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SECTION 8 COMPANY

A Section 8 Company, under the Companies Act, 2013 in India, is a type of nonprofit organization that is formed for promoting commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, protection of the environment, or any other charitable purpose. The term "Section 8" refers to Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, which governs such companies.


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Key features of a Section 8 Company include:

Non-profit motive: The primary objective of a Section 8 Company is to promote charitable activities. Any profits or income generated by the company must be used for promoting its objectives, and no dividends are paid to the members.

No minimum capital requirement: Unlike some other forms of companies , there is no minimum capital requirement for forming a Section 8 Company.

Limited liability: Members of a Section 8 Company have limited liability, meaning their personal assets are not at risk in case the company faces financial issues.

Income tax exemptions: Section 8 Companies are eligible for certain income tax exemptions, as their primary focus is on charitable activities.

Registration process: To establish a Section 8 Company, one must apply to the Registrar of Companies (RoC) and obtain a license. The application should include the proposed company's memorandum and articles of association, along with details of the proposed directors.

Name restrictions: The name of a Section 8 Company must include the words "Foundation," "Forum," "Association," "Federation," "Chamber of Commerce," "Council," "Electoral Trust," etc. Section 8 Companies play a significant role in promoting social welfare and charitable activities in India. They operate in various fields, such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and more. The regulatory framework ensures that these companies are focused on their charitable objectives and contribute to the betterment of society.


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SECTION 8 COMPANY

Unlike regular companies, a Section 8 Company cannot distribute profits to its members. It focuses on social welfare and must use all its earnings for charitable purposes.

Any individual or group of people aiming to promote non-profit objectives like education, religion, social welfare, etc., can form a Section 8 Company.

Registration is done with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) by submitting an application along with a detailed project report, financials, and the company’s objectives.

It provides limited liability protection to its members, tax exemptions, and a credible structure for social welfare activities, making it easier to raise funds.

A Section 8 Company must file annual returns, hold regular meetings, and comply with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. It must also submit financial statements to the MCA.

Yes, it can make profits, but all profits must be used for its charitable objectives and cannot be distributed among its members or directors.

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