Circular No. 11/2008 — Anonymous donations — scope and exceptions

Date: 2008-12-19 Status: ACTIVE Category: Charitable Trusts / NGOs Binding on Department: Yes (Section 119 / Section 400 IT Act 2025)

Summary

Clarifies scope of tax on anonymous donations received by trusts. Specifies exceptions for religious trusts, small donations, and donations received during religious ceremonies.

Key Directions

  1. Anonymous donations taxable at maximum marginal rate under section 115BBC.
  2. Exception for religious trusts: donations for religious purposes exempt.
  3. Donations below Rs. 5,000 aggregated at an event not treated as anonymous.

Applicability Under IT Act 2025

Saving Clause: Section 536 of IT Act 2025 saves circulars issued under the 1961 Act “so far as not inconsistent” with the new Act.

Old Section (1961 Act)New Section (2025 Act)Consistent?
115BBCNeeds Review

Cross-References

Act Sections

  • None identified

Key Case Law (Circular Supremacy)

  • To be populated — cases where this circular was cited/applied

Full Text

Full text to be added — see raw/circulars/ for PDF when available

Source