• Divyang sewa Sansthan Bikaner

Tax Exemption

TAX EXEMPTION ON DONATIONS UNDER SECTION 80G

Voluntary help, either in terms of money or kind, towards needy people is known as charity. A way for people to give back to society, it not only makes you feel happy from within, but when you donate, you can also save some tax.

Today, there are various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other non-profit bodies that collectively work towards conducting charitable activities that help them raise funds or provide non-monetary charity for people in need. Such institutions have put forth their best efforts to further play a significant role in promoting the various economic development and social welfare objectives that the Indian government has initiated. The outreach and localised approach that NGOs and other non-profit entities follow has allowed for the identification of the needy and helps ensure that a supporting hand is provided to them. This is one of the key reasons why the Government of India offers tax incentives and exemptions to NGOs and charitable organisations, with the exemptions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act being the most significant ones.

What is Tax Exemption?

The reduction or removal of a liability to make a mandatory payment that is otherwise imposed by the ruling power on a property, individual, income, and so on, is known as tax exemption. Having a tax-exempt status may also provide relief from other taxes, offer reduced rates, or tax only on a portion of certain items. Exemption of tax for donations to charitable trusts and NGOs, from property and income taxes for veterans, cross-border scenarios, and so on, are some examples of tax exemption. An important thing that organisations need to keep in mind is that registrations are granted under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act. However, that doesn’t give direct approval for an 80G deduction. This is because Section 80G tax savings by donations apply only to charitable trusts, NGOs, and similar institutions. It doesn’t apply to religious trusts or institutions.

Exemptions on Donation Under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act

Section 80G Income Tax Act of 1961 is a little different, as it provides tax exemption to charity donors as well. Donations to an NGO under 80G are treated as deductions while calculating the total income of the donor. The recipient of the charity donation gives a receipt of the donation to the donor based on which they get the entitled deduction, provided the NGO or charitable trust is approved under Section 80G. In addition to this, tax exemptions on charity are also applicable, provided the charity organisation is established in India and is operating for charitable purposes in the country.

When you contribute towards the causes and initiatives supported by Divyang Seva Sansthan, you are eligible for a certain tax exemption on your donation to our NGO. This income tax exemption can be claimed only if an NGO registered and validated with the Income Tax Department provides donors with the necessary 80G  receipts and 80G certificates that are required by the government.

An important thing that you should keep in mind here is that the tax exemption under the Income Tax Act for charitable organisations, NGOs, and other non-profit organisations is governed by Section 12A. This however does not entail approval for deductions for donors or offer tax benefits on donations, the deductions for whom are listed under Section 80G. Deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act also limit donating to religious trusts or institutions, which are not covered by an income tax exemption.

More about the Tax Exemption on a Donation Made to an NGO

Though the government allows the claiming of deductions on donations to charity organisations and relief funds, the tax exemption for NGO donations may not be applicable in all cases. People who are eligible to pay tax are automatically eligible for a tax benefit on donations under section 80G. Here, the taxpayer can be an individual, firm, company, Hindi Undivided Family, company, or anyone else. However, you should also be an Indian or a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) holding an Indian passport, and you should have a taxable income in India to be eligible for the covered tax benefit on donations.

Further, to claim an exemption under the Income Tax Act, a donor must satisfy the following criteria as well:

  • The donation should have been made to an approved, registered, and validated NGO or non-profit, as stated under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act.
  • The 80G receipt for the donation should be available.
  • In some cases, the donor may also be required to present a copy of the 80G certificate download of the NGO or organisation to which they made the donation.
  • The Income Tax Act also limits donating cash to Rs 2000. So, if you wish you wish to claim tax benefits on NGO donations that exceed an amount of Rs 2000, the donation cannot be made in cash. Some other mode of payment has to be used.

There are also no NGO tax benefits donations that are made in kind.

Eligibility for Claiming an Income Tax Exemption Under Section 80G

All taxpayers in India, or those having a taxable income in India, are eligible to claim tax savings by donations made to charity organisations as deductions under income tax section 80g, subject to the limits set down by the government of India. This includes individuals, Hindu Undivided Families, and companies. NRIs, who hold an Indian passport, are also entitled to the benefits of donations to NGOs under 80G, provided their donations are made to eligible institutions or funds.

Only donations made to valid, registered charities qualify for suitable deductions or for a tax exemption. The NGO also cannot be a religious trust or fund. This means that the trust or charity to which you are making a donation should be registered under Section 12A, after which they are considered to be qualified for an 80G certificate download. Individuals must always check the credentials of a charity organisation before they make a donation to it.

Documentation Required for Claiming a Section 80G Deduction

If you wish to claim a Section 80G deduction, you will be required to submit the following documents to support the claim:

  • Receipts: It is mandatory for you to have a duly stamped receipt that has been issued by the charity organisation that has received your donation. The receipt should clearly mention important details like the name, address, and PAN of the trust, the amount that has been donated, as well as the name of the donor.
  • Form 58: This is an essential document for donations that are eligible for a 100% deduction.
  • The Registration Number of the Trust: Every eligible trust is provided with a registration number by the Income Tax Department, and it is important for the donor to ensure that this number is mentioned on the receipt of their donation as well. Additionally, the registration number should have been valid on the date on which the donation was made

FAQ

  • 1. What is a tax exemption in India?

    Income tax exemption refers to the removal or reduction of the liability that a taxpayer has for mandatory payments that the government imposes on their property, income, etc. In general, donations tax exemptions are subject to various conditions.

  • 2. How can I save tax by donating to an NGO?

    Donation not only makes you happy but also lets you donate and save tax. Income tax section 80g under Act’1961 provides income tax exemption to both the charitable trust and the charity donor, provided the NGO meets all the stated rules of the act. For a donor to be able to claim a deduction under section 80G, you need to present the receipt of the donation based on which you can avail the deduction. You are also required to obtain Form 10BE, which is provided to donors by authorised relief funds and NGOs. This form must then be uploaded to the income tax portal along with the other required documents. The details of the donation will be automatically populated under section 80G. The documents that are required generally include the NGO’s registration certificate, receipt of donation, etc.

  • 3. What is the maximum amount of income tax exemption under 80g
    Depending on the category of donation, the maximum donating limit for the Income Tax Act Section 80G deduction may vary. While in some cases, there is no maximum limit set for the deduction; while in other cases, the 80g tax exemption limit is set at a 10% of the adjusted gross total income of the charity donor.
    There are 4 categories of donations made to NGOs or charitable funds, of which, categories 1 and 2 cover donations that are made to particular organisations or funds. Category 1 and 2 donations are eligible for 100% and 50% deductions, respectively, and have no qualifying or maximum limit.
    Donations made towards the promotion of Family Planning, to any approved local authority or to the government fall under Category 3, whereas donations made to almost all other approved NGOs generally come under Category 4. Category 3 and 4 donations are eligible for 100% and 50% deductions, respectively, subject to a qualifying or maximum limit. Under 80G, any donation in categories 3 & 4 must not exceed 10% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross total income, for it to make the 80G exemption list of 80G tax exemptions.

  • 4. What is tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act?

    Tax exemption under 80G is applicable only to donations made to certain NGOs, charitable trusts, and similar institutions. The deductions are not applicable to donations made to religious trusts and other such establishments. The 80G tax exemption is unique as it provides tax deductions to the ones making the donation as well. According to the Income Tax Act, donating to savers tax deductible if it meets certain requirements, like: -

    • Donee: The organisation or relief fund to which the donation has been made must be registered and validated with the Income Tax Department.
    • Mode of Payment: To be eligible as a tax-deductible donation, it cannot exceed Rs 2000. Donations in kind also do not qualify for an 80G deduction.
    • The Donation Limit: For claiming this as a tax-deductible, the donation (Category 3 & Category 4 Donations) must not exceed 10% of the donor’s adjusted gross total income.
  • 5. What is the tax exemption for donations?

    Tax exemption in India is the removal or reduction of liability from making a mandatory payment that is imposed by the ruling power on a property, income, and so on. Tax exemptions on charity can availed when you make a donation to a charitable trust or NGO, provided the stated rules are met.

     

  • 6. How much of a donation is tax deductible?

    For tax exemption under Section 80G, donations of an amount in cash within the 80g tax exemption limit of Rs 2000/- are eligible. However, for an amount exceeding Rs. 2000/-, payments in any mode other than cash are eligible for tax deductions. Contributions like food, medicines, and so on are not eligible for tax exemption donations under 80G. Under Section 80G, donations can be claimed as a 50% or 100% deduction, if made to an approved NGO, non-profit, or relief fund. This amount may have a qualifying or maximum limit based on the category under which the donation falls.

  • 7. Which donation is eligible for a 100% deduction?
    There are certain individual funds in India, donations to which are eligible for 100% deductions under section 80g. Donations made to the National Defence Fund (by the central government), PM’s National Relief Fund, National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities, etc., or to any medical relief fund for the poor that is set up by a state government, approved educational institutions of national eminence, and many more have no limit and are donations entitled for 100% deduction under 80G.
    Other donations entitled to a 100% deduction under 80G include those made to an approved local authority or to the government towards the promotion of Family Planning in India. These donations are however subject to a qualifying limit.
  • 8. What are the benefits of NGO donations?

    Donating to an NGO allows you to help further several initiatives and causes for the betterment of society, bringing happiness to a number of people. Being able to avail NGO tax benefits on your donation is another great advantage of donating money to an NGO. You can easily claim tax deductions on the donation, provided that the NGO is eligible under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

     

  • 9. How is tax benefit calculated on 80G donations?

    You can make donations under 80G to claim tax incentives. There are various categories of donations that are specified under Section 80G. They can be eligible for tax deductions of up to 100% or 50% with or without restrictions, provided they meet all the rules stated under Section 80G.

     

  • 10. What is the limit for donations under 80G?

    If you wish to donate the amount in cash, the limit for donation under 80G is Rs 2000/-. If the donation amount exceeds Rs. 2000/-, you must donate in any mode other than cash for the donation to qualify for an 80G deduction.

  • 11. Do Charitable Trusts pay tax?

    Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and charitable trusts in India are subjected to tax exemptions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act of 1961. However, for the tax exemption, the charitable trust must be established in India and should be operating for charitable purposes in the country.

     

  • 12. Are there tax exemptions on cash donations as well?

    Cash donations above Rs 2,000 are not applicable for 80G certificates or deductions.

  • 13. Do you issue instant tax receipts?

    Yes. A soft copy of the receipt of the donation is generated and made available to you instantly. But, if you require a hard copy of the tax receipt, you will be required to put in a request for the same, along with screenshots of the payment and the receipt will be shared with you within 10 days.

     

  • 14. What is the minimum amount that needs to be donated to get a tax exemption?

    A minimum of Rs 500 needs to be donated to avail tax exemption under IT sec 80G for online donations.

     

  • 15. When can I get a tax exemption certificate?

    We generate the tax exemption certificate within 8 days from the date of the contribution being made through online donations. Including the courier process, it takes around 10 days for the exemption certificate to reach you. If you contribute offline, it takes 15 to 20 days.

  • 16. What Tax exemption benefit do I get?

    Making donations under section 80G can help you with tax deduction benefits. The exemption is calculated by reducing the donated amount from your taxable salary. For instance, if your taxable income per year is Rs 200,000 and you make a donation of Rs 5,000 then your net taxable income will become Rs 197,500. Your tax will now be calculated on this new amount basis the prevailing tax rates. As per the revised tax exemption act, effective April 1, 2017, donations to Divyang Seva Sansthan will be eligible for a 50% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

  • 17. What are 80G donations?

    80G is a certificate that exempts you from paying taxes on the amount of money that you have paid as a donation to NGOs, charitable trusts, etc. that are registered. Donations to Divyang Seva Sansthan are exempt from 50% tax under section 80G of the Income Tax Act. The tax benefit is valid only in India.

  • 18. Income Tax Exemption in India: How does it work?

    Tax exemption refers to financial exclusions that lower the taxable income. Tax exemption is therefore a mandatory exemption to a general rule. Tax exemptions are given to boost certain economic activities such as the activities of charity organisations.

TAX EXEMPTION ON DONATIONS UNDER SECTION 80G

A voluntary help, either in terms of money or kind, that is put towards helping those in need, is known as charity. A way for people to give back to society, making a donation to an NGO doesn’t only make you feel happy, but you can also donate and save tax.

Today, there are several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other non-profit organisations that are collectively working towards the betterment of society through several initiatives and charitable activities to raise funds or non-monetary support to help those in need. These institutions have been consistently putting in their best efforts and playing a significant role in promoting economic development as well as the social welfare objectives that have been initiated by the Indian Government. The localised approach as well as outreach programmes by the NGOs in India are very important and go a long way in extending a helping hand to the specially-abled and underprivileged from the weaker sections of society, helping them forge better lives for themselves, thereby also supporting the betterment of society as a whole. This is one of the key reasons why the Government of India also offers several exemptions and tax benefits on donations made to charitable organisations, with the deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act being the most significant.

What is Tax Exemption in India?

The reduction or removal of the liability to make the mandatory payment that is otherwise imposed on property, individuals, income, and so on, is known as a tax exemption. Tax exemption in India can have several meanings, including the provision of relief from other taxes, reduced rates, or the liability to pay tax on only a portion of certain items. Some examples of tax exemption include charity donations, income tax exemption for veterans, cross-border scenarios, etc.

Tax Exemption in India for Charitable Donations

Donate and save tax when you contribute towards the causes and initiatives supported by Divyang Seva Sansthan. Under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act of India, certain contributions or donations to charity are eligible for tax deduction. These contributions are considered for income tax exemption under 80G only if the organisation is registered and validated with the Income Tax Department and can provide the necessary receipts and 80G certificate to the donor.

An important thing that you should keep in mind here is that the tax exemption under the Income Tax Act for charitable organisations, NGOs, and other non-profit organisations is governed by Section 12A. This however does not entail approval for deductions for donors, the deductions for whom are listed under Section 80G. Deductions under Section 80G do not apply to religious trusts or institutions.

Understanding Section 80G in the Income Tax Act

Though the government allows claiming of deductions on donations to charity organisations and relief funds, all donations are not eligible for tax exemptions. People who are eligible to pay tax are automatically eligible to claim a donation as exemption under section 80G. Here, the taxpayer can be an individual, firm, company, Hindi Undivided Family, company, or anyone else. However, you should be an Indian or a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) holding an Indian passport, and you should have a taxable income in India if you want to claim a donation under the list of 80G exemptions.

Further, for claiming an exemption under the Income Tax Act, you must satisfy the following criteria as well:

  • The donation should have been made to an approved, registered, and validated NGO or non-profit.
  • The 80G receipt for the donation should be available.
  • You will also be required to download the 80G certificate for the organisation to which you made the donation.
  • The cash donation limit as per the Income Tax Act is Rs 2000. So, if you wish to claim a donation that exceeds Rs 2000 as deductions under 80G, it should be made through some other accepted payment mode.

You also cannot claim tax benefits on donations that are made in kind.

Eligibility for Claiming Deductions Under Section 80G

All taxpayers in India, or those having a taxable income in India, are eligible to claim donations made to charity organisations as deductions under Section 80G on the Income Tax Act of India, subject to the limits set down by the government of India. This includes individuals, Hindu Undivided Families, and companies. NRIs, who hold an Indian passport are also entitled to the benefits under Section 80G, provided their donations are made to eligible institutions or funds.

Only donations made to valid, registered charities qualify for suitable deduction. This means that the trust or charity to which you are making the donation should be registered under Section 12A, after which they are considered to be qualified for the 80G certificate. Individuals must always check the credentials of a charity organisation before they make a donation to it.

Documentation for Claiming a Section 80G Deduction

If you wish to claim a Section 80G deduction, you will be required to submit the following documents to support the claim:

Receipts: It is mandatory for you to have a duly stamped receipt that has been issued by the charity organisation that has received your donation. The receipt should clearly mention important details like the name, address, and PAN of the trust, the amount that has donated, as well as the name of the donor.

Form 58: This is an essential document for the donations that are eligible for a 100% deduction.

The Registration Number of the Trust: Every eligible trust is provided with a registration number by the Income Tax Department, and it is important for the donor to ensure that this number is mentioned on the receipt of their donation as well. Additionally, the registration number should have been valid on the date on which the donation was made.