Before you register a charitable trust in Maharashtra you want to know what it will cost. The honest answer is that the cost has several parts, and only some of them are fixed by law. This guide separates what the rules say from what varies, so you can budget without being surprised. For the process itself, see how to register a public trust step by step.
1. The government registration fee
Rule 6(5) of the Bombay Public Trusts Rules, 1951 requires a fee with the application. In the text of the Rules published on the Charity Commissioner’s website, the fee is a small slab based on the value of the trust’s property: ₹3 for property up to ₹2,000, rising in steps to ₹25 for property above ₹25,000. Trusts deemed registered under section 28 pay no such fee. The Charity Commissioner’s citizen guide does not state an amount and says payment can be made online or, if you choose offline, at the trust office. The portal shows the amount payable when you submit, so treat the portal figure as the final one.
2. Stamp duty on the trust deed
The trust deed is stamped under the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958. The Act treats a non-testamentary disposition of property for a religious or charitable purpose as a “settlement” (section 2(t)). The duty that applies depends on what the instrument does, especially whether property is actually transferred to the trustees and what that property is worth. Because the amount can change with the deed and the property, we do not quote a single figure here. Check the current duty for your deed with the stamp office or an advocate before you buy stamp paper.
3. Newspaper notice and inquiry costs
The officer gives public notice of the inquiry, for example by newspaper advertisement (Rule 7A). The applicant may be asked to pay the estimated cost of the notice. The Charity Commissioner’s guide also lists an application for exemption from newspaper publication, affixed with a ₹10 court fee stamp. Whether an exemption is granted is for the officer to decide.
4. Smaller costs
- Solemn affirmation of the application before an authorised officer such as a Notary (Rule 6(4)).
- Scanning and printing the documents listed in the guide.
- Any registered office address proof or No Objection Certificate costs.
5. Professional fees
Drafting the deed, preparing the application and appearing at the office are work an advocate does, and fees differ from one practitioner to another. Ask for what is included: drafting, filing, appearances, and the follow-up until the registration number is issued. Be careful with very low advertised “packages”, which often leave out stamp duty, publication or appearances.
6. What comes after registration
- Audited accounts every year; see accounts and audit filing.
- Change reports when trustees change.
- Income-tax registration for tax exemption and donor deductions: 12A and 80G.
Common questions
Is the government fee the main cost?
No. For most trusts the registration fee is small. Stamp duty, notice costs and professional fees make up the real budget.
Can a trust be registered without property?
The application asks for property details only if the trust holds property or has income; the Charity Commissioner’s guide says to leave those sections blank otherwise.
Need help estimating cost for your trust? See trust registration assistance in Mumbai.
This is general information, not legal advice. Fees and duties change, so confirm current amounts with the Charity Commissioner’s office and the stamp office before you pay.
Sources: Bombay Public Trusts Rules, 1951 (Rules 6 and 7A); Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958 (section 2(t)); the Charity Commissioner, Maharashtra citizen guide to trust registration (charity.maharashtra.gov.in).