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How to Set Up a Trust in India

Do you want to start a charity in India? If you are going to set up a religious, philanthropic, or social welfare trust, you need to register it correctly. It makes donors feel better about giving, it makes things legal, and it might even assist with taxes. Make Merchant offers easy-to-use trust registration services that are also beneficial to search engines. The service is excellent for clients who are new to trusts or making their first one.

Trust registration in India is an essential step for establishing a legally recognized entity dedicated to charitable, religious, or social welfare activities. Registering a trust provides legal validity, enhances credibility, and offers tax benefits and exemptions under Indian laws. The process requires careful drafting of a trust deed, submission of required documents, and compliance with state-specific regulations. Registered trusts benefit from perpetual existence, legal protection of assets, and greater transparency, which helps build donor confidence and secure funding. Though the process can be complex and time-consuming, professional guidance can simplify registration and ensure smooth ongoing compliance. Trust registration empowers organizations to effectively fulfill their philanthropic goals with legal security and public trust.


How do you sign up for trust?

"Trust Registration" is the right way to register your trust deed with the right state government or Registrar of Trusts. This stage gives your trust a legal name according to the Indian Trusts Act of 1882 or any state law that deals with public trusts.

There are several different forms of trusts in India.

Private trusts, which are set up to help certain people or families, are governed under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882.

Public trusts : This type of trust is regulated by state-specific laws, such as the Bombay Public Trust Act, and is meant to help many individuals or the general public.

Key Topic Index

  • Why Should You Register for Trust?
  • Who Can Join a Trust?
  • A Clear, Complete Guide on Setting Up a Trust
  • What you need to do to register a trust
  • Advantage of setting up a Trust
  • Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)
  • Why should you sign up for Make Merchant?
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Why Should You Register for Trust?


  • Legal Recognition: Make sure that your trust is allowed to do business and is recognized by the law.
  • Tax Benefits: Section 80G lets people who give money to a charity deduct the amount from their taxes, and Section 12A lets you not have to pay income tax.
  • Have Money and Property: Registered trusts can open bank accounts and legally own property.
  • Trustworthiness: Donors and recipients are more inclined to trust you if you are registered.
  • Openness and Compliance: When you are honest about what you do, it is easier to follow the regulations.
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Who Can Join a Trust?




  • There must be at least two trustees, and they must all be mentally well.
  • The settlor is the person or group that sets up the trust. They can't be a trustee, but they can be a person or a group.
  • Both the settlor and the trustees must be Indian citizens.
  • The trust needs to have a registered office in India and a name that isn't already taken.
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A Clear, Complete Guide on Setting Up a Trust

  1. Choose a Trust Name That Is Unique: No two trusts or trademarks should have the same name.
  2. Write a Trust Deed: This important document should include the names of the trustee and the beneficiary, as well as the rules for how the trust will work. Each trustee and settlor must sign it, and it must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper.
  3. Have the signed trust deed, identity documents, evidence of address, and pictures of the settlor and trustees ready.
  4. Send in the Application and Trust Deed: Send the Trust Deed and Application, along with the necessary fees and paperwork, to the Registrar of Trusts or the right authority.
  5. Verification and Appearance: You or a designated representative may need to visit the Registrar for verification.
  6. Get a Registration Certificate: After the trust is approved, the Registrar gives it a certificate that proves it is officially registered.

What you need to do to register a trust




  • You need a trust deed that is not issued by a court and is signed on the appropriate type of stamp paper.
  • You can use documents like a passport, PAN, Aadhaar, or voter ID to verify the identity of the settlor and trustees.
  • Utility bills, a lease, or, if necessary, an NOC are all examples of proof of the trust's registered office.- Include passport-sized pictures of the settlor and trustees.

Advantage of setting up a Trust



  • To handle money and gifts, the trust should create a bank account.
  • Getting tax-exempt certifications (12A and 80G) will help you get more money.
  • Keeping proper documents and finishing audits can help you sustain your credibility.
  • You should follow trust laws to obtain legal protection and avoid future legal issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The usual time frame for registration is between 15 and 30 days, but the duration can change depending on the state and how ready the papers are.

Trustees usually have to live in India. Foreign participation depends on the specific regulations that govern the form of trust.

Prices for stamp paper vary by state, although they usually fall between Rs. 100 and Rs. 500.

It's not always necessary, but it's a beneficial idea to register a private trust for tax and legal reasons. It is against the law for public trusts not to register.

Yes, but any changes must be written down and sent to the authorities, and the trustees must also approve them in writing.

Why should you sign up for Make Merchant?

  • Expert Help: We help you write trust deeds that are legal and sent in the right way.
  • Simple Process: Help with every step, from choosing a name to registration.
  • Our pricing is transparent: all fees are fair and straightforward, with no hidden costs.
  • Fast and Reliable: Your registration will go smoothly because processing is done on time.
  • Help after registering: Get help with registering for taxes, following the rules, and audits.

Start using Make Merchant right away!

Get your partnership business off to a successful start. If you want success, the greatest service, the lowest fees, and a smooth registration process, register your trust with Make Merchant.

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