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How to register as a CSR Implementing Entity (Form CSR-1) — Step-by-step

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Financial Analyst

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Step-by-step process to file CSR-1 (web-based MCA21 flow)

  1. Create / login to MCA account
    Sign in at the MCA21 portal. If you don’t already have an MCA account, create one using a valid email and mobile. Use the authorised signatory’s credentials or arrange DSC as required. https://www.taxmann.com+1
  2. Open the CSR-1 web form
    Navigate: MCA Services → e-Forms / CSR / CSR-1 (Registration of Entities for undertaking CSR Activities). The MCA now exposes CSR-1 as a web form (no offline PDF needed). https://www.taxmann.com
  3. Fill entity details
    Enter basic information: legal name, type of entity (Trust, Society, Section-8, other), registration number, date of registration, PAN, registered office address, contact person and email/phone. Declare whether the entity is established by any company or group of companies. Accounting for NGOs+1
  4. Provide governance & project info
    Give details of governing body members (names, PANs, designations), primary CSR activities you undertake, geographic coverage and sample projects. Upload a succinct CSR/project note and your CSR policy (board-approved) if available. India Briefing+1
  5. Attach mandatory documents
    Upload scanned copies (PDF/JPG as allowed) of PAN, registration certificate (or COI), 12A/80G (if available), governing body list, and DSC-signed authorization letter for the person submitting the form. Vakilgiri+1
  6. Certification by professional (where applicable)
    Certain entries require certification by a practicing professional (CA/CS/CWA) as per the CSR rules/handbook — ensure the certificate is attached where the form asks for member certification. (Refer the ICAI/handbook guidance for certification scope.) CSR IC AI
  7. Validate & Submit
    Use the form’s Validate button, correct any errors, then Submit. Pay the nominal filing fee if the portal requires it. After submission you will get an SRN/acknowledgement and, on approval, a CSR Registration Number / certificate from MCA. cleartax+1

Typical timeline

  • When all documents are accurate, registration is usually processed quickly (often within a few working days) — but timeline depends on portal load and queries raised by MCA. Some third-party service providers report same-week turnaround for straightforward filings. Vakilgiri+1

Post-registration duties & best practices

  • Keep CSR profile updated: If project focus, governing body, address or bank details change, update your CSR-1 details on MCA as per the portal’s update flow. https://www.taxmann.com
  • Maintain transparency: Maintain project documentation, utilization certificates, beneficiary lists and audited accounts for receipts of CSR funds. Companies funding you will require these for their CSR reporting. Ministry of Coal
  • Get a formal MoU / agreement with funding companies specifying scope, deliverables, reporting cadence, and inspection rights. PSR Compliance

Common filing mistakes to avoid

  • Uploading expired or mismatching PAN/registration docs.
  • Not attaching board-approved CSR policy or project note (makes companies hesitant).
  • Incorrect/partial governing-body data (missing PANs or signatures).
  • Submitting without DSC where the portal requires digital authentication.
  • Not having adequate systems to issue utilization certificates / audited receipts after receiving funds.
    Avoid these — they are the main reasons MCA or funders raise objections. BuiltX+1

How SavingMantra helps (plug-and-play)

SavingMantra can make this turnkey:

  • Pre-check your documents (PAN, registration, 12A/80G) and prepare a board-approved CSR policy template.
  • Draft the CSR project note, beneficiary templates and MoU for funding companies.
  • Fill and submit the CSR-1 web form on MCA21 on your behalf and track SRN/status until registration certificate is issued.
  • Set up simple reporting templates (utilization certificate, progress reports, photos/records) so companies can close CSR disbursements quickly.

If you want, I can generate a ready-to-use CSR-1 supporting document pack (CSR policy template, project note, governing body table, DSC authorization and sample MoU) tailored to your entity type — tell me the entity type (Trust / Society / Section-8) and I’ll produce the documents immediately.

Authoritative & practical references

  • MCA: web-based CSR-1 rollout and filing on MCA21 (web form introduced July 2025). https://www.taxmann.com
  • MCA FAQs and clarifications on when CSR-1 is required (companies vs implementing agencies). Ministry of Coal
  • Practical filing checklists & sample form guides (Cleartax / ComplianceGyan / legal guidance). cleartax+1
  • ICAI handbook on certification of Form CSR-1 (practitioner guidance). CSR IC AI

The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and related rules, laws and regulations may change over time and interpretations may vary based on specific facts and circumstances.

All services are subject to applicable laws, rules, and government approvals prevailing at the time of execution.

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