| I.T.
Exemption for charitable bodies may go Misuse of tax breaks by charities
forces review |
Charitable hospitals
and educational institutions may lose the tax exemption available to them
under the Income Tax Act in the next Budget. The Central Board of Direct
Taxation (CBDT) has asked the I-T department to submit a report on the
income generated by charitable hospitals, educational institutions and
other charitable bodies. The report is expected to be submitted soon.
These exemptions came under security after the government decided to review
all exemptions and deductions under the Income Tax Act and eliminate those
that are found to be redundant. Recent controversies surrounding various
charitable hospitals have attracted the government's attention.
The general feeling
in government circles is that many of the charitable hospitals, which
are expected to provide free treatment to those who can't afford it, have
become five-star institution, accessible only to the rich.
Certainly, there are still many hospitals doing charitable work but, the
majority of charitable hospitals allegedly function as bodies that generate
profits for the trustees under management.
Charitable hospitals and educational institutions were given tax exemption
on the premise that the private sector would share the government's responsibility
in providing services in these sectors.
The exemptions have been given under section 10(23) of the Income Tax
Act. A charitable hospital receives exemption only if it functions on
a philanthropic basis. This means among other things, that profits are
supposed to be ploughed back into the development of the hospital. These
institutions are not expected to distribute dividend from the surplus.
Besides, the hospital should be recognized by the charity commissioner.
Educational institutions
enjoy exemption under section 35(1) of the I-T Act. Those in government
who propose the elimination of these could be pumped into the government's
health care network.
Similarly, many private educational institutions too, generate huge profits
for the management. Most of these institutions insist on a huge capitation
fee from students aspiring to join professional course and contributions
from those seeking employment at these institutions.
(Economic Times)
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