Bennisha

Expert

Published on: Jun 24, 2026

Society Registration In Tamil Nadu

A society is a group of people who come together to contribute to humanitarian activities like art, education, music, culture, sports, etc. There should be a minimum of seven members to form a society, and these individuals can be Indian citizens or foreigners. In Tamil Nadu, the State Government regulates the society registration and address the registration application to the respective authority of the state.

Purpose of Registration

The following purposes require society registration:

  • To open a bank account for funding of the Society.
  • To obtain approval from the Income Tax Department.
  • To entrust the properties belonging to the societies.
  • To attain recognition among other forums and authorities.
  • To file a suit.
  • To get funds for charitable assistance.
  • To get funds for military orphans.
  • To improve science.
  • To improve literature
  • To improve fine arts.
  • To spread knowledge and political education.
  • To maintain libraries and other reading places.
  • To maintain public museums and galleries.

Features of Registration

  • According to Society Registration Act 1975, Society consisting of a minimum of 7 members will be recognised for registration.
  • A society that has a minimum of 20 members or whose annual gross income or expenditure is a minimum of Rs. 10,000 is eligible to register a society.
  • As per the regulations of the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, the association formed for the maintenance of the apartment should be registered with a minimum of 5 members.
  • The Executive committee of the Society will be the management of the Society consisting of 3 members.
  • A society has to be registered within 3 months from the date of its formation with the particular District Registrar.
  • Registration has to be processed by a member of the committee or any other person authorised in this behalf.

Documents for Registration

The following are the documents that are mandatory for registration of a society:

Memorandum

Under society registration, it is necessary to mention the following details in the

memorandum:
  • The name of the Society.
  • The objects of the Society.
  • The details of the members of the committee.

By-Laws

Under society registration, it is necessary to mention the following details in the bye-laws:

  • The identity of Society – Address.
  • Society Activities.
  • Details of eligibility, admission, withdrawal and termination of membership.
  • Details of office bearers – appointment, election, removal, recall and responsibilities.
  • Finance details.
  • Information regarding internal matters of the settlement of internal disputes and dissolution of the Society.
  • Frequency and how the meetings of the Committee and General Body will be held.

Annual Returns

For annual returns requires the following details:

  • A copy of the receipt and expenditure account, balance sheet and report.
  • Details of the members at the expiry of a financial year.
  • A declaration stating the business has been carried out during the financial year.

Accounts and Registers

The following are the accounts and registers that have to be maintained by Society:

  • Cashbook.
  • Receipt book.
  • Vouchers file.
  • Ledger.
  • Monthly register of receipts & expenditure.
  • Annual General Body Meeting minute book.
  • Governing Committee Meeting minute book.
  • Register of members.

Supporting Documents

The following are the documents that have to be filed other than the annual returns:

  • Change in membership.
  • Election of Executive committee/change in committee members.
  • Special resolution.
  • Form VIII ( particulars of mortgage or charge created by Society)

Delay in Filing

If any of the documents are delayed for filing, the authority overlooks it. However, a fine has to be paid for delaying the submission. The Society has to submit additional documents if required by the Registrar.

Fee Structure

The fee for registering the Society is Rs. 2550. Both the fine and fee has to pay through Demand Draft.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Society Registration Services in Tamil Nadu.

A society is a group of people who come together to contribute to humanitarian activities like art, education, music, culture, sports, etc. According to the Tamil Nadu Society Registration Act 1975, a minimum of seven members is required to form a society in the state.
Registering a society in Tamil Nadu is crucial for several reasons, including opening a bank account for funding, obtaining approval from the Income Tax Department, entrusting properties belonging to the society, attaining recognition among other forums and authorities, filing suits, and obtaining funds for charitable purposes or activities.
A society consisting of a minimum of 20 members or whose annual gross income or expenditure is a minimum of Rs. 10,000 is eligible to register a society in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, as per the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, an association formed for the maintenance of an apartment should have a minimum of five members to be registered.
The essential documents required for society registration in Tamil Nadu include a Memorandum of Association, which outlines the name, objects, and details of the members of the committee, and By-Laws, which specify the society's address, activities, membership details, office bearers, finance details, and internal matters.
A registered society in Tamil Nadu must maintain several statutory books and registers, including a cashbook, receipt book, vouchers file, ledger, monthly register of receipts and expenditure, annual general body meeting minute book, governing committee meeting minute book, and a register of members.
A registered society in Tamil Nadu is required to file annual returns every financial year. The annual returns should include a copy of the receipt and expenditure account, balance sheet, report, details of members at the end of the financial year, and a declaration stating the business carried out during the financial year.
The fee for registering a society in Tamil Nadu is Rs. 2550. Both the registration fee and any fines for delayed filing should be paid through a Demand Draft.
If a registered society in Tamil Nadu delays filing the required documents, the authority may overlook the delay, but a fine has to be paid. Additionally, the society may be required to submit additional documents if requested by the Registrar.
The Executive Committee of a registered society in Tamil Nadu is responsible for the management of the society. It should consist of at least three members and oversee the appointment, election, removal, recall, and responsibilities of office bearers, as well as internal matters and dispute resolution.
According to the Tamil Nadu Society Registration Act 1975, a society in Tamil Nadu has to be registered within three months from the date of its formation with the respective District Registrar.