Who must file
Four categories of entity register in Form CSR-1 before they can receive CSR funds.
- Section 8 companies
- Registered public trusts
- Registered societies
- Entities established under an Act of Parliament or a State legislature
CSR-1 Registration
Register in Form CSR-1 - and receive CSR funding.
A company with a CSR obligation cannot route funds to your NGO unless you hold a CSR Registration Number. No CSR-1, no CSR money. It is that binary, and it has been since 1 April 2021. The filing itself is straightforward - what stops most organisations is the eligibility condition sitting behind it.
Qualified CA / CS partnersFiled once; no annual renewalBest for: Section 8 companies, trusts, societies receiving CSR funds
Starting at
₹4,999 onwards
CSR-1
Section 8 companies, trusts, societies receiving CSR funds
MCA filing fee: nil
12A and 80G both required
Three-year track record required
CA, CS or CMA certification mandatory
Timeline
Filed once; no annual renewal
What it is
CSR-1, explained in plain English.
Rule 4(2) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, as amended by the Companies (CSR Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021, requires every entity intending to undertake CSR activity to register itself with the Central Government by filing Form CSR-1 with the Registrar, with effect from 1 April 2021. On approval the MCA generates a unique CSR Registration Number, and companies discharging their obligation under Section 135 quote that number when they report the spend - which is why they will not disburse without it.
TL;DR
An implementing agency other than one established by the company itself must have BOTH 12A and 80G registration under the Income Tax Act, and an established track record of at least three years in similar activities. A newly formed Section 8 company cannot receive CSR funds through this route, and nor can one that has 12A but not 80G.
Key terms
The vocabulary you'll see on the portal.
CSR Registration Number
The unique number generated by the MCA on approval of Form CSR-1. Companies quote it when reporting CSR spend under Section 135.
Implementing agency
The entity actually carrying out the CSR activity. Where it is not established by the funding company, the 12A + 80G + three-year track record conditions apply.
Three-year track record
An established record of at least three years undertaking similar activities. This is what excludes newly formed entities.
Professional certification
Form CSR-1 must be certified by a practising Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary or Cost Accountant. It cannot be self-filed.
Routes & scenarios
Match the situation to the right fix.
The eligibility condition
Both limbs must be satisfied. If either is missing, CSR-1 comes after fixing it, not before.
- 12A registration under the Income Tax Act
- 80G registration under the Income Tax Act
- Three-year track record in similar activities
- Applies to agencies not established by the company itself
What we handle
The filing, the certification, and where needed the registrations that have to come first.
- CSR-1 filing with professional certification: from ₹4,999
- CSR-1 with 12A and 80G application: from ₹24,999
- DSC coordination for the authorised signatory
- Track record evidence assembly
The process
CSR-1 - from kickoff to confirmation.
01
Eligibility check
We confirm 12A and 80G are both in place and that the three-year track record can be evidenced. If either is missing, that work comes first.
02
Assemble the pack
Registration or incorporation certificate, PAN, 12A and 80G certificates, governing body details with DIN or PAN, and evidence of the track record.
03
Certification
The form is certified by a practising Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary or Cost Accountant, and signed with the DSC of the authorised signatory. Both are mandatory.
04
File and receive the number
Filed with the Registrar. On approval the MCA generates the CSR Registration Number, which funding companies will ask for.
Documents required
What we'll need from you.
Upload via our secure portal. We pre-check every scan before filing - cuts portal rejections by ~90%.
Certificate of registration or incorporation
PAN of the entity
12A and 80G registration certificates
Copy of the resolution authorising the signatory
Details of directors, trustees or governing body members with DIN or PAN
Email and mobile of the entity, for OTP verification
Evidence of the three-year track record
Digital signature of the authorised signatory
CSR-1 FAQ
Common questions, answered by partners.
Still unsure if CSR-1 is right for your case? Book a free 20-minute consult - a senior CA / CS will walk you through your specifics.
Still have questions?
Book a free 20-minute consult with a senior partner - we'll walk through your case and outline next steps.
Talk to a partner →No. There is no MCA filing fee for Form CSR-1. Our professional fee, including the mandatory certification, starts at ₹4,999.
Ready when you are
Let's get your CSR-1 sorted this week.
A senior CA / CS will get on a call with you, confirm scope and start the work - usually within 24 hours.