Let's clear this up regarding renewal of 80G certificates under the Income Tax Act.
Background: Section 80G provides donors a deduction for donations to charitable trusts.
Earlier, 80G certificates used to have a validity period (usually up to 3 years) and needed renewal on expiry.
The proviso to clause (vi) of sub-section (5) of Section 80G previously mandated renewal of 80G certificates.
What changed? From 1st October 2009, the proviso to clause (vi) of sub-section (5) of Section 80G was omitted.
This omission means: No renewal is required for 80G certificates issued after this date. The certificate remains valid indefinitely unless revoked or cancelled.
Your Case: You checked the certificate and found it valid only up to 31/03/2010.
This likely means it was issued before 1/10/2009, when renewal was still required.
So, for certificates issued before 1/10/2009, renewal IS necessary.
For certificates issued on or after 1/10/2009, renewal is not required.
What should you do? Check the date of issue of your 80G certificate.
If issued before 1/10/2009 and expired on 31/03/2010, you need to apply for renewal.
If the certificate is issued after 1/10/2009, no renewal is needed.
You can apply for renewal using Form 10G with the Income Tax Department.