80G AUDIT
An 80G audit is an essential compliance
requirement for charitable organizations and trusts that have been approved
under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This audit ensures that the
organization continues to meet the eligibility criteria for 80G registration
and that all donations received are utilised solely for charitable and socially
beneficial purposes. It serves as a mechanism to maintain financial
transparency and accountability, both to the Income Tax Department and to
donors who seek tax benefits on their contributions. During the 80G audit, a
qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) examines the organization’s financial
statements, donation receipts, utilization records, and related documents. The
audit ensures that donations are properly recorded, accounted for, and applied
exclusively toward the objectives stated in the organization’s trust deed or
memorandum. The auditor also verifies that no portion of the income or
donations is diverted for non-charitable or personal purposes. A critical part
of the audit involves reviewing the Form 10BD (statement of donations received)
and Form 10BE (certificate of donation issued to donors). These forms are
required to be filed annually to ensure that donors can claim deductions under
Section 80G. The auditor checks that the details reported in these forms match
the organisation’s financial records and that the institution complies with all
procedural and reporting requirements.