A Section 8 Company is a non-profit organization that aims to promote charitable activities, art, science, education, and sports. The profits of such companies are utilized for promoting these objectives and are not distributed among the company’s members.

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Definition of Section 8 Company – Companies Act, 2013

According to the Companies Act 2013, a Section 8 company is defined as an organization whose objectives are to promote arts, commerce, science, research, education, sports, charity, social welfare, religion, environmental protection, or other similar activities. These entities utilize their profits to achieve their mission and do not distribute dividends to their shareholders.

Overview of Section 8 Company Registration

A Section 8 Company is a type of corporation established to promote non-profit activities, such as education, social welfare, environmental preservation, arts, sports, charity, and more. This follows the provisions of the Companies Act 2013.

The essential purpose of registering a Section 8 Company is to encourage non-profitable goals, including but not limited to trade, arts, commerce, education, charity, environmental protection, sports research, and social welfare. To register a Section 8 Company, a minimum of two directors is required, and there is no requirement for a minimum paid-up capital to set up such a company.

Key Points about Section 8 Company

• In India, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can be registered under the Registrar of Societies or as a non-profit entity under Section 8 Company of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Profit generated by Section 8 Companies cannot be used for purposes other than charitable objectives and cannot be distributed among shareholders.
• Section 8 Companies are similar to the erstwhile Section 25 Company under the Company Act 1956. As per the prevailing Company Act, these are now recognized as Section 8 Companies.
• Section 8 Companies are required to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act 2013. They are mandated to maintain books of accounts, file returns with the Registrar of Companies (ROCs), and comply with GST and IT Act.
• Any changes to the charter documents like the Articles of Association (AoA) and Memorandum of Association (MoA) require the government’s consent.

Benefits of Opening a Section 8 Company in India

Incorporating a Section 8 company in India offers numerous advantages, some highlighted below:

• Tax Exemption: Section 8 companies registered under section 12AA of the Income Tax Act are eligible for a 100% tax exemption, as they utilize their profits for charitable purposes. This is a significant benefit as the profits generated by such entities are non-taxable.
• No Minimum Capital Requirement: Unlike public limited companies, Section 8 entities do not have a minimum capital requirement. They can adjust their capital structure according to their growth, giving them more flexibility.
• Separate Legal Entity: Section 8 companies have a separate legal identity and perpetual existence, just like other registered companies. This increases their credibility and provides them with more autonomy and legal standing.
• Increased Credibility: Section 8 companies are subject to strict legal compliance frameworks, enhancing their credibility regarding legal standing. Unlike NGOs and trusts, Section 8 entities follow stringent compliances post-registration, making them more trustworthy.
• No Title Required: Section 8 companies are free to choose a name that suits their liking during the registration process. Unlike other registered structures, they are not required to affix the term “Section 8” after their name.

Eligibility Criteria for Incorporation of the Section 8 Company

Specific eligibility criteria must be met to establish a Section 8 company in India:

• An Indian national or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) can incorporate a Section 8 Company.
• The entity must have at least one director.
• The primary object of the Section 8 Company should be related to promoting art and science, sports, charitable activities, education, or providing financial assistance to individuals from lower-income groups.

Mandatory Legal Requirements for Section 8 Company

Before applying for the incorporation process of a Section 8 company in India, specific legal requisites must be fulfilled. These requirements are as follows:

• Number of Directors: A minimum of two directors is required if the Section 8 entity intends to operate as a private limited company. However, a minimum of three directors are required if the entity aims to operate as a public limited company.
• Number of Members: If the Section 8 Company aims to function as a private limited company, the number of members is capped at 200 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). However, there is no such limit for Section 8 entities with a business structure like a public limited company.
• Capital Requirement and Name: According to the Companies Act 2013, Section 8 entities are not required to maintain a minimum paid-up capital. Moreover, NGOs operating as Section 8 entities are not obligated to affix terms like private limited or limited in their name.
• Company Objects: Only entities with non-profit objectives are eligible for Section 8 registration. The Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association must clearly state such goals for which the Company is established. Any profits the Section 8 entity generates must be utilized for charitable purposes or reinvested in the entity. The profit of Section 8 entities is not available to its members in any form