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Jayanta Bandyopadhyay   10 September 2024

Csr through ngo having exemption certification u/s.80g

We would like to buy foods and give it to NGO having Sec 80G(5) registration for distribution among the poor people.

Not Sec 12(A) 

Could we do it for CSR purpose?

Kindly advise



Learning

 3 Replies

T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate (Advocate)     11 September 2024

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding in India is a process that allows companies to contribute to a better society and environment through financial support and grants to non-profit organizations (NGOs). CSR funding can come in many forms, including donations, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.

Here are some things to know about CSR funding in India:
 
Companies required to contribute:
Companies with a certain net worth or annual turnover are required to contribute 2% of their average net profits over three years to CSR. 
 
CSR activities:
CSR activities can include philanthropy, community development, environmental stability, employee welfare, and ethical business practices. 
 
CSR benefits;
CSR can help companies build a positive brand reputation, enhance customer loyalty, and attract and retain talented employees.

Sushant Shukla   12 September 2024

Introduction

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India is governed by the Companies Act, 2013, which mandates certain companies to spend a specified percentage of their profits on CSR activities. When engaging in CSR activities through Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), it is essential to ensure that the NGO is properly registered and meets the necessary legal requirements to qualify for CSR funding.

Detailed Explanation

  1. Eligibility of NGOs for CSR Activities:

    • Under the CSR framework, companies can undertake CSR activities directly or through entities such as NGOs. However, the NGO must be registered under specific provisions to be eligible for receiving CSR funds.
    • An NGO with a registration under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961, is eligible to receive donations that can be claimed as tax deductions by the donor. However, this registration alone does not automatically qualify the NGO for CSR funding.
  2. Requirement for Section 12A Registration:

    • While Section 80G registration allows for tax deductions on donations, Section 12A registration is crucial for NGOs to be recognized as charitable entities under the Income Tax Act. This registration is necessary for the NGO to be eligible to receive CSR funds.
    • The Companies Act specifies that CSR activities must be undertaken by entities that are either registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act or have a valid registration under Section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, among other criteria 1.
  3. CSR Activities and Expenditure:

    • CSR activities should be project-based and not one-off events. The activities must align with the provisions outlined in Schedule VII of the Companies Act, which includes promoting education, eradicating hunger, and promoting health care, among others 1.
    • If the NGO does not have Section 12A registration, it may not be eligible to receive CSR funds for the distribution of food, as this could be interpreted as not meeting the necessary legal requirements for CSR expenditure 1.

Key Points

  • NGO Registration: Ensure that the NGO has both Section 80G and Section 12A registrations to qualify for CSR funding.
  • CSR Compliance: The CSR Committee of the company must ensure that the funds are utilized for the approved CSR activities as per the Companies Act and that the NGO meets all necessary legal criteria.
  • Project-Based Approach: The distribution of food must be part of a structured CSR project rather than a one-off charitable act.

Conclusion

In summary, while you may wish to support an NGO with Section 80G registration for food distribution, it is essential that the NGO also holds Section 12A registration to qualify for CSR funding. Engaging with an NGO that lacks this registration could lead to non-compliance with CSR regulations. It is advisable to consult with a legal professional or CSR consultant to ensure all legal requirements are met before proceeding with your CSR initiative.

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