Donate more to save more

Contributing to improving the existence of the unprivileged and the poor is an extremely part deed. From organizations to people, individuals from varying backgrounds are known to contribute in cash or kind for a more equal future for all. To encourage charitable donations, the Income Tax Department permits one to get tax exemptions under Section 80G based on the sum donated. 

Deduction under Section 80G can be claimed by any taxpayer irrespective of the source of income and is in addition to the deduction available under section 80C. However, only monetary donations are considered for deduction. Donation in cash only up to Rs.10,000 is eligible for deduction under Section 8OG. In case of donations eligible for 100% deduction, the taxpayer should ask for Form 58 from the trust. The form carries details of the project, its cost and the amount collected. Tax benefits to donations made for scientific research or rural development comes under Section 80GGA. The entire amount can be claimed as a deduction under Section 80GGA. Section 80GGC allows 100% deduction in respect of contributions made to political parties registered under the People Act, 1951. However, the payment has to be made through banking channels.

The vast majority of people donate to charitable organizations. Interestingly, even though such donations are qualified for tax breaks, numerous individuals don’t know about the same. For a great many people, the absence of information is frequently referred to as the explanation behind not claiming these tax benefits, and there are legitimate explanations behind that. The Form 16 given to salaried people doesn’t refer to any allowances on donations made under Section 80G. This implies the salaried are denied the tax breaks at the TDS (tax deducted at source) stage.