Indian Company Master Data Made Simple

Skip to main content

Public Trust

3 min read

Quick Summary

Public Trust is a non-profit entity created for charitable, religious, or public purposes. Registered under respective State Public Trust Acts.

A Trust is a fiduciary arrangement where a trustee holds property for the benefit of beneficiaries. Public Trusts are created for charitable or religious purposes benefiting the public.

Types of Trusts

  • Public Trust: For public charitable/religious purposes
  • Private Trust: For benefit of specific individuals

Registration

  • Registered under State Public Trust Act
  • Maharashtra: Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950
  • Draft Trust Deed on stamp paper
  • Submit to Charity Commissioner/Registrar
  • Obtain Registration Certificate

Trust Deed Contents

  • Name of Trust
  • Settlor and Trustee details
  • Trust objectives
  • Beneficiaries
  • Trust property
  • Rules for management

Compliance

  • Annual accounts filing
  • Change report filing
  • Audit for trusts above threshold
  • Income tax return filing

Key Points

  • Created for charitable/religious purposes
  • Registered under State Trust Act
  • Trust deed is governing document
  • Trustees manage trust property
  • Annual compliance required
  • Alternative to Section 8 Company