The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010, is an act of the Indian government that regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions or foreign hospitality by individuals and organizations in India. The primary objective of FCRA is to prevent the misuse of foreign funds, ensuring that foreign donations are utilized for lawful activities in the country.

What is FCRA?

FCRA stands for Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which is an important legislation enacted by the Government of India in 1976, and later amended in 2010. It regulates the acceptance of foreign contributions or foreign hospitality by individuals, associations, and companies in India. FCRA ensures that foreign funds are utilized for national welfare and not for activities that may affect national interest or security.

FCRA Full Form

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act serves as the complete name of FCRA.

FCRA Registration

The FCRA Registration is a mandatory requirement for any organization or individual wishing to receive foreign contributions in India. It is granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after evaluating the eligibility of the applicant and their intended purpose for the funds.

• Eligibility for FCRA Registration : To be eligible for FCRA registration, the following criteria must be met:

1. The organization must be a non-profit.

2. It should have been in existence for at least three years.

3. The organization should have a proven track record in social, cultural, or educational work.

• FCRA Registration Process

1. Create an Online Account: Go to the FCRA Online Portal on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website.

2. Fill the Application Form: Complete the FCRA application form (Form FC-3) with accurate information.

3. Attach Required Documents: Upload necessary documents like the certificate of registration, audited financial statements, and annual reports.

4. Submit the Application: Once all details are entered, submit the application form online.

5. Application Review: The Ministry of Home Affairs reviews the application and verifies the details provided.

6. FCRA Registration Approval: After thorough scrutiny, the FCRA registration is granted, and the organization receives the registration number.

FCRA Online Services

Through the FCRA Online Services portal the government seeks to simplify organization management of FCRA by providing digital services. The portal enables entities to request new registration and extension of registration and to present annual and quarterly returns.

FCRA Login

The Ministry of Home Affairs portal requires users to establish an FCRA login gateway for accessing online FCRA services. Through the login you can monitor application status while submitting returns alongside accessing different services linked to both FCRA registration and compliance functions.

FCRA Certificate

Once an organization has completed the FCRA registration, it is issued an FCRA Certificate. This certificate is valid for five years and enables the organization to receive foreign contributions legally. It also contains the FCRA registration number and other important details.

FCRA Renewal

The FCRA Registration needs to be renewed every five years. If the renewal is not done on time, the organization cannot continue to receive foreign contributions.

• FCRA Renewal Process

1. Log in to FCRA Portal: Use your FCRA login credentials to access the portal.

2. Fill Renewal Application: Complete the renewal application (Form FC-4) before the expiry of the current registration.

3. Attach Documents: Provide updated documents, including financial statements and reports for the last five years.

4. Submit the Application: After verification, the FCRA registration is renewed.

FCRA Renewal Status

The FCRA renewal status can be checked through the FCRA Online Services portal. By logging in to the portal, organizations can track the progress of their renewal application.

FCRA Annual Return

Under FCRA, organizations are required to submit an annual return of the foreign contributions received during the year. This includes the utilization of foreign funds, as well as the name of donors, purposes of the donations, and other financial details.

• Submission of Annual Return

1. FCRA Form FC-4 is used for submitting the annual return.

2. The annual return must be submitted within nine months from the end of the financial year (i.e., by December 31st).

FCRA Quarterly Return

Some organizations receiving foreign contributions are required to submit a quarterly return to the Ministry of Home Affairs. This return includes details about the foreign funds received and how they were utilized during the quarter.

FCRA License

The FCRA license refers to the authorization granted to organizations that are registered under FCRA. This license permits them to accept and utilize foreign contributions for activities that align with the objectives of the law. The FCRA license number is a unique identifier issued to registered organizations.

FCRA Status

The FCRA status refers to the current standing of an organization in terms of FCRA registration. It can be checked online through the FCRA portal by entering the FCRA registration number. The status will show whether the organization’s registration is active, expired, or pending renewal.

FCRA Account Full Form

The FCRA account refers to a special account used to deposit foreign contributions. It is mandatory for organizations registered under FCRA to open an FCRA designated account at a designated bank, typically in any branch of State Bank of India (SBI).

FCRA Amendment

The FCRA Amendment refers to the changes and updates made to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. In 2020, the Indian government made certain amendments to FCRA to ensure better monitoring of foreign funds and to prevent misuse. One of the major changes was the requirement to open an FCRA account only with the State Bank of India.

FCRA Registration Fees

Currently, there is no fee for FCRA registration or its renewal. However, some organizations may need to pay for document verification or administrative processes depending on their specific case.

FCRA Registration Number Search

You can search for an FCRA registration number through the FCRA Registration Status Portal. This service allows individuals or organizations to check the status of a specific registration number, whether it is valid or expired.

FCRA Renewal News

The FCRA renewal news often relates to changes in the renewal process or the implementation of new rules by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is important for organizations to stay updated about any news regarding FCRA to ensure compliance.

FCRA Rules

The FCRA rules are the set of regulations that govern the way foreign contributions should be received, utilized, and reported by registered organizations. The rules cover areas like:

• Procedures for obtaining registration.

• Restrictions on the use of foreign funds.

• Compliance with annual and quarterly returns.

• Monitoring and auditing of foreign contributions.

Conclusion

The Indian government uses FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) to control foreign financial support entering the country. All organizations need to confirm their satisfaction of FCRA registration eligibility terms while following all regulatory requirements. This guide contains all the necessary details to help you comply with FCRA requirements through registration application and status checks and renewal procedures.

You can obtain current updates about FCRA renewal policies and status by regularly checking the official websites of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the FCRA Online Portal.

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