Tax exemption on donations under section 80G
A voluntary help, either in terms of money or kind, towards needy people, is known as charity. 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 Organizations (NGOs) and other non-profit bodies that collectively work towards conducting charitable activities that help them raise funds or non-monetary charity for people in need. Such institutions have put forth their best efforts that further play a significant role in promoting the various economic development and social welfare objectives that the Indian Government has initiated. The outreach and localized approach that NGOs and other non-profit entities follow has allowed for the identification of the needy and helps in ensuring 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 organizations 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 of the examples of tax exemption. An important thing that organizations need to keep in mind is that the registrations are granted under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act. However, that doesn’t give direct approval for deductions under Section 80G. This is because Section 80G tax benefits on donations apply only to charitable trusts, NGOs, and similar institutions. It doesn’t apply to religious trusts or institutions.Section 80G of the 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 offers deductions while calculating the total income of the donor. The recipient of the charity donation gives a receipt of 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 organization is established in India and is operating for charitable purposes in the country.