Donations · Tax Guide
Charitable donations: give and claim relief
Donating to an ETS Foundation is not only a generous act — it also makes financial sense. Find out how it works, how much you can reclaim, and how to do it correctly.
Definition
What is a charitable donation?
A charitable donation is a voluntary gift of money (or in kind) made to a non-profit organisation, without receiving anything in return. It is not a purchase of services: it is a voluntary act that Italian law incentivises through significant tax benefits.
Fondazione Innovation Bridge is registered with the National Single Register of the Third Sector (RUNTS), which qualifies it as a recipient of the benefits provided under Art. 83 of Legislative Decree 117/2017 (Third Sector Code).
Legal reference
Art. 83 Legislative Decree 117/2017
Third Sector Code
- IRPEF tax deduction of 30% for individuals
- IRPEF tax deduction of 35% for ODV organisations (not applicable here)
- Deduction from business income for companies
- Maximum deductible amount: €30,000 / year
For individuals
How much you can reclaim on your donation
If you are an individual, you are entitled to an IRPEF tax deduction of 30% on your donation, up to an annual limit of €30,000. In practice: the State refunds you 30 cents for every euro you donate.
Example 1
€100 donated
Actual net cost: €70
Example 2
€500 donated
Actual net cost: €350
Example 3
€1,000 donated
Actual net cost: €700
For businesses
Deductibility from business income
Companies and self-employed professionals who donate to an ETS can deduct the amount from their business income, within the limits set by Art. 83, paragraph 2 of the Third Sector Code:
- 10% of total declared income, or
- up to €30,000 per tax year
The deduction reduces taxable income: the tax saving depends on the donor's IRES/IRPEF rate. For a company subject to IRES at 24%, a donation of €10,000 generates a tax saving of approximately €2,400.
The tax receipt issued by the Foundation is the document required for deductibility. Write to us at info@innovationbridge.it to receive it.
How to make a business donation
- 1 Bank transfer from your business account
Use the Foundation's IBAN with the correct tax reference.
- 2 Mandatory payment reference
"Erogazione liberale ai sensi dell'art. 83 del D.Lgs. 117/2017"
- 3 Request your receipt
Send your company name, VAT number, and transfer date to info@innovationbridge.it.
- 4 Include in your tax return
Your accountant will enter the amount in the RF/RG section of the Income Tax Return.
Bank details
How to make a bank transfer
- Beneficiary
- INNOVATION BRIDGE – ETS
- IBAN
- IT24 Q053 7214 8000 0001 1056 590
- BIC / SWIFT
- POCAIT3C
- Reference
- Erogazione liberale ai sensi dell'art. 83 del D.Lgs. 117/2017
After your transfer, write to info@innovationbridge.it with your tax details to receive your receipt. We issue it within 5 working days.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know
What is the difference between a tax deduction and a tax relief?
A tax deduction (for individuals) reduces the tax owed directly: if I owe €1,000 in IRPEF and have a deduction of €300, I pay €700. A tax relief (for businesses) reduces the taxable income on which tax is then calculated at the applicable rate. The deduction is more advantageous when the tax rate is low; the relief becomes comparable at higher rates.
Can I donate in cash?
No. To benefit from the tax deduction or relief, the donation must be made via traceable means: bank transfer, credit/debit card, non-transferable cheque, PayPal. Cash donations do not qualify for any tax benefit and cannot be documented for receipt purposes.
How do I claim the donation on my tax return?
For individuals using the 730 form: the tax assistance centre (CAF) or employer enters the donated amount in section E, under "Deductible charges". For the Full Income Tax Return (Modello Redditi PF): complete section RP. Attach or retain the donation receipt issued by the Foundation — this is the document the Revenue Agency may request in the event of an audit.
Is there a minimum donation amount?
No, there is no minimum amount. However, for very small amounts the tax benefit (30% deduction) may not justify the administrative complexity. We recommend donations of at least €50 to maximise the benefit-to-effort ratio. There is no maximum amount either: the limit applies only to the deductible portion (€30,000/year).
By when must I donate to claim the deduction this year?
The donation must be made by 31 December of the relevant tax year. A donation made on 31 December 2026 will appear in the return filed in 2027 (tax year 2026). Pay attention to banking timescales: arrange your transfer a few days in advance to ensure the value date falls within 2026.
Is the receipt issued automatically?
No: you need to request it. After making the bank transfer, write to info@innovationbridge.it stating your full name (or company name), tax code (or VAT number), amount donated, and date of transfer. We issue it within 5 working days.
Can I combine a charitable donation with the 5x1000 scheme?
Yes, they are two completely separate tax instruments. The 5x1000 is a share of your IRPEF that you direct via your tax return — it costs you nothing extra. A charitable donation is a gift you make yourself, on which you receive a deduction. You can do both in the same tax year.
What happens if my IRPEF is lower than the deduction I am entitled to?
The deduction cannot exceed the tax owed: if you have a deduction of €300 but only owe €200 in IRPEF, you recover €200 — the remaining €100 is neither refunded nor carried forward to the following year. In this case, a tax relief (if you are a business or self-employed professional) may be more advantageous, as it acts on taxable income and does not depend on the gross tax liability.
Can I donate goods instead of money?
In principle yes (known as a "donation in kind"), but it requires a valuation of the goods and a more complex procedure. For donations in kind, please contact us first at info@innovationbridge.it: we will assess together the type of goods, the valuation for tax purposes, and the practical arrangements.
Is the donation deductible for self-employed professionals too?
Yes. Self-employed professionals with income from self-employment can deduct the donation from their professional income, within the limits of 10% of total income or €30,000/year. The benefit is reflected in section RE of the Income Tax Return. Consult your accountant for the correct completion.
Ready to donate?
Use the bank transfer with the details above, or write to us for personalised assistance on tax deductibility.