Trust

A trust’s registration is done either at the state level, at the office of the Registrar of Societies) or at the district level (in the office of the District Magistrate or the local office of the Registrar of Societies). Registration can be done also under Income-tax act but only in case of charitable or religious trusts, societies and companies, which is not applicable for private/family trusts. As per Section 80G (Donation to charitable Trust) tax deduction is also applicable for trusts. Any taxpaying individual, whether resident or non-resident, firm, HUF and company can get deductions. As per law, a trust ceases to exist or be extinguished in the following circumstances:

Trustees

A trust needs a minimum of two trustees; there is no upper limit to the number of trustees. The Board of Management comprises the trustees. The person who accepts the confidence reposed or declared by the author of the trust is called trustee.

Beneficiary

The person for whose benefit the trust is to be held by the trustee is called the beneficiary

Overview

Application for Registration 

Registration can be done either at the state level (i.e., in the office of the Registrar of Societies) or at the district level (in the office of the District Magistrate or the local office of the Registrar of Societies).

Stamp-duty 

A deed of trust is regulated by Article 64 of schedule I to the Indian Stamp Act for the purpose of stamp-duty

Extinction of trust 

A trust is extinguished: -

• When its purpose is completely fulfilled; or
• When its purpose becomes unlawful; or
• When the fulfillment of its purpose becomes impossible by destruction of the trust property or otherwise; or
• When the trust being revocable is expressly revoked.

Registration under Income-tax Act 

Charitable or religious trusts, societies and companies claiming exemption under sections 11 and 12 of the Income-tax Act are required to obtain registration under section 12AA of the Act. Private/family trusts are neither allowed such exemption nor required to seek registration under the Income-tax Act.

Tax deduction under Section 80G (Donation to charitable Trust) 

Deductions are available under Section 80G to any taxpayer i.e. individual – resident and non-resident, firm, HUF and company.

FAQ

Who is competent to create a trust 

Any person who has the capacity to enter into a contract is competent to create a trust.

Procedures involved 

1. Preparation of deed which specifies the
   • Objects of the trust
   • Name of Managing Trustee/Trustees
   • Name of the beneficiaries
   • Office of the trust
2. Registration