SECTION 80G DEDUCTIONS FOR DONATIONS TO SHRI RAM MANDIR

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, has been a symbol of religious harmony and cultural heritage for centuries. The construction of the Ram Mandir is not merely the erection of a religious structure but the realization of a long-standing dream for millions of devotees. Many devotees are eager to contribute financially to the grand temple's completion.

However, for tax-conscious individuals, a crucial question arises: Are donations to the Ram Mandir eligible for deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961?

What is Section 80G

Section 80G provides a deduction to the donor, irrespective of his residential status, who has paid any sum as a donation to the prescribed funds, institutions, associations, etc. This provision contains four categories of deductions where 100% deduction is allowed with or without maximum limit and 50% deduction with or without maximum limit.

The list of funds or institutions eligible to provide deductions for the donations made to such funds or institutions is provided in clauses (a) to (d) of sub-section (2) of Section 80G.

CLAUSE (A) provides the names of the eligible funds or institutions or classes of such funds or institutions. 

CLAUSE (B) provides the purpose eligible to provide deductions if the donation is paid for such purpose, namely, renovation or repair of any temple, mosque, gurdwara, church, etc.

CLAUSE (C) provides deductions to the Indian companies for making donations to the Indian Olympic Association or any other body for the development of sports infrastructure.

CLAUSE (D) is redundant.

As per a CBDT circular dated May 8, 2020, The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (PAN: AAZTS6197B) (‘Shri Ram Trust’) has been notified by Central government under sub-clause (b) of Section 80G(2).

How much deduction can be claimed for the amount donated to the Shri Ram Trust?

50% of the amount donated for renovation/repair of the Mandir to Shri Ram Trust is eligible for deduction under Section 80G. Donations for purposes other than the renovation or repair of the temple are not eligible for deduction. Further, this 50% deduction under Section 80G shall be subject to the qualifying limit.

Deadline for donating to the Shri Ram Trust for claiming deduction

Shri Ram Trust is notified under 80G(2)(b) from the F.Y. 2020-2021. Hence, donations made from the FY 2020-21 onwards are eligible for a deduction. January 22, 2024, is a ceremonial date for the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla at the temple in Ayodhya. However, this date is not relevant for the deduction under Section 80G.

Any donations made during the year can be claimed as a deduction in the income tax return to be filed for that year. Therefore, even if you donate before or after January 22, you can claim the deduction in your income tax return for that year, subject to the fulfilment of other conditions.

Points to be taken care for claiming deduction

The following considerations should be taken care of while claiming the deduction under Section 80G for the amounts donated to Shri Ram Trust:

• Donors should collect the donation receipt which includes:
• Your name and address
• Amount donated
• Date of donation
• Registration number of the Trust under Section 80G.
• Specific purpose of the donation (mention "repair and renovation" of Ram Mandir).
• Donations should not be in kind.
• Donations exceeding Rs. 2,000 should not be in cash.
• Donations should be specifically given for the renovation/repair of the temple.
• Donors should not be opting for the new tax regime.
• Deduction can be claimed up to 50% of the amount donated subject to the qualifying limit. i.e The deduction cannot exceed 10% of your adjusted gross total income (AGTI) in the financial year.
• Deduction can be claimed in the income tax return by filling in the information in ‘Schedule 80G’ in ITR.

How to make a Donation to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust

Step 1: Go to https://online.srjbtkshetra.org/#/login
Step 2: Click 'Donate' under the 'Donation' tab. Now login using your mobile number and authenticate it by inputting the OTP received.
Step 3: A new webpage would open where many details like PAN, purpose of donation, donation amount, address, pin code, etc would be asked to fill.
Step 4: After filling the details click on 'Donate'. You would be redirected to the payment gateway where UPI, debit card, net banking, credit card can be used to make payment.

Once payment is successful, the donation receipt would be issued instantly.