Your Donation Builds a Temple & Your Seva Builds a Spiritual Landmark for Future Generations

Square Feet Seva is a donation initiative through which one can donate toward the building of a temple by sponsoring one square foot or several square feet of the temple site. The donation amount is usually calculated based on the construction cost per square foot. This popular program allows donors to have a tangible connection to the temple construction while making donations according to their capacity. For instance, you might donate for 5, 10, or more square feet based on your budget.

Yes, contributions to ISKCON temples towards building are commonly tax-exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. ISKCON is a 80G-certified registered charitable trust, and it is possible for donors to claim the deductions from their taxable income. The 80G donation for salaried individuals can prove to be very helpful at the time of tax filing. But the actual exemption limit and percentage could also differ under prevailing tax law, so it’s best to consult your taxation advisor.

To donate for particular temple construction projects such as ISKCON Kurukshetra, you can:

• Go to the particular temple’s website
• Choose the “Donate for Temple Construction”
• Select the particular project (if there are several construction projects in progress)
• Enter your donation amount and contact details
• Finish the payment process
• Save the receipt of donation for tax purposes under 80G

Mandir Nirman Seva is a technical name for contributions made towards temple construction, reconstruction, or expansion. In contrast to regular donations that could be utilized for day-to-day maintenance, for festivals, or for prasadam distribution, Mandir Nirman Seva donations are specifically put towards constructing the building of the temple. Donations of such a nature are often followed by special spiritual dividends as giving towards temple construction donation is considered to be very auspicious in Hindu religious belief.

When you contribute via the internet for the purpose of temple construction, you must be given the following:

• An on-the-spot electronic receipt via e-mail
• An 80G certificate stating the temple registration number and PAN
• A written acknowledgement letter for contribution or via e-mail
• A document with phrases such as “Donation Under 80G Income Tax” or “Donation Under Section 80G”
• Steps for claiming tax benefit on your contribution

These reports are required to avail tax deductions while submitting income tax returns.

There is generally no minimum limit for donations to be eligible for 80G tax relief. Nevertheless, as per income tax
laws, the highest deduction permissible under Section 80G varies with the nature of charitable institution:

• For most religious organizations, deduction is capped at 50% of the donation value
• There can be a general limit on deductions as a percentage of your total gross income
• The ISKCON donation 80G exemption limit is in line with the general guidelines laid down by the Income Tax Department
• It is advisable to take the opinion of a tax expert to know the prevailing 80G tax exemption limits applicable to your particular financial condition.

Yes, donors can in most temples designate how they wish their contributions to be allocated. When donating to temple construction online, you can normally choose particular areas like:

• Construction of the main temple structure
• Installing the deity
• Kitchen spaces
• Community rooms
• Landscaping and gardens
• Particular architectural features

For higher donations, temples can also have naming rights or special acknowledgment of your gift. At the time of donations to ISKCON Kurukshetra or any other temple projects, you can usually specify terms when making the donation.