Did you know that donations to Operation Smile South Africa are tax deductible in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962?
Section 18A is the government’s way of encouraging South African tax payers – individuals and companies – to support local non-profits working for the betterment of society. In South Africa, especially, the non-profit sector provides a wealth of essential services – from feeding schemes and skills development initiatives to running old age and children’s homes.
As a Public Benefit Organisation providing safe, world-class surgery free of charge to children and adults born with cleft conditions, Operation Smile is an approved Section 18A provider. We are authorised to issue Tax Certificates which you can use to claim a rebate when you submit your annual tax return to SARS.
How much can I claim?
You are entitled to deduct the total value of all qualifying donations made during the tax year, up to a maximum of 10% of your taxable income. This provides a meaningful incentive for charitable giving, without adversely affecting government revenue. Donations need to be made before the end of February, in order to claim for the current tax year.
Are all charities able to issue a Section 18A Tax Certificate?
Making a donation to a charity does not mean that you will automatically be eligible to claim a rebate on your tax. Whilst the value of their work is indisputable, Non-profit Organisations (NPOs) are not able to issue Section 18A Tax Certificates unless they are also registered as Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs).
Generally speaking, in order to register as a PBO, the organisation needs to provide health and welfare or humanitarian services, or be involved in education, conservation, environmental or animal welfare. In addition, the organisation must have a valid audit certificate.
Before making any donation, you are advised to establish whether or not your charity of choice is able to issue a Section 18A Tax Certificate.
How do I get my Tax Certificate from Operation Smile?
In order for Operation Smile to issue your tax certificate, you will need to provide us with your name, address, phone number and email, along with your ID number and Income Tax number. Companies need to supply their company registration number.
Apart from all this information, the Tax Certificate also shows the date and amount of all donations you made to Operation Smile during the tax year.
If you haven’t received your certificate by the time you need to submit your tax return, please contact [email protected] for assistance.
It’s not just about saving money
Tax deductible gifts to Operation Smile South Africa not only help you save tax, they enable you to help save a child born with a cleft condition from a lifetime of health problems – including difficulty eating and drinking, speech problems, dental issues and being teased, bullied and socially ostracized.
Cleft surgery is truly life-changing. You can literally give a child a brand new smile. And the best thing about giving someone a smile, is getting one back in return!
So even though you may never meet the little one who benefits from your generosity, just knowing that you’ve helped will leave you smiling inside.