FCRA Registration — AVS & ASSOCIATES

  • Legally Receive Foreign Donations — Stay FCRA Compliant with AVS & Associates
  • Relationship is Priority
  • Serving Clients Across Delhi NCR | PAN India

Want to receive foreign donations legally and confidently?

FCRA registration is mandatory.

Let AVS & Associates handle your registration, renewals, and Form FC-4 returns — timely, error-free, and 100% compliant.

Secure Your FCRA Status — Without the Stress

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What is FCRA?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) regulates how NGOs in India receive and utilize foreign funds. It ensures that foreign donations do not harm national interest or internal security.

What is FCRA?

  • Foreign Contribution: Any donation received from outside India, including online transfers, crowdfunding, or remittances — even ₹1.
  • Foreign Source: Includes foreign individuals, companies, embassies, NRI donations, international NGOs, or foreign trusts.
Even crowdfunding platforms like PayPal or small individual donations from abroad are considered “foreign contributions” and require FCRA compliance.

Accepting foreign donations without FCRA registration is illegal in India — even for a small amount.

Accepting foreign donations without FCRA registration is illegal in India — even for a small amount.

Why It’s Critical Now

  • Over 6,000 NGOs have lost their licenses due to FCRA non-compliance.
  • Government scrutiny is rising over donor transparency, fund utilization, and timely filing.
  • Violations can lead to cancellation of registration, fines up to ₹10 lakh, and even criminal prosecution.
Who Can Apply?

To apply for FCRA registration or prior permission, the NGO must:

Be

  • Registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company
  • Operating for at least 3 years (for full registration)
  • Actively engaged in charitable, educational, cultural, religious, or social welfare activities

Have

  • A valid PAN
  • Properly audited accounts for the last 3 years
  • A clean track record (no political or religious conversion activity)

  • Types of FCRA Approval & Timeline

Fresh Registration (Form FC-3A)

  • Apply after completing 3 years of NGO operations
  • Granted for 5 years
  • Requires an exclusive FCRA account with SBI – New Delhi Main Branch (NDMB)
  • Must file annual returns in Form FC-4 before 31st December each year

Prior Permission (Form FC-3B)

  • For NGOs less than 3 years old
  • Apply with specific donor commitment letter
  • Useful for project-specific foreign donations
  • Expires after project or funding ends

Renewal (Form FC-3C)

  • FCRA registration must be renewed every 5 years
  • Apply at least 6 months before expiry
  • If missed: NGO will lose eligibility to receive foreign funds
  • Key Timelines
Filing/Action Form Deadline
Fresh Registration FC-3A Anytime after 3 years
Prior Permission FC-3B Before funds are received
Renewal FC-3C 6 months before expiry
Annual Return FC-4 On or before 31st December after F.Y. ends
Intimations (changes in bank/address/key persons) FC-6C/6D/6E Within 15 days of change
  • Documents Checklist
For Fresh Registration (Form FC-3A)
  • NGO PAN
  • Trust Deed / Society MOA / Section 8 Incorporation Certificate
  • Three years' audited financials + activity reports
  • Bank account details (SBI NDMB – FCRA Account)
  • Aadhaar & PAN of key persons
  • Commitment letters (if any)
  • Passport/OCI details (if any foreign members)
For Prior Permission (Form FC-3B)
  • Same as above
  • Project proposal with budget
  • Specific donor commitment letter
  • Timeline & usage plan for funds
For Renewal (Form FC-3C)
  • Previous FCRA Certificate
  • Last 5 years’ FC-4 Returns
  • Financial reports
  • Utilization details
  • Changes in governing body (if any)

Common Pitfalls & Penalties

Mistakes to Avoid
  • Using normal bank account for foreign receipts
  • Not filing FC-4 on time
  • Not applying for renewal
  • Accepting funds before approval
Penalties Include
  • FCRA cancellation
  • Account seizure
  • ₹10 Lakh fine
  • Criminal proceedings under FCRA and IPC
  • Retrospective inquiry into old donations
Our Services

At AVS & Associates, we help you with:

FCRA Registration (FC-3A)

Prior Permission (FC-3B)

Renewal & Advisory (FC-3C)

FC-4 Annual Return Filing

Legal Notices / Clarification Responses

End-to-End Compliance & Audit Support

Ready to Get Started? Let’s Talk.

Setting up an NGO isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about starting with confidence, clarity, and the right legal foundation.

At AVS & Associates, we help you:

Select the right legal structure
Prepare and draft all legal documents
File everything correctly and on time
Ensure post-registration compliance
Position your NGO for funding and CSR partnerships