Trust registration
A trust holds property or funds for purposes the trust deed defines, managed by trustees. Rapidfiling drafts the deed, arranges signing before the sub-registrar, and completes registration under the law that applies to your trust.
Share your requirement. Our team will review your enquiry and explain the next steps.
Service overview
Trusts in India are created when a settlor transfers property to trustees for defined purposes. Private trusts serving identifiable beneficiaries fall under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, while public charitable and religious trusts are registered under the state public trusts acts where they exist, such as the Bombay Public Trusts Act in Maharashtra. The trust deed (signed before the sub-registrar where registration is required or chosen) is the trust's constitution.
The deed's quality decides how smoothly the trust works. It should define the settlor and initial trustees, the trust property, the objects, how trustees are appointed and removed, meeting and banking rules, and what happens if the trust winds up. Trusts also usually need a PAN, a bank account, and, for charitable activity, 12A and 80G registrations to offer donors tax benefits.
Rapidfiling drafts the deed from your instructions, coordinates stamp duty and registration, and applies for the trust's PAN and follow-up registrations.
Who this service is for
- Families setting up a private trust for property or succession planning
- Groups starting a charitable trust for education, health, or relief work
- Donors who want a structured vehicle for giving
- Existing unregistered trusts that need registration for a bank account or 12A
Scope of support
What support includes
- Discussion of the trust's purpose, property, and trustee structure
- Drafting of a tailored trust deed with appointment, banking, and succession provisions
- Stamp duty and notarisation coordination, and registration before the sub-registrar where required
- Trust PAN application and guidance on follow-up registrations where relevant
What support does not include
- Legal advice on inheritance or family disputes, we arrange qualified advocates for that
- 12A, 80G, and FCRA registrations, quoted as separate applications
- Day-to-day trust administration after registration
Requirements and documents
- Identity and address proof of the settlor and all trustees
- Details and documents of the trust property or initial fund
- Two witnesses for the deed signing
- The agreed objects and rules the trustees want recorded
How the process works
1. Enquire and define the trust
Share the purpose, property, and trustees through the form. We confirm whether a private or public trust and which state law applies.
2. Deed drafting
We draft the trust deed covering objects, powers of trustees, appointments, and winding up, and revise it with you.
3. Signing and registration
The settlor and trustees sign before the sub-registrar with witnesses; stamp duty is paid as the state requires.
4. PAN and accounts
We apply for the trust's PAN and guide the bank account opening.
5. Follow-up registrations
Where you plan donations or grants, we quote and file follow-up registrations.
Fees and timing
What influences the quote
- State stamp duty, which scales with the trust property value for private trusts
- Number of trustees and depth of deed drafting
- Whether follow-up registrations are in scope
Government fees and professional fees are shown separately in every quote. GST treatment is confirmed in the quote. Rapidfiling does not publish fixed prices for this service; request a quote to receive the fee breakdown for your case.
Share your requirement. Our team will review your enquiry and explain the next steps.
Important limitations
- Trustees owe fiduciary duties and are personally accountable for honest administration
- Public trust registration rules differ by state; some states restrict certain objects
- A deed cannot be used to defeat creditors or legal obligations, courts can set such trusts aside
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a trust and a society?
A trust is created by a deed and managed by trustees; a society is a membership body under the Societies Registration Act with a governing council elected by members. For most charitable startups a trust is quicker to form; governance style is the real difference.
Is trust registration compulsory?
For trusts involving immovable property, a registered deed is generally required. Public charitable trusts must register under the relevant state act where one exists. Even where optional, registration is needed for bank accounts and tax registrations.
Can the settlor also be a trustee?
Yes in many private trusts. For public charitable trusts, states differ on minimum trustee counts. We structure this in the deed correctly for your case.
How is a trust wound up?
The deed's winding-up clause governs it, usually the remaining property passes to another charitable purpose rather than back to the settlor. We draft that clause to match your intent.
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