The Social Benefits of Tax Exemption in India

Tax Exemption - There is a compassionate part hidden among all of us. And, the thought of getting out there and doing something for the society also must have crossed our minds many times. But, how often have we actually gone ahead and done it? We get so caught up in our daily humdrum that our benevolence takes a backseat.

 But, as they say, 'where there is a will, there is a way.' So, one of the many ways that can provide you a platform to actively participate in social causes is to engage with a charity. Every charity works towards benefitting, uplifting, and sustaining society by encompassing factors related to social, legal, environment, ecology, health, economy, education, welfare, and the like. The cause of each non-governmental organization directly or indirectly reflects the broader perspectives of global organizations such as the UN, UNESCO, WHO, ILO, etc.

 Since charities work at the ground zero levels of the society; their involvement with a cause brings about a more sustainable outcome. Hence, when you get involved with a non-governmental organization it provides you an avenue to constructively participate in a cause.

In view of the significant role of charities and to encourage the participation of individuals and businesses in various causes, the Government of India has made the provision of tax exemption in India for all charitable donations. Yes, as per Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, contributing donations to a registered charitable trust can avail the donor 100% or 50% exemption on the donated amount based upon the type of charitable trust and the clauses of the Income Tax Act. The exemption is applicable for both online donation and offline donation. However, due to ease and convenience, many donors have started taking the online mode of contributing charity. And, since non-governmental organizations understand the worth of each penny, the donor can rest assured that their money is being utilized in the right way. Hence, considering this form of tax exemption is quite a noble way to contribute towards society.

Let's take a couple of instances, if a donor identifies with an environmental cause such as afforestation and contributes towards Save Green, then his taxable income will be utilized towards increasing green cover and initiating several environment-friendly programmes. Similarly, if a donor identifies with child education and nutrition, then contributes towards TAPF, a non-governmental organization in India. So, essentially you are contributing towards a healthier and educated society. And, you are also being a catalyst in nation-building.

Well, as you can decipher from the above-mentioned instances, your taxable income has the potential to transform the society in many different ways. Hence, don't you think making online donations or offline donations to charities can make the most of the tax exemption in India to upkeep your benevolence, save your hard-earned money while also partaking to uplift the society?

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an NGO in India running the world's largest NGO-run school meal program. This charity provides school lunch to over 1.6 million children across 12 states of India. By donating to this NGO, you can actively participate in the battle against classroom hunger and avail tax exemption too.