Trusted by 10,000+ Businesses

12A & 80G Renewal - Form 10AB 5-Year Cycle

Reviewed by CA & CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP ICAI & ICSI Registered| 15+ Years Experience| Last Updated: 1 July 2026 Verify Credentials →

Renewal via Form 10AB: 12A/12AB and 80G renewal is filed in Form 10AB on the Income Tax e-filing portal; the PCIT/CIT passes the order in Form 10AD. Patron drafts and files both applications for you.

3-Year and 5-Year Cycle: Under the post-2021 regime, provisional registration is valid for 3 years and regular registration for 5 years - after which Form 10AB renewal is mandatory to keep the exemption alive.

Six-Month Deadline: Under Section 12AB(5) read with Rule 17A, the renewal must be filed at least six months before the existing registration expires. Filing early avoids any gap in exemption.

Avoid Lapse and Exit Tax: Missing renewal can cancel the registration, cost donors their 80G deduction, and trigger exit tax on accreted income under Section 115TD at the Maximum Marginal Rate.

10,000+ Businesses Served | 4.9 Google Rating | 50,000+ Documents Filed | 15+ Years Experience

Call +91 945 945 6700 Email Us WhatsApp Us

15+ YearsIndustry Experience

CA & CSCertified Experts

4.9

Based on 500+ reviews

Get Free Consultation

Talk to a CA/CS expert today

Our team will get back to you shortly. No spam.

Real Stories from Real People

Hear how teams across industries use Patron to save time, cut costs, and stay in control.

I've had an outstanding experience working with my CA - Patron Accounting. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and timely communication made the entire process seamless and stress-free.

Sunny Ashpal

Director - Demandify Media

Really a fantastic experience with Patron Accounting especially Shubham. Knowledgeable person who deserves the 5 star for smooth handling of all documentation.

Very proficient and professional staff. Do a fantastic job with instant response. Strongly recommended for all accounting needs, especially for startups and growing businesses.

Anjanay Srivastava

Founder - Hunarsource Consulting

I contacted them to file the ITR. Shubham was the POC for me and he was really very professional, giving prompt responses. Highly recommend them for tax and compliance work.

From the very beginning their approach has been highly professional, prompt and solution-oriented. Every interaction reflected their deep knowledge and commitment to helping clients.

I called Patron to file ITR for my family members. I worked with Shubham and Amin Jain and it was a smooth process. They understand the basics very well and respond promptly.

Join 10,000+ Satisfied Businesses

From charitable trusts and NGOs to startups and established enterprises, thousands of clients trust Patron for compliant registration, tax, audit and regulatory filings.

Talk to an Expert →

10,000+Businesses ServedTrust, NGO and tax compliance across India.

15+Years ExperienceDeep expertise in 12A, 80G, FCRA and NGO compliance.

50,000+Documents FiledReturns, applications and filings handled accurately.

4.9★Client RatingTrusted by trusts, societies and Section 8 companies.

ISO CertifiedProfessional standards and documented processes.

SSL SecureYour organisation's data is fully protected.

What Is 12A & 80G Renewal Under the Form 10AB 5-Year Cycle?

12A and 80G renewal is the process by which an existing charitable trust, society, or Section 8 company revalidates its income-tax exemption (12A/12AB) and its donor-deduction approval (80G) by filing Form 10AB on the Income Tax e-filing portal. Under the regime introduced by the Finance Act 2020 (effective from 1 April 2021), registrations are no longer perpetual - provisional registration lasts 3 years and regular registration lasts 5 years, after which renewal is mandatory.

📌 Quick Answers

Which form renews 12A and 80G registration? Renewal is filed in Form 10AB on the Income Tax e-filing portal. The PCIT/CIT passes the order granting or rejecting renewal in Form 10AD.
How long is the registration valid? Under the post-2021 regime, provisional registration is valid for 3 years and regular registration for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
When must the renewal be filed? Under Section 12AB(5), the Form 10AB renewal must be filed at least six months before the existing registration expires.
What happens if you miss the renewal? The exemption lapses, donors lose the 80G deduction, and cancellation can trigger exit tax on accreted income under Section 115TD.

Overview - 12A & 80G Renewal via Form 10AB

📌 TL;DR - 12A & 80G Renewal at a Glance

Since the Finance Act 2020 replaced perpetual registration with a fixed-cycle regime, every charitable trust, society, and Section 8 company must periodically renew both its 12A/12AB exemption and its 80G approval. Renewal is applied for in Form 10AB; the order is passed by the PCIT/CIT in Form 10AD. Provisional registration is valid for 3 years and regular registration for 5 years. Under Section 12AB(5), the renewal must be filed at least six months before expiry. CBDT Circular No. 7/2024 extended earlier deadlines, and the department later notified 30 September 2025 as the renewal deadline for registrations valid from AY 2022-23 to AY 2026-27 - always confirm the current live deadline on incometax.gov.in. Missing renewal can cancel the registration, cost donors their 80G deduction, and trigger exit tax on accreted income under Section 115TD at the Maximum Marginal Rate.

The move from lifelong registration to a periodic renewal cycle was one of the most significant compliance changes for the Indian non-profit sector. Under the earlier framework, a one-time 12A or 80G approval remained valid indefinitely. The Finance Act 2020 replaced this with a system of provisional and regular registrations, each with a fixed validity, that must be renewed in Form 10AB. The same form is used both for converting a provisional registration to regular registration and for renewing an expiring registration at the end of the 5-year cycle.

The core rules are precise. Provisional registration under Sections 12AB and 80G(5) is granted for 3 years; regular registration is granted for 5 years. For an existing regular registration, the Form 10AB renewal application must be filed at least six months before expiry, per Section 12AB(5) read with Rule 17A. For provisional registrations, the application for regular registration must be made at least six months before the provisional period expires, or within six months of commencement of activities, whichever is earlier. Because 12AB (the trust's exemption) and 80G (the donor's deduction) are separate approvals, each requires its own Form 10AB - though both follow the same cycle and can be filed together on the portal.

Patron manages the entire renewal end to end - eligibility and timeline review, document preparation, Form 10AB drafting and digital filing with DSC or EVC, and tracking of the Form 10AD order - so your exemption and your donors' 80G benefit continue without a gap. Verify the framework on the Income Tax India e-Filing Portal and the Income Tax Department; for trust and Section 8 filings, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA21); auditing standards at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Content is reviewed quarterly for accuracy. Statutory deadlines are extended from time to time by CBDT - always confirm the current live position before filing.

Form 10AB, the 3-Year and 5-Year Cycle, and the Six-Month Rule

Understanding the renewal cycle requires distinguishing a few statutory building blocks. The renewal is not a fresh registration from scratch - it is a revalidation of an existing approval within a fixed timetable set by the Finance Act 2020.

Form 10AB - the renewal application: Both 12A/12AB and 80G renewals are applied for in Form 10AB on the Income Tax e-filing portal. Form 10AB is used both for converting a provisional registration to regular registration and for renewing an expiring registration at the end of the 5-year cycle. The PCIT/CIT then passes the order granting or rejecting the application in Form 10AD.

The 3-year provisional stage: Under the regime effective from 1 April 2021, a newly formed or newly registering trust first receives provisional registration under Sections 12AB and 80G(5), valid for 3 years. This is a gateway status intended to let genuine activities begin before full scrutiny.

The 5-year regular stage: Once the trust applies in Form 10AB and the PCIT/CIT is satisfied, regular registration is granted for 5 years. At the end of that 5-year window, the same Form 10AB renewal cycle repeats. This is the recurring, long-term rhythm of the new regime.

The six-month deadline: For an existing regular registration, the renewal in Form 10AB must be filed at least six months before the registration expires, per Section 12AB(5) read with Rule 17A. For a provisional registration moving to regular, the application must be made at least six months before the provisional period expires, or within six months of commencing charitable activities, whichever is earlier. Filing early is not merely good practice - it is the statutory requirement, and it protects against any gap in exemption.

Why the timing matters so much: A lapse in registration is not a minor administrative slip. It can lead to cancellation, loss of the trust's income-tax exemption, loss of the 80G deduction for donors, and - where cancellation is triggered - exit tax on accreted income under Section 115TD at the Maximum Marginal Rate. The six-month buffer exists precisely so that the PCIT/CIT has time to process and pass the Form 10AD order before the old registration expires.

Key Terms for 12A & 80G Renewal:

Form 10AB: The application for renewal of 12A/12AB and 80G registration (and for converting provisional to regular registration), filed electronically on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Form 10AD: The order passed by the PCIT/CIT granting or rejecting the Form 10AB application.
Section 12AB: The registration regime for the trust's income-tax exemption under the post-2021 framework; Section 12AB(5) sets the six-month renewal timing.
Section 80G(5): The approval that entitles donors to a deduction; renewed separately from 12AB but on the same cycle.
Rule 17A: The procedural rule governing the manner and timing of applications under Section 12AB.
Section 115TD - Exit Tax: Tax on accreted income levied at the Maximum Marginal Rate where registration is cancelled, or objects are modified without a valid fresh application.
Provisional vs Regular: Provisional registration is valid for 3 years; regular registration for 5 years. Both are renewed in Form 10AB.
CBDT Circular No. 7/2024: Extended the due date for filing Form 10A/10AB to 30 June 2024 and offered relief for certain rejected applications.

Renewal Cycle 3-Year Provisional / 5-Year Regular

Who Needs to Renew 12A and 80G Registration?

The renewal requirement applies broadly across the non-profit sector. If your organisation holds a 12A/12AB or 80G registration under the post-2021 regime, a Form 10AB renewal will fall due at some point in its cycle. The following organisations typically need to act:

Public charitable trusts: Trusts holding 12AB and 80G approvals that are approaching the end of their 3-year provisional or 5-year regular validity.
Registered societies: Societies engaged in charitable, educational, or relief activities that rely on the income-tax exemption and offer donors 80G benefits.
Section 8 companies: Not-for-profit companies incorporated under the Companies Act 2013 that carry 12AB/80G registrations.
Trusts that received provisional registration: Any trust granted provisional registration must apply for regular registration in Form 10AB at least six months before the provisional period expires, or within six months of commencing activities, whichever is earlier.
Trusts nearing the end of a 5-year regular cycle: Regular registration lasts 5 years; the renewal application must be filed at least six months before expiry.
Organisations whose earlier application was rejected on a technicality: Trusts rejected solely for late filing or filing under the wrong section code may have had a remedy window under CBDT Circular 7/2024; where closed, re-application in the correct clause or appeal may still be available.
NGOs planning to raise donations: Any organisation whose fundraising depends on offering donors the 80G deduction cannot afford a lapse in that approval.

A practical point on separate approvals: Because 12A/12AB (the exemption for the trust) and 80G (the deduction for donors) are distinct approvals, each is renewed by filing a separate Form 10AB. They follow the same cycle and can be filed together on the portal, but neither is renewed automatically by renewing the other. Patron also assists with connected NGO compliance - see our pages on 12A registration, 80G registration, and NGO registration.

Patron 12A & 80G Renewal Service Coverage

Service	What We Do
Eligibility & Timeline Review	We check your existing 12AB and 80G order copies, identify whether you are on the provisional (3-year) or regular (5-year) cycle, and calculate the six-month-before-expiry filing window under Section 12AB(5) read with Rule 17A.	All Cases
Provisional-to-Regular Conversion (Form 10AB)	For trusts holding provisional registration, we prepare and file the Form 10AB application for regular registration - timed at least six months before the provisional period expires, or within six months of commencing activities, whichever is earlier.	Provisional
5-Year Renewal (Form 10AB)	For trusts nearing the end of a regular 5-year cycle, we file the renewal in Form 10AB well ahead of expiry so the Form 10AD order can be passed without any gap in exemption.	Regular
Separate 12AB and 80G Applications	Because each is a distinct approval, we prepare and file a separate Form 10AB for 12AB and for 80G, filed together on the portal where the cycle aligns.	All Cases
Document Preparation & Financials Compilation	We assemble the trust deed / registration certificate, PAN, existing order copies, details of activities, and audited financial statements needed to support the application.	All Cases
Digital Filing with DSC or EVC	The Form 10AB is filed electronically with a Digital Signature Certificate or Electronic Verification Code on the Income Tax e-filing portal.	All Cases
Deadline Monitoring & CBDT Extension Tracking	We track live CBDT positions - including extensions such as Circular No. 7/2024 (30 June 2024) and the notified 30 September 2025 renewal deadline - and confirm the current live deadline before filing.	All Cases
Rejected Application Remedy	For applications rejected solely for late filing or the wrong section code, we assess relief options - fresh Form 10AB within any open window, re-application in the correct clause, or appeal - depending on the facts.	On Assessment
Section 115TD Exit-Tax Risk Advisory	Where a lapse or object modification raises exit-tax exposure on accreted income under Section 115TD, we advise on the safest path to preserve the registration and avoid the Maximum Marginal Rate charge.	On Assessment
Order Tracking (Form 10AD)	We monitor the application until the PCIT/CIT passes the Form 10AD order and confirm the renewed validity period.	All Cases

Our Process

How Patron Renews Your 12A & 80G - Step by Step

A structured workflow from eligibility review through Form 10AB filing to the Form 10AD order - designed to keep your exemption and your donors' 80G deduction alive without a gap.

Step 1

Eligibility and Timeline Review

We examine your existing 12AB and 80G order copies to establish whether you are on the provisional (3-year) or regular (5-year) cycle, then calculate the six-month-before-expiry filing window under Section 12AB(5) read with Rule 17A.

Cycle identified Deadline mapped

Status Diagnosed 01

Step 2

Document Preparation and Financials

We assemble the trust deed or registration certificate, PAN, existing 12AB and 80G order copies, details of activities, and audited financial statements. Where documents are incomplete, we coordinate fresh issuance before filing.

Records compiled Financials ready

Documents Set 02

Step 3

Draft and File Form 10AB (12AB and 80G)

We prepare a separate Form 10AB for the 12AB renewal and for the 80G renewal, and file them digitally with a DSC or EVC on the Income Tax e-filing portal - filed together where the cycle aligns, and always well ahead of expiry.

10AB filed DSC / EVC verified

Filed 03

Step 4

Respond to Queries and Clarifications

If the PCIT/CIT raises questions on activities, financials, or objects during processing, we prepare and submit the responses - keeping the application on track and reducing the risk of rejection on a technicality.

Queries handled Clause verified

Clarified 04

Step 5

Form 10AD Order and Renewed Validity

We track the application until the PCIT/CIT passes the order in Form 10AD - generally within six months from the end of the month of application - and confirm the renewed validity period so your exemption and 80G approval continue seamlessly.

10AD received Validity confirmed

Renewed 05

Documents Required for Form 10AB Renewal

For a smooth renewal, the following documents should be ready. Patron reviews each one against the application requirements and coordinates fresh issuance where anything is inadequate.

Trust deed or registration certificate (memorandum and rules for societies; certificate of incorporation for Section 8 companies)
PAN of the trust, society, or Section 8 company
Existing 12AB registration order copy
Existing 80G registration order copy
Details of activities carried out since registration
Audited financial statements (balance sheet, income and expenditure account)
Copies of earlier income-tax returns of the trust, where applicable
Note on objects and whether any objects have been modified since registration
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the authorised signatory, or details for EVC verification
Login credentials for the Income Tax e-filing portal

File and verify status on the Income Tax India e-Filing Portal. For trust and Section 8 company filings, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA21). Auditing standards at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Patron also handles connected filings such as the 80G registration and 12A registration where a fresh approval is required rather than a renewal.

Common Renewal Mistakes Patron Helps You Avoid

Challenge	Impact	How Patron Accounting Solves It
Missing the Six-Month-Before-Expiry Window	Under Section 12AB(5), the renewal must be filed at least six months before expiry. Filing late - or at the last minute - risks a gap in exemption and, in the worst case, cancellation.	Patron maps the exact deadline from your order copies at the outset and files Form 10AB well inside the six-month window, leaving time for the Form 10AD order.
Assuming 80G Renews Automatically with 12AB	12AB and 80G are separate approvals. Renewing one does not renew the other; overlooking 80G can quietly cost donors their deduction.	We prepare and file a separate Form 10AB for 12AB and for 80G, filed together on the portal where the cycle aligns, so neither is missed.
Filing Under the Wrong Section Code	Selecting the wrong clause or section code on the portal was a common reason for rejection; some such rejections were only remediable within CBDT's extended windows.	Patron verifies the correct clause for your exact situation - provisional-to-regular versus 5-year renewal - before filing, and advises on remedies if a prior application was rejected on this basis.
Overlooking a CBDT Deadline Extension	CBDT has extended Form 10A/10AB deadlines more than once (for example, Circular No. 7/2024 to 30 June 2024; the notified 30 September 2025 renewal deadline for AY 2022-23 to AY 2026-27). Acting on a stale deadline causes confusion.	We confirm the current live deadline on incometax.gov.in before every filing and track CBDT circulars so your timeline reflects the latest position.
Ignoring Section 115TD Exit-Tax Exposure	Where registration is cancelled, or objects are modified without a valid fresh application, exit tax on accreted income under Section 115TD can apply at the Maximum Marginal Rate.	Patron flags 115TD exposure early and advises on the safest path - timely renewal being the most effective way to avoid the charge altogether.
Incomplete or Unaudited Financials	Applications supported by incomplete activity details or unaudited financials attract queries and delay - or rejection - of the Form 10AD order.	We compile complete activity notes and audited financial statements before filing, so the application withstands scrutiny the first time.

Patron Fees for 12A & 80G Renewal

Fee Component	Amount
Free Renewal Eligibility Call	Free - a short consultation to review your 12AB and 80G order copies, confirm your cycle, and map the six-month filing deadline; quick response.
12A & 80G Renewal (Form 10AB) - Professional Fees	Starting from INR 12,000 (Exl. GST & Govt. Charges) - final quote on assessment; covers eligibility review, document preparation, and Form 10AB filing for both 12AB and 80G.
Provisional-to-Regular Conversion (Form 10AB)	Starting from INR 12,000 (Exl. GST & Govt. Charges) - final quote on assessment; for converting provisional registration to regular registration.
Rejected Application Remedy / Re-Filing	On assessment - scope and fee depend on the reason for rejection and the available remedy (fresh Form 10AB, re-application in the correct clause, or appeal).
Section 115TD Exit-Tax Advisory	On assessment - where a lapse or object modification raises exit-tax exposure that needs dedicated analysis.
Government Charges	Pass-through - there is generally no government fee for filing Form 10AB itself; any statutory charges are billed at actuals.

All fees and charges listed are indicative only and do not constitute a binding offer. Final amounts may vary depending on the volume of work and the complexity involved.

Professional service charges for drafting and filing are separate from any statutory charges. The exact fee depends on the number of approvals to renew, the state of your records, and whether a remedy for a rejected application is involved. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Get a free 12A & 80G renewal consultation - Call +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us. No-obligation assessment.

12A & 80G Renewal Timeline

Stage	Estimated Timeline
Eligibility & Timeline Review	1-3 working days - review of 12AB/80G order copies, cycle identification, and deadline mapping.
Document Preparation	3-7 working days - assembling the trust deed, PAN, order copies, activity details, and audited financials (depends on record readiness).
Form 10AB Filing	1-2 working days once documents are ready - separate applications for 12AB and 80G, filed digitally with DSC or EVC.
Statutory Filing Window	Must be at least six months before the existing registration expires, per Section 12AB(5) read with Rule 17A.
Query / Clarification Handling	As raised - responses prepared promptly to keep the application moving.
Form 10AD Order	Generally up to six months from the end of the month in which the application is made, per the statutory timeline.

Why filing early matters: Because the PCIT/CIT can take up to six months to pass the Form 10AD order, the statutory requirement to file at least six months before expiry is precisely what prevents a gap in exemption. Do not wait until the last quarter of your validity - and always confirm the current live deadline on incometax.gov.in, since CBDT has extended Form 10A/10AB deadlines more than once (for example, to 30 June 2024 under Circular No. 7/2024, and the notified 30 September 2025 renewal deadline for registrations valid from AY 2022-23 to AY 2026-27).

Key Benefits

Why Patron for 12A & 80G Renewal

Deadline Discipline

We map your exact six-month-before-expiry window under Section 12AB(5) and Rule 17A from day one, and file Form 10AB with time to spare so the Form 10AD order lands before your current registration expires.

Both Approvals, Correctly Filed

Because 12AB and 80G are separate approvals, we prepare a distinct Form 10AB for each and verify the correct clause - provisional-to-regular versus 5-year renewal - to avoid rejection on a technicality.

Live CBDT Deadline Tracking

Deadlines have shifted with CBDT circulars - including Circular No. 7/2024 and the notified 30 September 2025 renewal deadline. We confirm the current live position on incometax.gov.in before every filing.

Exit-Tax Risk Protection

We flag Section 115TD exposure on accreted income early - because timely renewal is the surest way to avoid a cancellation that could trigger exit tax at the Maximum Marginal Rate.

Remedy for Rejected Applications

If an earlier application was rejected solely for late filing or the wrong section code, we assess the available remedy - fresh Form 10AB, re-application in the correct clause, or appeal - based on the facts.

15+ Years in NGO Compliance

A single CA & CS team handles 12A, 80G, FCRA, and broader NGO compliance across India - offices in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram with pan-India remote engagement.

Trusted by Trusts, Societies and Section 8 Companies

Trust Banner: 10,000+ Businesses Served | 4.9 Google Rating | 50,000+ Documents Filed | 15+ Years in Practice

"Our trust's provisional registration was about to lapse and we did not know the six-month rule. Patron reviewed our order copies, filed both the 12AB and 80G Form 10AB applications well before the deadline, and tracked the Form 10AD order. Our exemption and donor 80G benefit continued without a gap."

- Trustee, charitable trust (provisional-to-regular)

"We assumed renewing 12A would also renew 80G. Patron caught that they are separate approvals, filed a distinct Form 10AB for each, and confirmed the correct clause. The whole renewal was handled remotely and closed smoothly."

- Secretary, registered society (5-year renewal)

4-Office Trust Signal: With offices in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, Patron Accounting serves NGO clients across India - both in-person and remotely. Pan-India remote engagement is particularly valuable for trusts and societies operating outside metro locations.

Provisional vs Regular Registration - Renewal Decision Matrix

Dimension	Provisional Registration	Regular Registration
Validity	3 years	5 years
Governing Sections	Sections 12AB and 80G(5) - provisional grant	Sections 12AB and 80G(5) - regular grant
Renewal Application Form	Form 10AB (to obtain regular registration)	Form 10AB (to renew at end of 5-year cycle)
Filing Deadline	At least six months before expiry of the provisional period, or within six months of commencing activities, whichever is earlier	At least six months before expiry, per Section 12AB(5) read with Rule 17A
Order Passed In	Form 10AD by PCIT/CIT	Form 10AD by PCIT/CIT
Purpose	Gateway status to let genuine activities begin before full scrutiny	Full, recurring registration renewed every 5 years
Consequence of Lapse	Loss of exemption / 80G benefit; possible cancellation and Section 115TD exposure	Loss of exemption / 80G benefit; possible cancellation and Section 115TD exposure
Separate 12AB and 80G Filing	Yes - each is a distinct approval	Yes - each is a distinct approval

Related Patron NGO & Trust Services

12A and 80G renewal sits within a broader set of NGO and trust compliance services. These related pages help across the lifecycle - from first registration through ongoing compliance:

12A Registration - fresh registration of a trust's income-tax exemption where none exists yet.
80G Registration - fresh approval enabling donors to claim a deduction.
NGO Registration - setting up a trust, society, or Section 8 company.
FCRA Registration - registration for organisations receiving foreign contributions.
Public Charitable Trust Registration - forming a public charitable trust.
CSR Compliance (Section 135, CSR-1 & CSR-2) - CSR registration and reporting for eligible entities.
GST Returns for NGOs & Charitable Trusts - GST compliance for the non-profit sector.
NGO & Non-Profit Accounting Services - bookkeeping and audit-ready financials.

Verify the framework on the Income Tax India e-Filing Portal. For company and trust filings, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA21). Auditing standards at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Legal and Compliance Framework (India)

Governing Provisions: The renewal regime is set by the Finance Act 2020 and administered under the Income Tax Act 1961, the Income Tax Rules 1962, and CBDT circulars.

Finance Act 2020: Introduced the provisional (3-year) and regular (5-year) registration regime under Sections 12AB and 80G(5), effective from 1 April 2021.
Section 12A / Section 12AB, Income Tax Act 1961: Registration regime for a trust's income-tax exemption; Section 12AB(5) sets the requirement to file the renewal at least six months before expiry.
Section 80G(5), Income Tax Act 1961: Approval entitling donors to a deduction; renewed separately from 12AB on the same cycle.
Section 10(23C), Income Tax Act 1961: Related exemption regime for certain funds and institutions covered by the same Form 10A/10AB framework.
Section 115TD, Income Tax Act 1961: Exit tax on accreted income at the Maximum Marginal Rate on cancellation of registration or modification of objects without a valid fresh application.
Rule 17A, Income Tax Rules 1962: Procedure and timing for applications under Section 12AB (including Form 10AB).
Form 10AB: Application for renewal and for conversion of provisional to regular registration.
Form 10AD: Order granting or rejecting the application, passed by the PCIT/CIT.
CBDT Circular No. 7/2024 dated 25 April 2024: Extended the due date for filing Form 10A and Form 10AB under Sections 10(23C), 12A, 80G, and 35 up to 30 June 2024, and permitted certain rejected applications to be re-filed within that window.
Notified renewal deadline: The department notified 30 September 2025 as the renewal deadline for registrations valid from AY 2022-23 to AY 2026-27 - always confirm the current live deadline before filing.

This page is for general information and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Statutory deadlines are extended from time to time by CBDT; always confirm the current live position on incometax.gov.in before filing. Fees listed are indicative only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions from trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies renewing 12A and 80G registration via Form 10AB.

Get a free callback

Talk to a CA/CS expert today, no charge, no spam.

Do we need to renew both 12A and 80G separately?

Yes. 12A/12AB (exemption for the trust) and 80G (deduction for donors) are distinct approvals. Each is renewed by filing a separate Form 10AB, though they follow the same cycle and can be filed together on the portal.

We got provisional registration in 2022. When do we renew?

Provisional registration runs for 3 years. You must apply for regular registration in Form 10AB at least six months before it expires, or within six months of commencing charitable activities, whichever is earlier. Regular registration is then valid for 5 years.

Was the Form 10AB renewal deadline extended?

Yes. CBDT Circular No. 7/2024 dated 25 April 2024 extended the due date for filing Form 10A/10AB to 30 June 2024. The department subsequently reminded trusts that the renewal deadline for registrations valid from AY 2022-23 to AY 2026-27 was 30 September 2025. Always confirm the current live deadline on incometax.gov.in before filing.

What documents are needed for the Form 10AB renewal?

Typically the trust deed / registration certificate, PAN, existing 12AB and 80G order copies, details of activities, and audited financial statements. The application is filed digitally with a DSC or EVC on the e-filing portal.

Our renewal application was rejected on a technicality. Is there a remedy?

CBDT Circular 7/2024 allowed trusts whose applications were rejected solely for late filing or filing under the wrong section code to submit a fresh Form 10AB within the extended window. Where the window has closed, options include re-application in the correct clause or appeal, depending on the facts.

Does non-renewal always attract exit tax under Section 115TD?

Exit tax on accreted income is triggered where registration is cancelled, or where the trust modifies its objects and does not make (or is refused) a fresh application. Because a lapse can lead to cancellation, timely renewal is the safest way to avoid the 115TD charge, which is levied at the Maximum Marginal Rate.

How long does the renewal process take?

The PCIT/CIT is required to pass the order in Form 10AD within the statutory timeline (generally six months from the end of the month of application). Filing well ahead of expiry avoids any gap in exemption.

Renew Before the Six-Month Window Closes

The clock is set by statute, not by convenience. Under Section 12AB(5), your Form 10AB renewal must be filed at least six months before your existing registration expires. Because the PCIT/CIT can take up to six months to pass the Form 10AD order, leaving it late risks a gap in exemption - or, worse, cancellation.

The cost of a lapse. A lapsed registration means the trust loses its income-tax exemption and donors lose the 80G deduction. Where cancellation is triggered, exit tax on accreted income under Section 115TD can apply at the Maximum Marginal Rate. Timely renewal is the simplest, cheapest insurance against all of that.

Deadlines have moved. CBDT has extended Form 10A/10AB deadlines more than once - to 30 June 2024 under Circular No. 7/2024, and the notified 30 September 2025 renewal deadline for registrations valid from AY 2022-23 to AY 2026-27. Confirm the current live deadline on incometax.gov.in before filing.

Action: Call +91 945 945 6700 for a free renewal eligibility review. We will confirm your cycle, map your exact deadline, and file both the 12AB and 80G Form 10AB applications with time to spare.

Talk to Patron's NGO Renewal Team Today

Renewing 12A and 80G registration under the Form 10AB 5-year cycle is now a recurring compliance obligation for every charitable trust, society, and Section 8 company. Provisional registration lasts 3 years and regular registration 5 years; the renewal must be filed at least six months before expiry, in a separate Form 10AB for 12AB and for 80G, with the order passed by the PCIT/CIT in Form 10AD.

The stakes are real - a lapse can cost your trust its exemption, cost donors their 80G deduction, and expose the organisation to exit tax on accreted income under Section 115TD at the Maximum Marginal Rate. With CBDT deadlines having shifted more than once, confirming the current live position before filing is essential.

Patron handles the entire renewal end to end - eligibility and timeline review, document preparation, Form 10AB drafting and digital filing with DSC or EVC, query handling, and tracking of the Form 10AD order. The firm serves NGO clients across Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram with pan-India remote engagement.

📞 Call +91 945 945 6700 💬 WhatsApp Us ✉️ Email Us

Book a Free Consultation - No Obligation.

Patron NGO & Trust Services

12A and 80G renewal is one of several NGO and trust compliance services. Related pages cover first registration, foreign contributions, CSR, GST, and accounting.

Related NGO & Trust Services

End-to-end support across the NGO compliance lifecycle

Foreign contributions

Public Charitable Trust

Patron Offices Serving NGOs & Trusts

4-office network with pan-India remote engagement for trusts and societies

Content Created: 1 July 2026 | Last Updated: 1 July 2026 | Next Review: 1 October 2026 | Reviewed By: CA & CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP

This page is reviewed quarterly and immediately on CBDT circulars, deadline extensions, and amendments to Sections 12AB, 80G, 115TD, or Rule 17A affecting 12A/80G renewal. Statutory deadlines change from time to time - always confirm the current live position on incometax.gov.in before filing.