What is Section 80G and How Does it Help To Save Income Tax?

Ever felt frustrated while filing your income tax returns? You're not alone! Many people miss out on deductions and benefits they're entitled to. But what if there was a way to reduce your tax burden legally by donating to save tax? Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 might be the answer you've been looking for!

Donations under 80G allow you to claim deductions made to certain charitable institutions. By making these donations under 80G, you can support a worthy cause and lower your taxable income. 

In simpler terms, the more you donate under Section 80G (up to a specific limit), the less tax you pay. Sounds interesting? Let's get deeper and understand what Section 80G is and how it can help you save on your income tax!

What is Section 80G?

Donation under 80G of the Income Tax Act allows taxpayers to claim tax deductions for donations to specific approved charitable organisations, trusts, funds, and institutions. 

Some key points about Section 80G deductions:

• It provides tax benefits to encourage donations to approved entities working for charitable causes.
  
• Eligible Donations under the section 80G deduction can be made to organisations like the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, approved universities, funds to relieve victims of natural calamities, religious or charitable trusts, etc.
  
• The amount of deduction allowed depends on the category the recipient organisation falls under - 100% deduction without any limit for some, 50% deduction without limit for others, and 100% or 50% deduction subject to specific limits for the remaining categories.
  
• Cash donations above Rs. 2,000 to any organisation are not eligible for deduction under Section 80G.
  
• The donor has to obtain a receipt from the approved done to claim the deduction while filing their income tax return for an 80G tax exemption.

Who Can Claim an 80G Deduction?

If you are required to pay taxes, you are automatically eligible to claim a tax deduction under Section 80G. It does not matter if you are an individual, company, firm, HUF, or taxpayer. 

However, you must be either a resident Indian or a non-resident Indian (NRI) holding an Indian passport. In both circumstances, you must have taxable income in India to be eligible for an 80G tax exemption.

What Donations are Eligible for Tax Deduction under Section 80G?

Your donations must meet the following criteria to be eligible for tax deduction under Section 80G:

• Donations should be made to approved recipients/donees. 
  
• In addition to the receipt, a certificate is required from the donee organization to claim the deduction.
  
• Donations made in kind (i.e., non-cash contributions) cannot be deducted under 80G.
  
• If a cash donation exceeds Rs. 2,000, it is not eligible for deduction under 80G. Donations above Rs. 2,000 must be made through modes other than cash to claim the deduction.

Read More: 6 Ways Your Donations To NGOs Transform Lives

How Does CRY India Help You To Save Tax?

CRY India is a registered non-profit organisation recognized under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act of India. By donating to CRY, Indian citizens can claim a deduction of 50% of the amount donated from their taxable income. 

For instance, if your taxable income is ₹7,00,000 and you donate ₹10,000 to CRY India, your net taxable income will reduce to ₹6,95,000, lowering your overall tax liability. Donors must provide PAN details when donating to claim this NGO donation tax exemption benefit. CRY India will issue an 80G tax receipt/certificate that can be submitted along with your income tax return filing.

In addition to the tax savings, your donation under 80G to CRY India supports various initiatives aimed at ensuring children's rights to education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection from exploitation like child labour and child marriage. CRY India works with grassroots partners across 19 states in India, impacting over 13.5 lakh children annually by facilitating school enrolment, bridging learning gaps, providing immunisation, setting up nutrition gardens, and conducting awareness programs. Donating to CRY India can create better childhoods while reducing your tax outgo.

Conclusion

Section 80G incentivizes taxpayers to donate to save tax. Specified organisations allow them to reduce their taxable income by the eligible donation amount, thereby lowering their tax outgo. 

Also, under the section, only monetary donations made by approved modes of payment to specified approved organisations/funds are eligible for a tax deduction. However, this is subject to the applicable percentage of deduction based on the category of the donee organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Saving Donations