The Central Board of Direct Taxes, through Notification No. 24/2026 dated 20 March 2026, approved the Tea Research Association, Kolkata, as a “Research Association” for scientific research under Section 35(1)(ii) of the Income-tax Act, 1961. This approval enables donors to claim weighted deductions for contributions made to the institution, subject to compliance with prescribed conditions. The notification is applicable for Assessment Years 2027-28 to 2031-32 and mandates adherence to Rule 5D of the Income-tax Rules, 1962. The association is required to file annual statements of donations in Form 10BD within the prescribed timeline and issue certificates to donors in Form 10BE. It also allows submission of correction statements to rectify errors. The approval reinforces regulatory compliance and transparency in scientific research funding while ensuring that donors receive tax benefits only when statutory reporting and certification requirements are strictly fulfilled.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(Department of Revenue)
(CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES)
Notification No. 24/2026 – Income Tax | Dated: 20th March, 2026
S.O. 1491(E).— In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (ii) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961) read with Rules 5C and 5D of the Income-tax Rules, 1962, the Central Government hereby approves ‘Tea Research Association’ (PAN: AAAAT3430E), Kolkata, West Bengal under the category of ‘Research Association’ for ‘Scientific Research’ for the purposes of clause (ii) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 read with rules 5C and 5D of the Income-tax Rules, 1962.
2. This Notification shall be applicable for Assessment years 2027-28 to 2031-32 subject to the following conditions:
i. ‘Tea Research Association’ Kolkata, West Bengal shall comply with the conditions specified in Rule 5D of the Income-tax Rules, 1962.
ii. ‘Tea Research Association’ Kolkata, West Bengal shall prepare statement under sub-section (1A) of section 35 of the Act for each financial year as prescribed in Form No.10BD and deliver or cause to be delivered to the said prescribed income-tax authority or the person authorised by such authority such statement in such form, verified in such manner, setting forth such particulars on or before the 31st May, immediately following the financial year in which the donation is received, as prescribed in Rule 18AB of the Income-tax Rules,1962.
Provided that such research association may also deliver to the prescribed authority a correction statement for rectification of any mistake or to add, delete or update the information furnished in the statement delivered under sub-section (1A) of section 35 of the Act;
iii. ‘Tea Research Association’ Kolkata, West Bengal shall furnish to the donor, a certificate in Form No.10BE specifying the amount of donation in such manner, containing such particulars and within such time from the date of receipt of sum, as prescribed in Rule 18AB of the Income-tax Rules,1962.
[Notification No.24/2026/F. No. 203/13/2025/ITA-II]
INDU BALA, Dy. Secy.
