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INSPITE of all the contributions made to social causes, there is a huge gap between the demand of money from the needy and the amount donated by philanthropists. This probably, is the reason why the Government has given tax benefits on donations. The amount donated towards charity attracts deduction under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Section 80G has been in the law book since financial year 1967-68 and it seems it’s here to stay. Several deductions have been swept away but the tax sop for donations appears to have survived the axe. The main features of tax benefit with respect to charity under section 80G are as follows:

1. Deduction U/s. 80G is Allowable to all kind of Assessee 

Any person or ‘assessee’ who makes an eligible donation is entitled to get tax deduction under section 80G subject to conditions. Section 80G does not restrict the deduction to individuals, companies or any specific category of taxpayer.

2. Deduction U/s. 80G on Donation to Foreign Trust

Donations made to foreign trusts do not qualify for deduction under section 80G.

3. Deduction U/s. 80G on Donation to Political Parties 

You cannot claim deduction under section 80G for donations made to political parties for any reason, including paying for brochures, souvenirs or pamphlets brought out by such parties. However deduction for contribution ( other than cash contribution) to political parties can be claimed u/s 80GGB/80GGC

4. Only donation made to prescribed funds and institutions qualify for section 80G deduction

All donations are not eligible for tax benefits. Tax benefits can be claimed only on specific donations i.e. those made to prescribed funds and institutions.

5. Maximum allowable deduction under section 80G 

If aggregate of the sums donated exceed 10% of the adjusted gross total income, the amount in excess of 10% ceases to be entitled for tax benefit.

Donation to Save Tax - Section 80G

6. Documentation Required for Claiming deduction U/s. 80G

  • Stamped receipt:  For claiming deduction under Section 80G, a receipt issued by the recipient trust is a must. The receipt must contain the name , address & PAN of the Trust, the name of the donor, the amount donated (please ensure that the amount written in words and figures tally). In case of donation which are eligible for 100% deduction recipient should also insist on form 58 from trust. Form 58 contains the details of project cost (for which the donation is received), amount authorised under this project and the actual amount collected. Without form 58, the claim for 100% deduction could be rejected even if the receipt mentions 100% deduction.
  • Mention of Registration No. of the Trust Under 80G on receipt:- The most important requirement is the Registration number issued by the Income Tax Department under Section 80G. This number must be printed on the receipt. Generally, the Income Tax Department issues the registration for a limited period (of 2 years) only. Thereafter, the registration has to be renewed. The receipt must not only mention the Registration number but also the validity period of the registration.
  • Validity of Registration U/s. 80G  on the date of Donation:- The donor must ensure that the registration is valid on the date on which the donation is given. For example, the registration of a trust may be valid from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2009. Now, if the trust does not get its registration renewed on or after April 1, 2009 then even if donation receipt is issued by the trust to the donor for donations received on or after April 1, 2009, the donor would not get any tax benefit.

With Effect from 1st October 2009 it is not required for a trust to apply for renewal of 80G certificate, if the same is valid on 01.10.2009 or valid upto a date thereafter unless department specifically ask Trust to apply for renewal.  So Old 80G certificate will remain valid if the same is valid on 01.10.2009.

  • Photocopy of the section  80G certificate :- Check the validity period of the 80G certificate. Always insist on a photocopy of the 80G certificate in addition to the receipt.

7. Only donations in cash/cheque are eligible for the tax deduction under section 80G

Donations in kind do not entitle for any tax benefits. For example, during natural disasters such as floods, earthquake, and many organisations start campaigns for collecting clothes, blankets, food etc. Such donations will not fetch you any tax benefits. No deduction under this section is allowable in case the amount of donation  exceeds Rs 10000/- from A.y 2013-14 to 2017-18 (Rs 2000/- from A.y 2018-19) unless the amount is paid by any mode other than cash.

8. Deduction U/s. 80G on Donation made by NRI

NRIs are also entitled to claim tax benefits against donations, subject to the donations being made to eligible institutions and funds.

9. Deduction under section if donation deducted from Salary and donation receipt certificate is on the name of employer

Employees can claim deduction u/s 80G provided a certificate from the Employer is received in which employer states the fact that The Contribution was made out from employee’s salary account.

10. Limit on donation amount under section 80G

There is no upper limit on the amount of donation. However in some cases there is a cap on the eligible amount i.e. a maximum of 10% of the gross total income.

11. Deduction amount U/s. 80G 

Donations paid to specified institutions qualify for tax deduction under section 80G but is subject to certain ceiling limits. Based on limits, we can broadly divide all eligible donations under section 80G into four categories:

a) 100% deduction without any qualifying limit (e.g., Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund).

b) 50% deduction without any qualifying limit (e.g., Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust).

c) 100% deduction subject to qualifying limit (e.g., an approved institution for promoting family planning).

d) 50% deduction subject to qualifying limit (e.g., an approved institution for charitable purpose other than promoting family planning).

List of Institution donation to whom is eligible to 100% deduction without any qualifying limit,  eligible to 50% deduction without any qualifying limit,  100% & Subject to qualifying limit and of those eligible for 50% deduction subject to qualifying limit are as follows :-

a. Donations with 100% deduction under section 80G without any qualifying limit:

1. Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund

2. National Defence Fund set up by Central Government.

3. Prime Minister’s Armenia Earthquake Relief Fund

4. The Africa (Public Contribution – India) Fund

5. National Children’s Fund

6. The National Foundation for Communal Harmony

7. Approved university or educational institution of national eminence

8. The Chief Minister’s Earthquake Relief Fund, Maharashtra

9. Any fund set up by the State Government Of Gujarat for providing reliefs to the victims of earthquake in Gujarat.

10. Fund set up by the State Government for the medical relief to the poor.

11. Donations made to Zila Saksharta Samitis.

12. The National Blood Transfusion Council or a State Blood Transfusion Council.

13. The Army Central Welfare Fund or the Indian Naval Benevolent Fund or The Air Force Central Welfare Fund.

14. National Illness Assistance Fund

15. Chief Minister’s or Lt. Governor’s Relief Fund

16. National Sports Fund

17. National Cultural Fund

18. Central Govt.’s Fund for Technology Development & Application

19. National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities

20. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister’s Cyclone Relied Fund

b. Donations with 50% deduction under section 80G without any qualifying limit.

1. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund

2. Prime Minister’s Drought Relief Fund

3. National Children’s Fund

4. Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust

5. The Rajiv Gandhi Foundation

c. Donations to the following are eligible for 100% deduction subject to 10% of adjusted gross total income

1. Donations to the Government or a local authority for the purpose of promoting family planning.

2. Sums paid by a company to Indian Olympic Association.

3. Swachh Bharat Kosh ( From A.y 2015-16)

4. Clean ganga Fund ( From A.y 2015-16)

5. National Fund For control of drug abuse (From A.y 2016-17)

d. Donations to the following are eligible for 50% deduction under section 80G subject to 10% of adjusted gross total income

1. Donation to the Government or any local authority to be utilized by them for any charitable purposes other than the purpose of promoting family planning.

2. Any Authority referred to in section 10(20A) for the purpose of dealing with and satisfying the need for housing accommodation or for the purpose of planning/development of town and village.

3. Any Corporation specified in section 10(26BB) for promoting interest of minority community

4.  Any notified temple, mosque, gurudwara church or other place (for renovation or repair)

12. Qualifying Limit for deduction under section 80G

The qualifying limits u/s 80G is 10% of the adjusted gross total income. The limit is to be applied to the adjusted gross total income. The ‘adjusted gross total income’ for this purpose is the gross total income (i.e. the sub total of income under various heads) reduced by the following:

  • Amount deductible under Sections 80CCC to 80U (but not Section 80G)
  • Exempt income
  • Long-term capital gains
  • Short- term capital gains taxable @15 per cent under section 111A.
  • Income referred to in Sections 115A, 115AB, 115AC, 115AD relating to non-residents and foreign companies.

13. Eligible Donation for deduction U/s. 80G

There are thousands of trusts registered in India that claim to be engaged in charitable activities. Many of them are genuine but some are untrue. In order that only genuine trusts get the tax benefits, the Government has made it compulsory for all charitable trusts to register themselves with the Income Tax Department. And for this purpose the Government has made two types of registrations necessary u/s. 12A & U/s. 80G. Only if the trust follows the registration U/s. 12A, they will get the tax exemption certificate, which is popularly known as 80G certificate. The government periodically releases a list of approved charitable institutions and funds that are eligible to receive donations that qualify for deduction. The list includes trusts, societies and corporate bodies incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 as non-profit companies.

14. Tax benefit under section 80G depends on rate of Tax applicable to the Assessee

Let us take an illustration. Mr. X an individual and M/s. Y Pvt. Ltd., a Company both give donation of Rs. 1,00,000/- to a NGO called Satyakaam. The total income for the A.Y. year 2019-20 of both Mr. X and Ms. Y Pvt. Ltd. is Rs. 5,00,000/-. The tax benefit would be as shown in the table:

Mr. X MS. Y Pvt. Ltd.
i) Total Income for the year 2019-20 5,00,000.00 5,00,000.00
ii) Tax payable before Donation 12.500.00 150000.00
iii) Donation made to charitable organisations 1,50,000.00 150,000.00
iv) Qualifying amount for deduction (50% of donation made) 75,000.00 75,000.00
v) Amount of deduction u/s 80G (Gross Qualifying Amount subject to a maximum limit 10% of the Gross Total Income) 50,000.00 50,000.00
iv) Taxable Income after deduction 4,50,000.00 4,50,000.00
v) Tax payable after Donation 10,000.00 1,35,000.00
vi) Tax Benefit U/S 80G (ii)-(v) 2,500.00 15,000.00

Note :

  • Education Cess & Sec. & Higher Educ. Cess has not been included in working of tax benefit.

15. ILLUSTRATION OF BENEFITS UNDER SECTION 80G

i) Donations to private trusts

Step 1: Find out the qualifying amount

The qualifying amount under this category will be lower of the following two amounts:

a) The amount of donation

b) 10 per cent of the gross total income as reduced by all other deductions under Chapter VI-A of the Income Tax Act such as 80C (PPF, LIC etc.), 80D (mediclaim), 80CCC (pension schemes etc.).

For example, a taxpayer named Laxmi Arcelor as taxable salary of Rs 500,000. He has deposited Rs 70,000 in Public Provident Fund and Rs 60,000 in his company provident fund. He donates Rs 45,000 to CRY (Child Relief & You) trust. Presuming he has no other income & presuming that Donation is eligible for 50% deduction, his taxable income will be computed as under:

Gross salary Rs 500,000
Less: Deduction under section 80C Rs 130,000
Gross total income (before 80G) Rs 3,70,000

After making donation to CRY, his qualifying amount for 80G will be:

Actual amount of donation Rs 45,000
10% of Gross total income as computed above Rs 37,000 whichever is lower

Since 37,000 is lower, the qualifying amount will be Rs 37,000

Step 2: Find out actual deduction

The next question that arises is how much would be the actual deduction? In the case of donations to private trusts, the actual amount of donation would be 50 per cent of the qualifying amount.

Therefore, in the example given above, since the donation is made to a private trust, the deduction will be 50 per cent of the qualifying amount ie 50 per cent of Rs 37,000 = Rs 18,500.

So,

Gross total income (Before 80G) Rs 370,000
Less: deduction under section 80G Rs 18,500
Total income (taxable income) Rs 351,500

Step 3: Check upper limit

Finally, the deduction under section 80G cannot exceed your taxable income. For example, if your income before deduction is Rs 3 lakh and if you have given donation of Rs 5 lakh to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, please do not expect to claim a loss of Rs 2 lakhs. Your income will be NIL (Rs 3 lakh – Rs 3 lakh). The deduction will be restricted to the amount of your income.

ii) Donations to trusts/funds set up by the Government

In this category, the entire amount donated i.e. 100 per cent of the donation amount is eligible for deduction. There is a long list of 21 funds/institutions/purposes for which donations given would qualify for 100 per cent eligibility. Notable among this list are:

– The National Defence Fund

– The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund

– Any fund set up by the State Government of Gujarat for earthquake relief

The funds that figure in this long list are all set up by the Government. Private Trusts do not figure in this list.

Thus, in this category of donations, the ceiling of 10 per cent of the gross total income as reduced by all other deductions under Chapter VI-A of the Income Tax Act does not apply.

In the above example, if instead of donating to CRY, had the donation been given to say, The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, then the calculations would have different as shown below:

Gross Total Income (Before 80G) Rs 370,000
Less: Deduction under section 80G Rs 45,000
Total Income (Taxable Income) Rs 325,000

(Updated on 28.06.2018)

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345 Comments

  1. RK77 says:

    No certificate is issued by Tirumala Tirupati  Devasthanam Trust for donations made by Internet banking through their website for amounts below 100000. The PAN No of TTD Trust is not known and not given on the same website ( E-hundi). CA insists that unless PAN number is known and entered in ITR-4 the deduction can not be claimed and quotes some circular issued by IT Deptt. The Internet tnx number and particulars are known and included in the bank statement. What is the  rules dealing with this issue? How can this deduction be claimed – TTDT is in the approved list of IT Deptt for 100% deduction.

  2. RK77 says:

    No certificate is issued by Tirumala Tirupati  Devasthanam Trust for donations made by Internet banking through their website for amounts below 100000. The PAN No of TTD Trust is not known and not given on the same website ( E-hundi). CA insists that unless PAN number is known and entered in ITR-4 the deduction can not be claimed and quotes some circular issued by IT Deptt. The Internet tnx number and particulars are known and included in the bank statement. What is the  rules dealing with this issue?

  3. Ravindra says:

    Research organisation, Trust obtained 35( I ) ( ii ) , CBTD Approval, FCRA A/C,
    can Redonate fund to NGO’s of u/s 80 G. if Yes, Please send Notification 

  4. RAJIV says:

    Sir, Article on donation is very informative. Problem while uploading salary return is coming certain deduction for Flag Day and smiler other deductions are made which is 100% deductible but while filing e return it is asking PAN , Pin code Place etc.of deduct or, which is never given, and without it e return cannot be filed what is solution. Rajiv Zaveri

  5. Jaya says:

    Urgently need to know if anyone here has the PAN no.for UNICEF India.Require it for tax filing purposes.Would really appreciate the help…

  6. Sriniv says:

    I have the same question YV Rao has asked in this forum. I donated money to BIRRD Trust of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. It is not written anywhere in Income Tax exemption certificate they sent me, how much percentage I am eligible to claim exemption. Please let me know if 10% ceiling (Of Gross Income) applicable in this case.

    Appreciate your advice.

    Regards, Srini

  7. Pankaj Kumar Singh says:

    If i give donation u/s 80g (2) (a)(vii) promoting family planning DDO’S can give at source deduction in my salary account ?

  8. YV Rao says:

    pl tell me which categeory of following charitable trusts

    1. Shirdi temple

    2. Sri venkateswara Nitya annadanam trust , tirupati 

    pl tell me , which categeory i should enter , for example 50 % deduction amount with under limit 

    with regards,

    YV Rao

  9. p.venkateswararao says:

    an amount of Rs 200000 has been deposited in to the bank account of the temple under the control of endowment department of government of andhrapradesh to get matching grant from government for the renovation of the temple.

    can i claim deduction under section 80G?

  10. udhayakumar k says:

    Sir, I have paid donation to Tamilnadu Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Kindly indicate the STATE CODE for tamil nadu for enabling me to file E-return.
    Thanks

  11. sherline says:

    I had donated Rs. 10000 for missionaries of charity, kolkata on 3.7.11. i am filling my tax return for FY2011-2012. The receipt given by them indicates that the donation is exempted under 80G (5) (VI) of the IT act 1961 order no. DIT (E)/8E/100/65-66/3401-03 dated 13/12/10 valid from 2011-2012.. how do i find out if i can claim this exemption and what the deduction % it is eligible for 100,50 or less. And where should i specify this in the sahaj form…80G(A), (B), (C), (D)?

  12. krishna reddy says:

    dear sir,
    whether service tax applicable to NGO under the following circumstances.
    1) this NGO is registered under 12AA, 2) the service is giving to state govt. 3) it is receiving money for the payment to persons who are engaged by us for providing govt. canal cultivation data collection work on consultancy basis.thanking you, regards a.krishna reddy

  13. Kunal says:

    I have donated some money to a charitable society who has given me a 80G certificate and bill.Unfortunately, since my wife deposited the money the authority has issued the bill in her name.My wife has no income of her.In this situation can I claim the deduction under 80G for the same ?

  14. Narayanan says:

    My spouse and I made a donation to a private trust (eligible for tax exemption). the receipt has been given in both our names. However, the transaction was through my spouse’ cheque (which is mentioned on the receipt). So, can I claim tax deduction along with my spouse? or only my spouse can? If we both can claim, can we claim half of the donation for which the tax may be exempted? Kindily advise.. Thank you..

  15. MD. SHAKIL HAIDER says:

    Respected Sir,
    Greetings from Right Track Family,
    My name is Md. Shakil Haider and associates with Right Track – Kolkata. 

    Earlier whenever we issued the money receipt to our donor, we used the memo number and date of certificate such as DIT(E)/531 by 8E/329/99-00 dated 21-10-2008 of I.T. Department on the back of the bill and the donors get benefit of the same.
    But after issuing the new circular from the IT Department what matter will be printed on the back or front of the money receipt or we can issue the money receipt without mentioning any matter. Here i have discussed with few of our partner NGOs and they are also not clear about the contents. Kindly share the matter which will be used for money receipt.
    Awaiting for your nice guidance.
    Thanks,
    Shakil

  16. noor mohd says:

    sir i am chairmen of [hassan development foundation]registration of socities act .xx1 of 1860 no.6338of 2011.2012 .9.august 2011.i am flood effected 2010 my village ashraf sodhar u.c qazi arif taluka mehar dist.dadu sidh pakistan my village is 90% damage .my office .mehar city my mb.03458002198..sir aj tak many apny madad ap tahat tanteem ko challaya he .sir please help my [h d f] sir aj tak many kisi se chanda nhain manga .thanks .

  17. Dr. A. K. Shrivastava says:

    Sir, May i request to you pls explain me 80G (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) & (iv),
    and which clause tax exemption for International Donor, 

  18. hari says:

    Dear sir,
    The 80G certificate issued by IT dept. has been expired on 31st March, 2008 and we could not able to renew the same to date. Sir, will you please guide us what we have to taken up further steps in this regard.

    Thanking you,

    Yours truly

    Hari

  19. Kedar Terdalkar says:

    Are cash gifts to parents eligible for 100% tax rebate or 50%? Does the eligibility of the amount considered for tax kick in (10% of adjusted gross) while calculating tax exemption as far as cash gifts to parents is concerned?

    Thanks in advance for the information shared …

  20. Kedar Terdalkar says:

    What are the differences between the subsections namely A, B & C within the section 80G of the Income Tax Act? How can I claim exemptions in income tax for the donations that I have been making to UNICEF and under what subsection can I claim it? Under what subsection can I claim excemptions for the cash gifts I have been giving to my parents? Can I claim exemptions for the cash gifts I have been giving to wife and or kids? Do my parents & wife have to compulsorily file for tax returns if i claim exemptions for the cash gifts made to them? I really appreciate the help and the information shared on this forum. Thanks in advance – Kedar

  21. GLOBE says:

    My ngo globe registerd under indian trust act 1882 & F.C.(R.)Act 2010.& also registerd Income tax act 1961 section 80g & 12 aa.Leigl status see ngo website- globetrust.org. Financial assistance requird to support our ngo “GLOBE” Regards Vijay Swaraj , President GLOBE AT-Jamuniya, P.O-Majhriyakishun, P.S- Jagdishpur, Disst.-West champaran (Bihar) India,Pincode-845459 Mobiale no.-09971223494 & 09546722901

  22. Sanjay Sharma says:

    Please let us know whether registered charitable institution who got exemption u/s 12 & 80G, can accept a donation in foreign currency for a person residing outside India and holding Indian Passport, without permission from FCRA

  23. Umesh Bhardwaj says:

    D/sir,
    I want to know the pan of PMNRF which is to be mentioned in column provided for details of donation under 80G

  24. Pradeep says:

    Dear Sir / Madam ,

    We are a charity orgnizetion from last 16 year’s working in health Care area
    ONLY BECAUSE OF YOUR KIND SUPPORT AND WISHES FROM TIME TO TIME,-WE COULD CONTINUOUS FREE CATARACT SURGERIES ,CORNEAL TRANSPLANTS,Have 80-G Certificate

    09890090050

  25. Jai Pal Garg says:

    As stated in the above illustration, where donation given to CRY is Rs. 45000, the quilifying amount is Rs. 40000 i.e. 10% of gross income. and the deduction U/S 80G is Rs. 20000 i.e. 50% of qualifying amount.
    In the same way in the illustration of Mr. X and M/S Y Pvt Ltd., donation amount is Rs. 100000 and qualifying amount is 50% i.e. Rs. 50000 and 80G exemption is Rs. 30000, i.e. 10% of Gross income. If we compare both the illustrations. There is a difference. In the second illustation mentioned here, the qualifying amount calculated first then only 50% is done. In the first illustation mentioned here, 10% of donation amount is done first to arrive at the qualifying amount, after that 50% is done to arrive at donation amount i.e. Rs. 20000. Pl clarify.

    JAI PAL GARG

  26. aparna says:

    I HAVE PAID AN AMOUNT TO THE PUNE DISTRICT BADMINTON ASSOCIATION. ON THE RECEIPT IT IS MENTIONED THAT THE AMOUNT PAID IS EXEMPTED FROM TAX U/S80G(5)(6). PLS LET ME KNOW IF THE 50% OF THE AMOUNT CAN BE CONSIDERED IN THE IT CALCULATIONS. AMOUNT DONATED IS NOT A BIG ONE. PLS LET ME KNOW ASAP.

  27. kollappa says:

    Dear sir,
    parivartana samste for NGO so we need searching for donars give like things or money helpful to our organization we worked as child rights and education rural development programe we have 80G AND 12A certificate please inform to me

    Regards
    Kollappa
    Chitradurgakarnataka
    8971747758
    9538888982

  28. RAJIB DATTA says:

    Respected Sir,

    Our organization is registered U/S.80G of the I.T.Act. The certificate has expired on 31.03.2011. Shall we need to apply for renewal. Please clarify.

    Rajib Datta

  29. RAJIB DATTA says:

    Sir,

    Our organization is registered U/S.80G of the I.T. Act. The certificate has expired on 31.03.2011. Shall we need to apply for renewal. Please clarify.

  30. Devang says:

    Hello, when i filled my incometax return, my gross total income was 50000, and 10%of gross total income was 50000, and i had made donation for 120000 rs.
    but i get exemption under section 80G was only 25000, and they told me reason that 50% of donation made or 10% Gross total income which ever is less.
    it means either 60000 (50% of 120000) or 25000 (50% of 10% of gross total income) which ever is less. so is it correct or not?

  31. M.L.GUPTA says:

    Sir,
    you have written that “With Effect from 1st October 2009 it is not required for a trust to apply for renewal of 80G certificate, if the same is valid on 01.10.2010 or valid upto a date thereafter unless department specifically ask Trust to apply for renewal. So Old 80G certificate will remain valid if the same is valid”.In my views the date should be 01.10.2009 and not 1.10.2010 vide circular no.7/2010 dt 27.10.2010.

    thanks,
    yours

    M.L.GUPTA

  32. r.rajkumar says:

    suppose a provison made for donotion on the board of directors approval in
    final accounts and payment made in april next finaincial year by debting
    the provision. can we eligible to claim 80g exemption in the year of provision.

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