FCRA Registration: Process, Documents, Fee, Benefits, Renewal Process, Validity

The FCRA Act establishes a legal framework for the receipt of foreign funds by NPOs in India. If you are a trustee of a charitable trust, a member of a society or a director of a Section 8 company that has already received or intends to receive any form of foreign contribution, appreciate the need to be acquainted with the FCRA registration process. This guide for FCRA Registration in India explains everything in detail, including the process, mandatory documents, charges, advantages, and renewal process and expiry period.

Eligibility for FCRA Registration in India

Registration with the Foreign Contribution and Regulation Act is a step-by-step process so the registration could be hardware for others. Below are the institutions that can seek registration with FCRA: Detailed outline of the organizations focused on FCR registration:

• Charitable trusts
• Societies
• Section 8 companies

The organizations in this category must have existed for if not less than three years and must have been able, not to receive any foreign contributions at any time during this period without first getting the government approval. Besides, the entity in mention shall have devoted the sum of Rs. 10,00,000 in the last three years towards its stated objectives other than administration expenses. By contrast, the foreign contribution account opened for newly registered entities will be more direct in particular activities, and specific sources and purposes of the foreign funding can be pre-approved, called "Prior Permission" (PP).

The FCRA Registration Process

Here is a set of stages that are involved in registering with FCRA:

1. Go to the FCRA web portal and sign up for an account.
2. Submit all necessary details on Form FC-3 which is about your organization.
3. Upload both PDF format copies of all required papers.
4. Pay the necessary fees online
5. Your application papers will be reviewed by the Ministry under Home Affairs
6. If your request has been processed positively then you will be issued the license from FCRA.

Required Documents for FCRA Registration

If you are applying for FCRA Registration in India, these are some of the items that must be submitted:

• Self-certified copy of registration certificate/ trust deed;
• Self-certified copy of memorandum of association/ articles of association;
• Activity report indicating what your organization has been doing for the last three years
• Audited financial statements covering the most recent three years
• Your organization’s executive committee composition
• Bank details for your organization

You might also need to provide other important details about your organization which are necessary for FCRA Registration in India.

FCRA Registration Fees

The fee for FCRA registration is Rs. 10,000, which must be paid online during the application process.

Benefits of FCRA Registration

There are several benefits of obtaining FCRA Registration in India, including:

1. Legal compliance: It enables your organization to legally receive donations from abroad.

2. Credibility: Your organization’s credibility is increased with potential funders and other stakeholders once it has registered under the FCRA.

3. Access to funds: It provides you with an avenue through which international finances can come into your projects.

4. Transparency: The registration process is a key factor towards ensuring openness in the utilization of overseas monies.

FCRA Registration Renewal Process

The validity of FCRA registration is up to five years, renewal should be well-prepared six months prior to the expiry. Here is a quick idea about renewal:

1. Click on the FCRA online portal, sign-in
2. Go to the dropdown menu, and select “FCRA Renewal”.
3. Fill out the renewal form, it is nearly the same as the initial registration form.
4. Upload updated documents and renew the registration fee.
5. For further approval, submit your application.

Validity of FCRA Registration

After being granted, the FCRA Registration in India lasts for five years. It is important to remember the date when it expires and start renewing it early enough so that continuation of receiving foreign contributions can be assured.

NGO FCRA Registration in India

After NGOs get registered in India, they need FCRA registration before they can legally accept donations from abroad; this is how NGOs based in India get aid. However, regardless of its form, any Indian organization wishing to raise contributions from overseas must apply for FCRA registration.

Conclusion

FCRA registration is an important process in India for organizations that want to receive funds from overseas. Even though it might look intricate, understanding what is required and following it step by step makes it easier. Keep in mind that obtaining FCRA registration not only ensures your conformity with the law but also increases trust levels of credibility in your firm.

If this is your first time in this field or you want more funding, passing through the process of FCRA registration will move you closer to achieving your goals. At PSR Compliance we make the process of FCRA easier and help you with the registration process so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Get in touch with us today for consultation.

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. How to Check FCRA Registration Status?

Tracking Online FCRA Registration Status Step 1: Go to the FCRA Portal. Access the official FCRA portal of the Government of India. Step 2: Click on 'Application status option after that enter application Number. Step 3: Click on 'Search.' Step 5: Review FCRA Application Status.

Q2. What is FCRA Registration?

FCRA Registration - Eligibility & Application Process Charitable trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies that receive foreign contributions or donations must get registration under Section 6(1) of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010. This registration, required by the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010, is known as FCRA registration.

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