Press Statement from Frances Fitzgerald MEP
Tuesday 2nd May 2023
Frances Fitzgerald calls for an end to VAT on charitable donations
Dublin MEP Frances Fitzgerald has called for the removal of VAT on all bona fine donations of unsold products from businesses to recognised charities. She highlighted this issue in a letter to the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, along with the benefits for sustainability and the green economy.
In many EU countries, retailers face incremental VAT costs when donating surplus, unsold (non-food) products to charities helping people in need. In many cases, these unused, unsold products are instead destroyed. This is despite EU VAT legislation giving Member States the possibility of granting VAT relief for such donations. VAT provisions on these donations also exist in Ireland.
Frances Fitzgerald MEP said, “Every day, businesses in Europe are sending millions of unsold or returned products to be destroyed each year, while a large proportion of these products are in perfect condition to be donated to charities. Charging VAT on these charitable donations means that the cost of donating increases and the incentives to support valuable causes are reduced. Genuine charitable donations of unsold products should not be subject to VAT charges. This is something that Ireland has the ability to remove under EU VAT law and I am asking for this to be looked at.
“While very low value charitable gifts are exempt, the levying of VAT on donations above €50 is often a disincentive to donate. An example of this is the donation of technological equipment such as computers or machinery to charitable educational or community organisations. The requirement for VAT payments often makes donating such items more onerous than simply destroying them, which is VAT-free. This has implications for sustainability and the circular economy. Analysis by the European Environmental Bureau shows the value of destroyed electronics and clothing in the EU will amount to €71.29 billion by 2030 if no new policy measures are taken. In the face of this waste and unnecessary CO2, failing to donate products to citizens in need is unacceptable.
“Certain Member States such as France, Italy, and Spain have already implemented VAT relief for such donations to recognised charities, with additional requirements to ensure the charitable end-use of the donated goods. While Ireland currently still requires VAT to be paid on charitable gifts over €50 in value, I believe there is value in exploring the possibility of removing this requirement. This would be of great benefit ultimately for communities and not-for-profit organisations, as well as our climate goals more broadly.”
ENDS
Contact: Michael Ward
