Regulatory Framework for Commercial Activities by Non-Profit Organizations: A Comparative Analysis of Income Tax Bill, 2025 and Income-tax Act, 1961

Clause 346 - Commercial Activities by Non-Profit Organizations vis-a-vis Charitable Purpose

Income Tax Bill, 2025

1. Introduction

The regulation of commercial activities undertaken by non-profit organizations has been a critical aspect of tax legislation in India. This article analyzes the proposed Clause 346 of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, and compares it with the existing provisions u/s 2(15) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, focusing on the restrictions placed on commercial activities by organizations pursuing objects of general public utility.

2. Objective and Purpose

• The primary objective of these provisions is to:
• Regulate commercial activities of non-profit organizations
• Ensure genuine charitable purposes are not compromised
• Maintain transparency in financial operations
• Prevent misuse of charitable status for commercial gains

3. Detailed Analysis

3.1 Scope of Charitable Purpose

u/s 2(15) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, charitable purpose includes:

• Relief of the poor
• Education -
• Yoga
• Medical relief
• Preservation of environment
• Preservation of monuments or places of artistic/historic interest
• Advancement of any other object of general public utility

3.2 Commercial Activity Restrictions

3.2.1 Income Tax Bill, 2025 (Clause 346)

The proposed clause establishes three key conditions:

•  Commercial activities must be directly related to charitable objectives
• Revenue cap of 20% of total receipts
• Mandatory separate accounting for commercial activities

3.2.2 Income-tax Act, 1961 [Section 2(15)]

The existing provision stipulates:

• Activities must be integral to charitable purpose
• 20% ceiling on receipts from commercial activities
• Applies to activities in nature of trade, commerce, or business

3.3 Comparative Analysis

Aspect	Income Tax Bill, 2025	Income-tax Act, 1961
Scope	Specifically addresses registered non-profit organisations	Applies to trusts and institutions
Accounting Requirements	Explicit requirement for separate books	No explicit mention of separate accounting
Revenue Threshold	20% of total receipts	20% of total receipts

4. Practical Implications

4.1 For Organizations

• Need for robust accounting systems
• Regular monitoring of commercial revenue
• Compliance with revenue thresholds
• Documentation of charitable activities

4.2 For Stakeholders

• Enhanced transparency
• Better accountability
• Clearer operational guidelines
• Improved governance structure

4.3 For Regulators

• Simplified monitoring mechanism
• Clear parameters for assessment
• Defined compliance requirements
• Better enforcement capabilities

5. Potential Challenges and Considerations

5.1 Implementation Challenges

• Defining commercial activities
• Measuring direct relationship with charitable objectives
• Maintaining separate accounts
• Monitoring compliance

5.2 Legal Interpretations

• Scope of "commercial activity"
• Definition of "actual carrying out"
• Calculation of percentage threshold
• Treatment of incidental income

6. Conclusion

The proposed Clause 346 represents an evolution in the regulatory framework for non-profit organizations, building upon the foundation laid by Section 2(15) of the Income-tax Act, 1961. While maintaining the core 20% threshold, it introduces additional compliance requirements and provides clearer operational guidelines.

 

---

Full Text:

Clause 346 - Commercial Activities by Non-Profit Organizations vis-a-vis Charitable Purpose

 

Dated: 24-2-2025