How to Claim Deduction for Donations Under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act?

Donating to a good cause not only supports social welfare but can also bring financial benefits in the form of tax deductions. Under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, individuals, companies, and even NRIs who contribute to eligible charitable institutions can claim deductions on the amount donated. However, to truly benefit from this provision, it is important to understand how the deduction works, what types of donations qualify, and how to correctly claim them when filing your Income Tax Return (ITR).

Understanding Section 80G and Its Purpose

Section 80G is designed to promote a culture of giving by offering financial incentives to donors. It allows taxpayers to deduct a certain percentage of their donations from their taxable income, thereby reducing their overall tax liability. However, not all donations are eligible. The donation must be made to a government-recognized institution or relief fund, and the mode of payment must be traceable—such as through cheque, demand draft, or digital methods. Cash donations above ₹2,000 are not allowed for tax deduction purposes.

Who Can Claim the Deduction?

The provision is open to all types of taxpayers. Whether you're a salaried individual, a business owner, a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), or even an NRI with Indian income, you can claim this deduction—provided you meet the eligibility criteria and make the donation to an institution approved under Section 80G. It's essential to remember that donations in kind—like clothes, food, or other goods—do not qualify under this section.

Choosing the Right Charitable Institution

One of the most crucial steps in this process is to ensure that your chosen charitable organization is registered under Section 80G. Without this certification, the donation, no matter how generous, will not be considered for tax benefits. Popular examples of eligible institutions include the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, the PM CARES Fund, and other recognized NGOs and trusts. You should always verify the institution’s 80G registration number and its validity before proceeding with the donation.

The Importance of Proper Documentation

Once you've donated, make sure to collect a valid receipt from the organization. This receipt should mention the name of the trust, its PAN number, the 80G registration number with validity dates, the amount donated, the donor’s name, and the mode of payment. This receipt becomes your proof at the time of filing ITR and must be preserved in case the tax department requests verification during assessment.

Claiming the Deduction While Filing ITR

When you're ready to file your income tax return, there is a specific section within the ITR form where you can mention donations made under Section 80G. Here, you’ll be required to input the name of the organization, its PAN, and the amount donated. You’ll also need to categorize whether the deduction is 50% or 100% and whether it's subject to a qualifying limit. If it is, you can only claim up to 10% of your gross total income as a deduction.

Final Thoughts

Claiming a deduction under Section 80G isn’t complicated, but it does require a little planning and awareness. By choosing the right organization, using proper payment methods, and filing your tax return accurately, you can support a cause you believe in while also reducing your tax liability. Donations, after all, are not just acts of generosity—they can also be strategic tools for financial planning.

Whether you're contributing to disaster relief, health initiatives, or educational programs, Section 80G rewards your goodwill with valuable tax savings. For those unsure about how to go about the process or which institutions are eligible, consulting a tax expert can ensure that you don’t miss out on the benefits you’re entitled to.

1. Can I claim deductions for donations made to foreign charities?

No, only donations made to Indian-registered charities and funds qualify for deductions.

2. Are all donations eligible for 100% deduction?

No, some donations qualify for 100% deduction, while others qualify for 50% deduction, depending on the organization.

3. Can a company claim a deduction under Section 80G?

Yes, companies, firms, and individuals can claim deductions under Section 80G.

4. Can I claim a deduction for donations made in kind (clothes, food, etc.)?

No, only monetary donations qualify for deductions under Section 80G. Donations in the form of food, clothes, or other material items are not eligible.

5. Can NRIs claim deductions under Section 80G?

Yes, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) can claim deductions under Section 80G if they have taxable income in India and donate to eligible Indian charities.