FCRA Registration Online – Fees, Process, and Eligibility

What is FCRA Registration online?

Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act, commonly known as FCRA, plays one of the most important roles in regulating the inflow of foreign funds to non-governmental organizations and other agencies operating in India. With the development and growth of technology, the process of FCRA registration has become more well-organized and efficient, allowing organizations to complete their registrations online. In this article, we will get into the FCRA registration process, associated fees, and the online services available to facilitate the registration process.

Who can apply for FCRA Registration Online: 

1. NGO registered under section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013
2. Society Registered under Society Registration Act 1860
3. Trust Registered under The Indian Trusts Act, 1882

What are some Eligibility criteria for FCRA Registration-

In recent changes made under the rule of FCRA, you can opt for two kinds of permissions based on your NGO type such as  – 

Eligibility for Normal Registration- 

To be eligible for regular registration, there are a few things you need to have in place:

1. NGO must have activities for the last 3 years in the area of Social Activities.
2. In the last 3 years, NGOs need to have spent at least Rs. 10,00,000 towards their goals (Excluding operating expenses).
3. NGOs must have to provide official financial statements for the last 3 years that have been audited by a qualified CA.
4. If you are newly registered and do not have any track records and are willing to take funds from foreign, then you have to take specific permissions from the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs). 

What is FCRA Registration Process?

The FCRA registration process is structured to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization and organization of foreign contributions. Online FCRA Registration has become simplified as compared to the previously complex and time-consuming procedure, making it easier for organizations and institutions to apply for and obtain FCRA registration.

Here are some points that need to be kept in mind before proceeding with the FCRA registration process. 

Preparation of documents: Before initiating the online FCRA registration process, organizations are required to collect all necessary documents, including audited financial statements, registration certificates, Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Bye-Laws, and other relevant and important documents and records.

Digital Submission of Application: NGOs can access the FCRA registration portal through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website. The online platform allows applicants to create an account, fill in the required details, and submit the necessary documents electronically. This process has made online registration and use extremely convenient. 

Document Verification by Department: Once the application is submitted by you, the FCRA department goes through the provided information and documents. The verification process ensures that the organization meets the eligibility criteria and requirements to follow the regulations outlined in the FCRA guidelines.

Scrutiny and Approval of Application: If the documents and information provided by you are found to be in order, the FCRA department proceeds with the scrutiny process. This involves a thorough examination of the NGO’s work, financial records, and objectives. After the successful completion of scrutiny, your NGO will receive its FCRA Online Services.

Practical Steps for the FCRA registration process: 

• visit the official website of FCRA, http://fcraonline.nic.in/ 
• Click on form FC-3A or FC-3B 
• Click on Apply online
• Click on the instructions, to have more clarity. 
• Create a username and password, and log in. 
• Once logged in, select FCRA registration from the dropdown list of, “ I am applying for “. 
• Click on “Apply online”  then “Proceed registration”. 
• Click on FC-3 to start the Registration
• Enter the following details carefully: Darpan ID, Registration number, association address, date of registration, objectives of the association, and nature of the association. After filling in the details properly with attachments, click on “Submit”. 
• Select the “Executive Committee” option. 
• Enter all executive committee details properly, don’t forget to enter “save”. 
• Enter bank details including the Name of the Bank, account number, IFSC number, and location of the bank. 
• Upload the required documents in pdf form. 
• Enter the date and place 
• The last step is online payment, once the payment is made, the form gets submitted. 

What are FCRA registration fees? 

The department charges a sum as FCRA registration fees, which contribute to the administrative fees associated with the verification and processing of the applications. It’s important for organizations to understand the fee structure before embarking or undertaking the registration process.

Application Fee: Organizations are required to pay a non-refundable application fee at the time of submitting their FCRA registration application. The fee amount may vary based on the type and category of the organization.

Renewal Fee: FCRA registration is valid for a specific period, usually five years. Organizations need to pay a renewal fee to extend their registration beyond the initial validity period

Amendment Fee: If an organization needs to make changes to its FCRA registration details, an amendment fee is applicable. This fee covers the administrative costs of updating the records.

Penalty and Additional Charges: Non-compliance with FCRA regulations or failure to adhere to reporting requirements may result in penalties and additional charges. It is essential for organizations to stay informed about their obligations to avoid such penalties.

Conclusion

The process of online FCRA registration has significantly simplified the process for organizations seeking to obtain or renew their FCRA registration. You should opt for professionals who can help you in getting your license. Our CA services online help persons in getting their FCRA Online Services quickly. Government is very much active while providing registration certificates. Recently various rules and regulations have been introduced by the department to ease the process of registration, renewal, and cancellation but at the same time, government regulation has various organizations also. For any assistance, you can connect with us via our online CA services.