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The Daily Insight

Do nonprofits pay taxes in India?

Author

John Thompson

Published Apr 03, 2026

Nonprofits registered under Section 12A or 12AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 may be recognised as ‘tax exempt’ by the Income Tax Department. However, the tax exemption is limited to the income of the nonprofit from direct taxation. It offers no exemption from indirect taxes in the form of GST.

Does a NPO pay tax?

Tax exemption status for your organisation Non profit organisations should register as a Public Benefit Organisation and specifically apply for tax exemption in terms of section 10(1)(cA)(i) of the Income Tax Act. This means that you do not have to pay income tax on donations received.

Is NGO exempted from GST?

No, only charitable activities as defined above provided by a charitable trust or NGOs having 12AA registration is exempt from GST. Any other service provided by a Trust for consideration would be liable for tax under GST.

Does NGO pay tax in India?

Section 80G of the Indian Income tax Act provides provisions for that. As per 80G, you can deduct your donations to Central and State Relief Funds, NGOs and other charitable institutions from your total income to arrive at your taxable income.

Are NGO exempt from tax?

NGOs can get tax exemption simply by getting itself registered and fulfilling all the required formalities. The person or organization will get a deduction of 50% of donation amount from the Taxable Income. An NGO will receive Government Funding, only if registered under section 12A & 80G.

There are certain criteria for a charitable trust or an NGO to be exempted from the Goods and Services Tax. The charitable trust or NGO must be registered under Section 12AA of the Income Tax Act, and the services provided by the charitable trust or the NGO must be for a charitable cause.

How are not for profit organizations taxed in India?

India’s tax laws affecting not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) are similar to the tax laws of other Commonwealth nations. The income of certain NPOs carrying out specific types of activities is exempt from corporate income tax, with the caveat that unrelated business income is subject to tax under certain circumstances.

How does a non profit organization pay taxes?

All “tax exempt” entities in the US pay income taxes on earnings from activities that are not “solely” related to their exempt purpose. This income tax is levied according to corporate rules and is called unrelated business income tax (UBIT).

Are there any tax exemptions for NPOs in India?

The income of certain NPOs carrying out specific types of activities is exempt from corporate income tax, with the caveat that unrelated business income is subject to tax under certain circumstances. India also subjects sales of certain goods and services to Goods & Services Tax (GST). Education and healthcare services are exempt under GST.

How are NPO’s exempt from tax under DTC Bill?

EXEMPTION OF NPO FROM TDS (u/s