time (Form 10A)

Ideal for: New NGOs within first 2 years of registration seeking donor deduction certificate

  • Form 10A preparation and e-filing
  • Document compilation and upload
  • PCIT query response
  • Provisional 80G certificate (valid for 3 years)
VITTAX Fee: ₹8,999  |  Govt. Fees: Nil
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POPULAR

80G Final / 5-Year Registration

₹12,999 one-time

For NGOs completing provisional period or applying after 1–2 years of activity

Ideal for: NGOs completing provisional 80G period or applying after demonstrated charitable activity

  • Form 10AB / 10AC preparation
  • Activity evidence compilation
  • PCIT hearing support
  • Final 5-year 80G approval order
  • Donor receipt format advisory
VITTAX Fee: ₹12,999  |  Govt. Fees: Nil
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BEST VALUE

12A + 80G Combo Registration

₹15,999 one-time

Both registrations applied together — saves time and cost

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Ideal for: All new NGOs and trusts — this is the most popular package for starting an NGO the right way

Form 10A for both 12A and 80G in single application
Complete document compilation
PCIT follow-up for both orders
Both provisional certificates
ITR-7 first-year filing advisory
Donor receipt template
VITTAX Fee: ₹15,999  |  Govt. Fees: Nil

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a donor claim 133/80G deduction for donations made in cash?

Cash donations above ₹2,000 are NOT eligible for 80G deduction as per Section 80G(5D). All donations above ₹2,000 must be made via cheque, demand draft, NEFT, RTGS, or UPI to qualify for the deduction. NGOs should actively encourage non-cash donations for this reason.

What deduction percentage does an 80G-registered NGO provide to donors?

Most general charitable NGOs fall under the "50% deduction subject to 10% of Adjusted Gross Total Income" category — meaning donors can deduct 50% of their donation, provided it doesn't exceed 10% of their Adjusted GTI. Certain notified funds (PM Relief Fund, National Defence Fund, etc.) provide 100% deduction without limit. VITTAX advises on the exact deduction category.

Must an NGO issue a formal receipt for every donation?

Yes — every donation must be acknowledged with a formal receipt containing: NGO name, PAN, 80G registration number and validity, donor name and PAN, donation amount, date, and mode of payment. Without a proper receipt, donors cannot claim the 80G deduction. VITTAX provides a compliant receipt template.

What happens if an NGO misuses donor funds?

If the PCIT discovers that funds were not applied for charitable purposes, the 80G registration can be cancelled and all past deductions claimed by donors can be disallowed — making donors retrospectively liable for tax on all donated amounts. This is one of the most serious NGO compliance risks. VITTAX's NGO compliance service ensures proper fund utilisation records are maintained.

When does the 133/80G registration need to be renewed?

Under the new 12AB/80G framework, both registrations are valid for 5 years. Renewal must be applied for at least 6 months before the expiry date using Form 10AB. VITTAX tracks all renewal deadlines proactively.

Quick Enquiry

80G Provisional₹8,999
80G Final (5 Year)₹12,999
12A + 80G Combo₹15,999

At a Glance

Final Validity5 Years
Donor Deduction50% of Donation
Renewal Notice6 Months Before
Govt. FeesNil

⚡ 80G Impact

Donation Boost3–5x More
Cash LimitMax ₹2,000 Cash
Forms10A / 10AB / 10AC
Prerequisite12A Registration

Get Your 133/80G Certificate — Make Every Rupee Your Donors Give Work Harder for Your Cause

Donors claim 50% tax deduction, 3–5x more donations, 5-year registration renewable — make your NGO donation-ready

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