What is the difference between a trust, society and Section 8 company?

Name: Vijay R Singh & Co.
Address: Office No. 4, Vishal CHSL, D Wing, Sir Mathuradas Vasanji Road, Azad Nagar, Opp. Andheri Gymkhana, Andheri East, Maharashtra, 400069, IN
Telephone: +91 98607 23959

CA Vijay R Singh, FCA
Chartered Accountant · ICAI M.No. 153926 · FRN 136869W

Short answerA trust is simplest and run by trustees; a society is a membership body run by a managing committee; a Section 8 company is a non-profit company with the most structure and credibility (and MCA compliance). Choose based on how formal, fundable and scalable you need the NGO to be.

The three forms

Trust (trustees), society (members + committee), Section 8 company (corporate non-profit).

Which to choose

Section 8 suits larger, grant-funded NGOs; a trust suits a simple, family-run charity.

Trusts & Societies

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This answer is general information for trusts and societies, not tax or legal advice. Tax rates, thresholds and forms change with each Finance Act — please confirm the current position for your own facts, or speak to us, before acting.