Levy of GST on the service of display of name or placing of name plates of the donor in the premises of charitable organisations receiving donation or gifts by individual donors.

Circular No. 116/35/2019-GST 1

F. No. 354/136/2019-TRU

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

(Tax research Unit)

*****

Room No. 146, North Block,

New Delhi, the 11th October, 2019

To:

The Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners/

Principal Commissioners/ Commissioner of Central Tax (All) /

The Principal Director Generals/ Director Generals (All)

Madam/Sir,

Subject: Levy of GST on the service of display of name or placing of name plates of the donor in the premises of charitable organisations receiving donation or gifts from individual donors– Reg.

Representations have been received seeking clarification whether GST is applicable on donations or gifts received from individual donors by charitable organisations involved in advancement of religion, spirituality or yoga which is acknowledged by them by placing name plates in the name of the individual donor.

2. The issue has been examined. Individual donors provide financial help or any other support in the form of donation or gift to institutions such as religious institutions, charitable organisations, schools, hospitals, orphanages, old age homes etc. The recipient institutions place a name plate or similar such acknowledgement in their premises to express the gratitude. When the name of the donor is displayed in recipient institution premises, in such a manner, which can be said to be an expression of gratitude and public recognition of donor’s act of philanthropy and is not aimed at giving publicity to the donor in such manner that it would be an advertising or promotion of his business, then it can be said that there is no supply of service for a consideration (in the form of donation). There is no obligation (quid pro quo) on part of recipient of the donation or gift to do anything (supply a service). Therefore, there is no GST liability on such consideration.

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