Step-by-Step Guide to NGO Annual Package in India

Introduction to NGO Annual Package

Managing an NGO in India involves continuous legal, tax, accounting, and regulatory compliance throughout the year. An NGO Annual Package is a structured, bundled compliance solution that ensures end-to-end yearly compliance, reduces risks, and allows NGOs to focus on their social mission.

This Saving Mantra guide explains the step-by-step process and scope of an NGO Annual Package in India, covering accounting, audit, income tax, registrations, reporting, and risk management under applicable laws.


What Is an NGO Annual Package?

An NGO Annual Package is a comprehensive yearly compliance and advisory plan designed for:

  • Charitable Trusts
  • Registered Societies
  • Section 8 Companies

It integrates accounting, audit, income tax, registrations, filings, and advisory into one structured solution.


Key Laws Covered Under NGO Annual Package

An annual package typically ensures compliance with:

  • Income Tax Act, 1961
  • Companies Act, 2013 (for Section 8 Companies)
  • CSR Rules & MCA filings (where applicable)
  • Trust / Society state laws
  • Donor, CSR, and funding regulations

Why NGOs Need an Annual Compliance Package

  • Avoid penalties and cancellation of registrations
  • Maintain 12AB and 80G validity
  • Ensure audit and filing readiness
  • Build donor and CSR credibility
  • Reduce compliance cost and effort
  • Get year-round professional support

Step-by-Step Process of NGO Annual Package in India

Step 1: NGO Compliance Health Check

The process starts with:

  • Review of NGO structure and registrations
  • Status of 12AB, 80G, CSR-1, DARPAN, FCRA (if applicable)
  • Review of past filings and notices
  • Identification of compliance gaps

Step 2: Annual Accounting & Bookkeeping

Ongoing accounting support includes:

  • Monthly or quarterly bookkeeping
  • Project-wise and fund-wise accounting
  • Segregation of restricted and unrestricted funds
  • Bank reconciliation and voucher management

Step 3: Audit & Financial Statements

Annual package covers:

  • Preparation of Receipts & Payments Account
  • Income & Expenditure Account
  • Balance Sheet
  • Coordination for statutory and tax audit

Step 4: Income Tax Return Filing

Timely compliance includes:

  • Preparation and filing of NGO ITR
  • Disclosure of income application and accumulation
  • Filing of audit report (if applicable)

This ensures continued tax exemption.


Step 5: 12AB & 80G Compliance Management

Annual monitoring of:

  • Validity of 12AB and 80G registrations
  • Renewal timelines
  • Compliance with Sections 11–13
  • Documentation and reporting requirements

Step 6: Donation & Reporting Compliance

Includes:

  • Filing Form 10BD (donation statement)
  • Issuance of Form 10BE to donors
  • Donor-wise and project-wise reporting

Step 7: CSR & Funding Compliance (If Applicable)

For CSR-linked NGOs:

  • CSR-1 compliance monitoring
  • Utilization certificates
  • Project reports and impact documentation
  • Corporate reporting support

Step 8: Notice Handling & Advisory

Annual package includes:

  • Handling income tax notices and defect memos
  • Drafting replies and clarifications
  • Advisory on compliance risks and governance

Step 9: Compliance Calendar & Reviews

  • Annual compliance calendar setup
  • Periodic compliance reviews
  • Pre-audit and pre-filing checks
  • Risk mitigation planning

What Is Included in a Typical NGO Annual Package?

  • Accounting & bookkeeping
  • Audit coordination
  • Income tax return filing
  • 12AB & 80G compliance
  • Donation reporting (10BD/10BE)
  • CSR & donor reporting
  • Advisory & notice handling

Common Risks Without an Annual Package

  • Missed deadlines
  • Lapse of tax exemptions
  • Poor accounting and audit issues
  • Penalties and notices
  • Loss of donor and CSR trust

How Saving Mantra Delivers NGO Annual Packages

Saving Mantra provides customized NGO Annual Packages, including:

  • Dedicated compliance manager
  • Tech-enabled accounting & dashboards
  • Compliance calendar and reminders
  • End-to-end filing and advisory
  • Integration with CSR, FCRA, and donor needs

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Compliance requirements may vary based on NGO structure, size, and applicable laws. Readers are advised to consult qualified professionals before opting for any compliance package. Saving Mantra shall not be responsible for decisions taken based on this content.