Income Tax Deduction Under Section 80G: Good For Tax Savings

There are several ethical ways for tax deductions. Tax deduction laws of the Income Tax Act are essential as they help in reducing taxable income as well as lowering the tax liability. There are several laws for Tax Deductions but there is a positive way for reducing taxes too. Indian Income Tax Deduction Under Section 80G of Income Tax Act, 1961 helps reduce taxes for donations made to specific funds and charities. Understanding the rules of this Act can give you significant advantage to make informed decisions while contributing for a good cause and benefitting from significant tax savings.

Income Tax Deduction Under Section 80G

Section 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act established in 1961 lets donations made to specific funds and charities be deducted from your tax liabilities. These deductions are available and applicable to all tax payers including individuals, Hindu Undivided Families, companies, businesses and firms. The primary purpose of this scheme is to promote donations to philanthropic activities by offering tax benefits.

Historical Background

The scheme of tax deduction on donations has been part of the Income Tax Act of 1961 (since its inception). The government of India has continually been expanding the list of eligible funds and charities. The conditions are updated regularly in order to ensure that the benefits reach genuine charities. A high percentage of charities in India are fake and it is essential to verify before making any donations.

Eligibility for Deductions

To claim deductions under this scheme of Section 80G, a few conditions need to be met:

1. Valid Donations: The scheme is only valid for donations made to specific funds and charities so make sure to verify the list while making a donation.
2. Mode of Payment: Donations must be made in trackable form such as cheque, demand draft, or online transfer. Any donation made via cash exceeding 2000 rupees is not eligible for deduction under this scheme.
3. Receipt of Donation: Make sure to get a valid receipt of donation from the organisation you make the donation to so that you can claim the deduction.

Specified Funds and Institutions

The government has specified a list of funds and institutions that are eligible to receive donations under Section 80G. This list includes various national relief funds, educational institutions of national eminence, and trusts dedicated to promoting social welfare. The complete list is regularly updated and published by the Income Tax Department.

Importance of the Receipt

Always make sure to get a receipt of donation after you make the payment. The receipt of donation needs to have the following details in order to be claimed.

• Name and address of the trust or charity or institution
• Name of the donor
• Amount donated
• Registration number of the trust under Section 80G
• PAN Number of the trust
• Validity period of the registration

Categories of Donations

Donations eligible for deductions under Section 80G are classified into four categories:

Not all of the money you donate is counted in many conditions so make sure when you make the donations, your goals are being satisfied. Below is a list of percentage of donation eligible for deduction for various funds and charities.

1. 100% Deduction Without Qualifying Limit:
   • National Defence Fund
   • Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund
   • National Foundation for Communal Harmony
   • Donations to the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities
2. 50% Deduction Without Qualifying Limit:
   • Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund
   • Prime Minister’s Drought Relief Fund
   • Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust
   • Rajiv Gandhi Foundation
3. 100% Deduction Subject to Qualifying Limit:
   • Donations to the Government or a local authority for the purpose of promoting family planning
   • Donations to universities and educational institutions of national eminence
4. 50% Deduction Subject to Qualifying Limit:
   • Donations to any other fund or institution that satisfies the conditions specified under Section 80G

Understanding the Qualifying Limit

Not all of the income of the tax payer is eligible for deduction under this scheme. For donations that are subject to a qualifying limit. Only 10% of the total income of the tax payer is eligible for deduction under this scheme for donations that are subject to a qualifying limit. If you have doubts regarding this, hiring a chartered accountant will be beneficial. The gross total income is calculated after excluding long term and short term capital gains under section 111A and other sections of Chapter VI-A.

How to Claim Deductions

Claiming deductions under Section 80G involves a few steps. We recommend contacting a chartered accountant for professional advise and to make sure that you do not make any mistakes.

1. Collect the Donation Receipt: Always make sure to ask for a receipt from the institution which contains all the required details.
2. Fill Out the Relevant Sections in ITR: While filing your Income Tax Return, mention the details of the donation in the section dedicated to deductions under Chapter VIA.
3. Submit Proof if Required: Always preserve the documents in case you are asked for additional proof.

Detailed Steps for Filing

1. Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal: Start by logging into your account on the Income Tax e-Filing portal.
2. Select the Relevant ITR Form: Depending on your income source and taxpayer category, select the appropriate ITR form.
3. Navigate to the Deductions Section: Locate the section for deductions under Chapter VI-A and select Section 80G.
4. Enter Donation Details: Fill in the details of your donations, including the name of the charitable organization, the amount donated, and the category of the deduction.
5. Verify and Submit: Verify the information entered and submit your ITR. Attach the scanned copies of donation receipts if required.

Benefits of Section 80G

• Encourages Philanthropy: By providing tax incentives, Section 80G encourages individuals and businesses to contribute to social causes.
• Tax Savings: Donations help in reducing the taxable income and decrease the overall tax liability.
• Support for Charitable Institutions: Contributions under Section 80G provide financial support to various charitable institutions.

Social Impact of Section 80G

The tax deductions under Section 80G have a significant social impact. They encourage donations to relief funds and charitable institutions, thereby supporting various social causes such as education, healthcare, disaster relief, and welfare of the underprivileged. By channeling funds into these areas, Section 80G plays a vital role in promoting social welfare and development.

Financial Impact of Section 80G

The scheme is not only good for a social impact but also is a great tool for tax payers. The scheme reduces the taxable income through donations and thereby decreasing the tax liabilities. This aspect is beneficial for individuals and corporates looking to reduce their tax liability while supporting a noble cause.

Legal and Compliance Aspects

Verification of Trusts

To claim deductions under Section 80G, it’s crucial to ensure that the fund or charity you are donating to is eligible. The government of India updates the list of approved charities regularly. Make sure to check the official website of the government of India.

Documentation and Proof

In order to ensure hassle free benefit of this scheme, ensure that you have proper documentations. This includes the donation receipt which contains all necessary details as per the guidelines. The income tax department may ask for additional proof and so it is advised that you maintain and preserve all the documents and records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I claim deductions for donations made in kind?

No, only donations in the form of money are eligible under this scheme. Donations in kind such as food, clothes etc are not eligible under this scheme.

2. Are foreign donations eligible for deductions under Section 80G?

3. Can companies claim deductions under Section 80G?

Yes, companies are eligible if they made donations to the ones specified under this scheme.

4. How can I verify if a trust or institution is eligible for deductions under Section 80G?

You can verify the eligibility of a trust or institution by checking the list published by the government of India  or by contacting the organization directly to confirm their registration under Section 80G.

5. What happens if I donate more than the qualifying limit?

If your donations exceed the qualifying limit of 10% of the total income, only the max amount eligible under this scheme will be counted, the rest of the amount cannot be added for tax deduction. The excess amount cannot be carried forward to the next financial year.

6. Can NRIs claim deductions under Section 80G?

Yes, Non-Resident Indians are also eligible to claim deductions under this scheme.

Strategies for Maximizing Deductions

1. Plan Donations Wisely: To maximize tax benefits, plan your donations early in the financial year. This allows you to distribute your contributions strategically across eligible institutions.
2. Opt for Higher Deduction Categories: Prefer donations to funds and institutions that offer 100% deductions without a qualifying limit for maximum tax savings.
3. Keep Accurate Records: Maintain meticulous records of all donation receipts and related documents. This ensures a smooth process during tax filing and in case of any scrutiny by the tax authorities.
4. Consult a Tax Advisor: Engage with a tax advisor to understand the best ways to optimize your deductions under Section 80G. They can provide insights tailored to your financial situation.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. Donating to Unregistered Organizations

2. Exceeding Cash Donation Limit

Cash donations exceeding ₹2,000 are not eligible for deductions, so make sure to use online methods or cheques.

3. Missing Documentation

Always get a receipt. Missing documents could cause trouble.

The Role of Technology in Facilitating Donations

Making donations has never been this easy. You can now easily make donations online at the

Government Initiatives and Policies

The Indian government regularly updates its list of eligible charities and funds and also regularly updates the laws for it. Always make sure to verify this list and rules when you are making donations.

Future Trends and Outlook

As the Indian economy grows, section 80G aims to eradicate poverty and aims to provide a support for growing India and helping the poor and the people in need.

Case Studies and Examples

Example 1: Donation to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund

Suppose a man named ABC donates 50k INR to Prime Minister’s National Relief fund which is eligible for a 100% deduction without any qualifying limit. His taxable income is 8 lakhs. By using this scheme, his taxable income reduced to 7.5 lakhs INR which results in a significant tax savings.

Example 2: Donation to a Local Charitable Trust

Suppose a man named xyz donates 30k INR to a charity, which is eligible for a 50% deduction subject to a qualifying limit. Her adjusted gross total income is ₹6,00,000. The maximum deduction she can claim is 10% of ₹6,00,000, which is 60k INR.  Since her donation is within the limit, she can claim a deduction of ₹15,000 (50% of ₹30,000).

Conclusion

Section 80G is a great way to reduce tax and is a valuable tool introduced in the income tax ACT. It not only helps you save tax but also makes sure that your donation is going to a genuine institute for a good cause. By understanding this scheme, and the rules of it, you can make informed decisions to save taxes and support a noble cause. Always consult a chartered accountant to ensure compliance and maximise your benefits.