What Is CSR-1 Registration?
CSR-1 Registration is the mandatory process by which NGOs, registered public trusts, registered societies, and Section 8 companies register themselves with the Registrar of Companies (MCA) under Rule 4 of the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 to become eligible to receive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding from companies.
With effect from 1st April 2021, every company undertaking CSR activities must route its CSR spending only to implementing agencies that hold a valid CSR Registration Number obtained by filing Form CSR-1. Without this registration, an NGO or Section 8 company cannot legally be engaged as an implementing partner for a company's CSR budget, regardless of its charitable credentials or past work.
🤝 Key Features of CSR-1 Registration
Unique CSR Registration Number
On successful filing, the Registrar generates a unique alphanumeric CSR Registration Number, which companies verify before routing CSR funds to the entity.
Eligible Entity Types
Section 8 companies, registered public trusts, and registered societies (with valid 12A/80G registration), and entities established by an Act of Parliament, State legislature, or the government.
3-Year Track Record
Entities not established directly by the government must demonstrate at least 3 years of established track record undertaking similar charitable or developmental activities.
12A & 80G Registration
Registered trusts and societies (and typically Section 8 companies) must hold valid registration under Section 12A and Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 as a precondition.
Dual Digital Certification
Form CSR-1 must be digitally signed by an authorized representative of the entity (director/trustee/CEO/CS/authorized member) AND certified by a practicing Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant.
One-Time Registration
CSR-1 is filed once and the CSR Registration Number remains valid for the entity's operations, subject to keeping underlying registrations (12A/80G) current and reporting requirements met.
✅ Eligibility & Requirements (FY 2025-26)
Eligible Entity Categories
- • A Section 8 company established by the company itself, or its holding/subsidiary/ associate company, or an unrelated company
- • A registered public trust with valid 12A and 80G registration
- • A registered society with valid 12A and 80G registration
- • An entity established under an Act of Parliament or a State legislature
- • An entity established by the Central Government or State Government
Core Preconditions
- • 3-year established track record of undertaking similar activities (unless government-established)
- • Valid 12A & 80G registration under the Income Tax Act, 1961
- • PAN of the entity and complete governing body details
- • Certification by a practicing CA, CS, or CMA
⚖️ Entity Types — Comparison
| Entity Type | Governing Law | 12A/80G Required |
|---|---|---|
| Section 8 Company | Companies Act, 2013 | Yes |
| Registered Public Trust | Trust laws / State Acts | Yes |
| Registered Society | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Yes |
| Statutory Body (Act of Parliament/State) | Specific enabling Act | Generally not required |
| Government-Established Entity | Government order/notification | Not required |
💰 Advantages of CSR-1 Registration
✓ Access to Corporate CSR Budgets
Companies with mandatory CSR spending obligations under Section 135 can only fund CSR-1-registered entities, opening a significant and recurring funding stream.
✓ Enhanced Credibility
A valid CSR Registration Number signals a verified, compliant organization to potential corporate partners, foundations, and donors evaluating due diligence.
✓ Broader Partnership Opportunities
Many CSR foundations and corporate giving programs specifically shortlist only CSR-1-registered NGOs and trusts for grant applications and partnerships.
✓ One-Time Compliance Effort
Unlike annual filings, CSR-1 registration is a one-time process (subject to maintaining underlying 12A/80G validity), providing long-term eligibility once completed.
✓ Supports Multi-Year CSR Projects
Registered entities can be engaged for ongoing or multi-year CSR implementation projects, which many companies prefer for sustained impact.
⚠️ Points to Keep in Mind
- →Not a Guarantee of Funding: CSR-1 registration only makes an entity ELIGIBLE to receive CSR funds — it does not guarantee that any specific company will fund it.
- →3-Year History Required: Newly formed entities without an established 3-year track record generally cannot register until this threshold is met.
- →12A/80G Must Stay Current: Under the revised Income Tax regime, 12A and 80G registrations require periodic renewal — allowing these to lapse can jeopardize CSR-1 eligibility.
- →Governing Body Accuracy Matters: Incorrect or outdated details of trustees/directors/governing body members in the filing can lead to processing delays or future compliance mismatches.
- →Professional Certification Is Mandatory: The form cannot be filed without certification by a practicing CA, CS, or CMA, adding a dependency on professional availability.
- →Separate from Section 8/Trust Registration: CSR-1 does not replace the entity's underlying incorporation or trust/society registration — it is an additional eligibility filing.
🎯 When to Register for CSR-1?
CSR-1 registration is essential if you want to:
- ✓Receive CSR funding from companies for your NGO, trust, or Section 8 company
- ✓Get shortlisted for corporate CSR grant programs and partnerships
- ✓Formalize your organization's eligibility ahead of pitching to potential corporate donors
- ✓Expand fundraising beyond individual donations into structured corporate CSR budgets
- ✓Support multi-year implementation projects that require verified CSR eligibility
Not Yet Eligible if: Your organization is less than 3 years old (and not government-established) or does not yet hold valid 12A and 80G registration — in such cases, these must be secured first before CSR-1 can be filed.
CSR-1 Registration Process (FY 2025-26)
Complete CSR-1 registration process — from eligibility check to your CSR Registration Number:
Eligibility Verification
1-2 daysConfirm the entity type (Section 8 company, registered public trust, registered society, or statutory body), verify at least 3 years of established track record in similar activities (unless government-established), and check the validity of existing 12A and 80G registration under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Document Compilation
3-5 daysGather core documents: PAN of the entity, Section 8 license / registered trust deed / society registration certificate, 12A and 80G registration certificates, governing body/board of trustees details (names, addresses, PAN, DIN where applicable), and evidence of the 3-year track record (audited financial statements, annual reports, or activity records).
Digital Signature Coordination
2-4 daysObtain or verify the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the authorized representative who will sign the form on behalf of the entity — a director, trustee, chairperson, CEO, Company Secretary, or authorized member. Also coordinate the DSC of the certifying practicing professional (CA/CS/CMA) required for the form.
Preparation of Form CSR-1
2-3 daysThe form is prepared with complete details: entity name, registered address, PAN, type of entity and applicable registration number, date of registration, main objects, details of every governing body member (name, designation, DIN/PAN, address), and 12A/80G registration particulars, along with the required self-declaration confirming eligibility.
Digital Signing & Professional Certification
1-2 daysThe form is digitally signed by the entity's authorized representative and then certified by a practicing Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant, who verifies the accuracy of the details furnished and the entity's eligibility.
Filing of Form CSR-1 with the Registrar
Same day as preparation completionThe completed and certified Form CSR-1 is filed electronically with the Registrar of Companies through the MCA portal, along with the applicable government fee and supporting attachments.
Registrar Processing
2-4 working daysThe Registrar processes the filing and verifies the submitted details and attachments. Since CSR-1 is largely a straight-through electronic process, approval is generally quicker than incorporation-related filings, barring discrepancies requiring clarification.
Generation of CSR Registration Number
Immediately upon approvalOn successful processing, a unique alphanumeric CSR Registration Number is generated and displayed on the acknowledgement. This number is what companies verify before routing CSR funds to the entity, and should be prominently referenced in future CSR partnership discussions and proposals.
Registration Acknowledgement Support
Same day as approvalDownload and retain the CSR-1 acknowledgement and the generated CSR Registration Number for the entity's records. This documentation should be readily available whenever a corporate CSR partner requests proof of eligibility during their own due diligence process.
✅Total Timeline
5-7 working days from document submission to receiving the CSR Registration Number. Breakdown: eligibility check & document compilation (3-5 days) + DSC coordination (2-4 days, can run in parallel) + form preparation, signing & certification (3-5 days) + Registrar processing (2-4 days). Delays typically stem from incomplete governing body details or lapsed 12A/80G status.
Documents Required for CSR-1 Registration
Core Entity Documents
- ✓PAN card of the entity
- ✓Section 8 company licence / Certificate of Incorporation, OR
- ✓Registered Trust Deed, OR
- ✓Society Registration Certificate (as applicable)
- ✓Memorandum & Articles of Association / Trust Deed / Bye-laws
- ✓Registered office address proof
Tax Registration Documents
- ✓Section 12A registration certificate
- ✓Section 80G registration certificate
- ✓Latest Income Tax Return acknowledgment
- ✓Audited financial statements for the last 3 years
- ✓Annual reports for the last 3 years (activity evidence)
Governing Body Details
- ✓Names of all directors/trustees/governing body members
- ✓PAN and, where applicable, DIN of each member
- ✓Address and designation of each governing body member
- ✓Email ID and mobile number of the authorized representative
Filing & Certification Documents
- ✓DSC of the authorized representative filing the form
- ✓DSC of the certifying practicing professional (CA/CS/CMA)
- ✓Self-declaration of eligibility
- ✓Board/trustee resolution authorizing the CSR-1 filing (recommended)
📝 Additional Information Required
- •Entity type (Section 8 company / trust / society / statutory body)
- •Date of establishment/incorporation
- •Summary of the entity's main charitable/developmental objects
- •Description of similar activities undertaken over the last 3 years
- •Current 12A and 80G registration validity/expiry details
- •Registered office address for jurisdictional determination
Common Mistakes in CSR-1 Registration
CSR-1 has specific eligibility and documentation requirements — avoid these critical errors:
Filing Without Valid 12A & 80G Registration
⚠️ Problem
Applying for CSR-1 while the entity's 12A or 80G registration has lapsed, is pending renewal, or was never obtained. Since these registrations require periodic renewal under the current Income Tax regime, entities sometimes discover a lapse only at the time of CSR-1 filing, causing delays or rejection.
✅ Solution
Verify the current validity of 12A and 80G registration BEFORE initiating CSR-1 filing, and renew promptly if nearing expiry or already lapsed. Taxvio checks registration status as the first step of the engagement.
Insufficient Evidence of 3-Year Track Record
⚠️ Problem
Submitting the eligibility declaration without adequate supporting documentation — audited financials, annual reports, or activity records — demonstrating at least 3 years of established work in similar activities. Weak or missing evidence can lead to Registrar queries or rejection.
✅ Solution
Compile audited financial statements and annual reports covering the full 3-year period before filing, clearly showing the entity's ongoing charitable or developmental activities. Taxvio helps organize this evidence in the required format.
Name/Detail Mismatches with PAN or Registration Certificate
⚠️ Problem
Entering the entity's name, address, or registration details in Form CSR-1 that don't exactly match the PAN card or the underlying Section 8 licence / trust deed / society certificate. Even minor discrepancies (spelling, address formatting) commonly trigger Registrar queries.
✅ Solution
Cross-verify every field in the form against the entity's PAN and registration documents before submission, ensuring exact consistency. Taxvio performs a detailed cross-check as part of form preparation.
Skipping Mandatory Professional Certification
⚠️ Problem
Attempting to file Form CSR-1 without arranging certification by a practicing Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant. This certification is a mandatory field in the form and the filing cannot be completed without it.
✅ Solution
Engage a practicing CA, CS, or CMA early in the process and obtain their DSC-based certification before attempting to submit the form. Taxvio's packages include this professional certification as standard.
Incomplete Governing Body Details
⚠️ Problem
Leaving out PAN, DIN, or address details for one or more directors/trustees/governing body members, or listing outdated members who have since resigned or been replaced. Incomplete or inaccurate governing body information is a common cause of processing delays.
✅ Solution
Compile a complete, current list of all governing body members with their PAN, DIN (where applicable), address, and designation before form preparation begins. Taxvio verifies this list against the entity's latest records.
Not Updating Records After Governance Changes
⚠️ Problem
Failing to keep the entity's registration details current after a change in trustees, directors, or governing body composition. This can create mismatches during a corporate CSR partner's own due diligence, potentially delaying or jeopardizing funding discussions.
✅ Solution
Maintain updated internal records of governance changes and ensure the entity's underlying registrations (12A/80G, Section 8 licence, trust deed amendments) reflect the current governing body at all times. Taxvio can advise on the appropriate update process when changes occur.
CSR-1 Registration Packages
Comprehensive registration and compliance packages for NGOs, trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies:
Basic
₹4,999
One-time fee
Included Services
- ✓Eligibility verification
- ✓CSR-1 form preparation
- ✓Digital signature coordination for authorized signatory
- ✓Filing of Form CSR-1 with Registrar
- ✓Registration acknowledgement support
- ✓Email & phone support
Not Included
- ✗CA/CS/CMA certification fee billed separately
- ✗12A/80G status verification not included
- ✗Governing body documentation compilation not included
Ideal For
Entities that already have valid 12A/80G registration and organized governing body records
Standard
₹7,999
One-time fee
Included Services
- ✓Everything in Basic
- ✓CA/CS/CMA certification coordination included
- ✓12A & 80G registration status verification
- ✓Governing body documentation compilation
- ✓3-year track record document review
- ✓Priority support (WhatsApp + email)
Not Included
- ✗12A/80G renewal (if lapsed) offered as add-on
Ideal For
Most NGOs, trusts, and Section 8 companies applying for CSR-1 for the first time
Complete
₹12,999
One-time fee
Included Services
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓12A/80G renewal assistance (if lapsed or nearing expiry)
- ✓3-year track record documentation compilation from source records
- ✓Governing body resolution drafting
- ✓Post-registration compliance guidance
- ✓Dedicated CA + CS team with end-to-end follow-up
Ideal For
Entities needing full handholding, including 12A/80G renewal and documentation compilation
💼 Add-On Services (Optional)
12A & 80G Registration / Renewal
₹14,999
Fresh registration or renewal under the Income Tax Act
Trust Deed Drafting
₹9,999
Draft a compliant trust deed for a new public trust
Society Registration
₹12,999
Register a new society under the Societies Registration Act
Section 8 Company Incorporation
₹14,999
Incorporate a new NGO as a Section 8 company
NGO Annual Compliance Package
₹19,999/year
Annual filings, audit coordination, and ROC/IT compliance
Additional DSC
₹1,500/person
For additional governing body members or certifying professionals
What Our Clients Say
"We'd been running education programs for 5 years but had never registered for CSR-1, so companies kept turning us away for CSR partnerships. Taxvio verified our 12A/80G status, compiled our track record, and got our CSR Registration Number in about a week. We closed our first corporate CSR grant within two months of registering."
Anita Deshmukh, Trustee
Prerna Welfare Trust
Meerut, UP
"Our 80G registration had actually lapsed without us realizing it, which would have blocked our CSR-1 filing. Taxvio caught this early, helped us renew it, and then completed the CSR-1 registration smoothly. Their Complete package handled everything from documentation to certification."
Rajiv Malhotra, Director
Udaan Foundation (Section 8 Company)
Noida, UP
"As a registered society working in rural healthcare, we needed our governing body details compiled properly for CSR-1. Taxvio organized everything, coordinated the CA certification, and our registration went through without any Registrar queries. Very professional and responsive team."
Sunita Chawla, Secretary
Asha Sewa Samiti
Ghaziabad, UP
CSR-1 Registration Services Across India
Taxvio is based in Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar, UP and provides online CSR-1 registration services for NGOs, trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies across Meerut, Noida, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, and all cities in India. Complete remote handling with document collection, CA/CS certification coordination, and MCA filing.
Frequently Asked Questions — CSR-1 Registration
What is Form CSR-1 and who needs to file it?+
Who is eligible to register for CSR-1?+
Is 12A and 80G registration mandatory before filing CSR-1?+
How long does it take to get a CSR Registration Number?+
Can a newly formed Section 8 company without 3 years of history register for CSR-1?+
What is the cost of CSR-1 registration?+
Does CSR-1 registration guarantee CSR funding from companies?+
Become Eligible for Corporate CSR Funding
Register for CSR-1 — Open the Door to CSR Partnerships
Get eligibility verification, CSR-1 form preparation & filing, digital signature coordination, and registration acknowledgement support handled end-to-end. Obtain your CSR Registration Number in 5-7 working days. Starting ₹4,999 with expert CA & CS team.