Compliance under Society Act 1860

For a festive mandal registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 in Maharashtra, state amendments and potentially the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950 apply. Essential obligations include filing annual committee lists and financial statements with the Registrar, filing ITR-7 yearly, maintaining audited accounts, and routing all finances exclusively through the official bank account instead of personal UPI or cash.

Assuming the mandal is registered in Maharashtra as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, Maharashtra’s state amendments and related rules generally apply; registration under the central Act does not by itself exempt it from state requirements. Confirm the exact registration certificate and applicable registrar before filing, as the post-registration obligations depend on the society’s registration details and governing documents.

• The society should maintain books, receipts, vouchers, a member register, minutes and an annual list of its governing body. Its accounts should be audited as required under the applicable Maharashtra provisions, and the annual list/returns and audited accounts should be filed with the jurisdictional Assistant/Deputy Registrar. Check the registrar’s requirements and any overdue filings for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26.
• The donation and expense amounts do not, by themselves, establish that audit or income-tax filing is unnecessary. The society should prepare year-wise accounts from the personal UPI and cash records, reconcile receipts and payments, and document that the funds were used for society purposes. Personal-account use should be discontinued once the society’s bank account is operational.
• Apply separately to the Income-tax Department for PAN in the society’s name, then assess ITR-7 filing obligations and whether registration under sections 12AB and 80G is appropriate. Do not represent donations as eligible for 80G deduction unless approval is in place.
• Also review local permissions and any applicable police, municipal or noise requirements for festival events. The precise filing forms, due dates and consequences depend on the registration particulars and the society’s rules.

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