The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is one of the most historic event of the decade, marking the end of around 70 year old legal dispute and beginning of a new chapter in country’s cultural and religious landscape. As devotees and well-wishers contribute towards the construction of temple, one question that often arises is whether the donations made for this purpose are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80 G of Income Tax Act. This article is a comprehensive guide for making donations for Ram Janmabhoomi and claiming tax benefits.
Before, getting into the process let us understand the concept of deduction claimed under Section 80 G of Income Tax Act.
Understanding 80G
- Section 80 G of Income Tax Act allows the taxpayers to claim deductions for donation made to certain charitable institutions and funds. These deductions aims at encouraging individuals and organizations to donate for religious purposes while also providing tax benefits for the same.
- The deduction is claimed on the amount donated to eligible institutions or funds upto a maximum of 50% or 100% depending on the institution. The Income Tax Act provides for the list of institution who are eligible and ineligible for deductions.
- Following persons can claim deduction under Section 80G
- Individual
- Company
- Firm
- Hindu Undivided Family
- Non-Resident Indian
- Any other person
- It is important to note that donations under section 80G can only be accepted in cash, cheques, electronic transfer and not in goods or services.
- Donations made in cash exceeding Rs. 2000 will not be eligible for deduction under this section.
How to make donations to Ram Mandir Trust?
- The donations to Ram Mandir Trust can be made online on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust website on https://srjbtkshetra.org or through cheque, fund transfer or UPI.
- On the website click on donate
- Login with your mobile number or through general details and an OTP will be generated and sent to your mobile number.
- You can then choose your bank to make the donation to following designated Ram Mandir Trust donation account numbers.
- For donation by an Indian Passport Holder, it can be made through:
-
State Bank of India
Account Number: 39161495808
UPI ID: shriramjanmbhoomi@sbi
-
Bank of Baroda
Account Number: 05820100021211
UPI ID: shriramjanmbhoomi@bob
-
Punjab National Bank
Account Number: 3865000100139999
- For donation by a Non-Indian Passport Holder, only through FCRA designated bank i.e.:
-
State Bank of India
Account Number: 42162875158
- Fill in the information required and after making the payment you can download the receipt.
Eligibility of 80G for Ram Mandir Donations
A person need to fulfil below conditions in order to claim deduction for donation to Ram Mandir Trust.
- Donation made for repair and renovation of the temple are only eligible for deduction and any donation made for religious or welfare events shall not be eligible for deductions.
- Only 50% of the amount donated shall be eligible for deduction.
- The Ram Mandir Trust donation amount should not exceed 10% of Adjusted Gross Total Income of the financial year.
- The donation can be made directly to Ram Mandir Trust donation account number or through cash or cheque. However, as per the eligibility of Section 80G donations exceeding Rs. 2000 in cash will not be eligible for income tax deductions.
- Taxpayers filling Income Tax returns(ITRs) as per the old tax regime can only claim 80G deductions. Therefore, taxpayers opting for new tax regime cannot claim tax deductions on Ram Mandir donations.
How to claim deduction for Ram Mandir Donations?
- While making donation ensure to secure the donation receipt as it contains all the information required for claiming the deduction.
- The receipt must include the following information:
- Name of donor
- Donation amount
- Date of donation
- Purpose of donation
- Registration number of Ram Janam bhoomi Trust
- Ensure to file Income Tax return in the old tax regime
- Provide details for Section 80G deductions.
In this way, you can claim deduction on 50% of the amount donated to Ram Mandir Trust.
Highest Donation for Ram Mandir List
Apart from donations like 108 foot long incense stick, 2100 kg bell, gold plated footwear of Shri Ram and clock simultaneously displaying time of eight countries many businessmen and politicians have made significant contribution to Ram Mandir.
The highest donation is made by a spiritual leader Morari Bapu of Rs. 11.3 crore to help build the Ram Temple. Not only him but his supporters in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have also individually contributed an amount of Rs. 8 crore.
Renowned businessmen like Mukesh Ambani and other have also significantly contributed. List of businessmen who have contributed to Ayodhya Temple are:
- Mukesh Ambani: Rs. 2.51 crore
- Dilip Kumar V Lakhi: 101 kg gold worth Rs. 68 crore
- Mukesh Patel: Diamond crown worth Rs. 11 crore
- Govindbhai Dholakia: Rs. 11 crore
- Mukesh Kabutarwala: Rs. 5 crore
- Lavji Badshah: Rs. 1 crore and others.
Conclusion
The construction of Ram Mandir is a significant undertaking that has garnered support from millions of devotees and well-wishers across the country. As people contribute towards this noble cause, it is essential to be aware of the tax implications and potential deductions under Section 80G. Stay updated with more such details with cagmc.com.
