Tax-deductible donations
and everything you need to know
Did you know that your donation to Make Me Smile International is tax-deductible?
Many people want to help but aren’t sure how much they can actually afford. What’s often overlooked is that a portion of your donation comes back to you through your taxes. This means you can make a bigger difference than you might think.
Generally, your donation to Make Me Smile International is tax-deductible in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. At the same time, each country has its own regulations, which is why both the process and the amount of your tax savings vary. One thing applies everywhere, however: Your donation reduces your taxable income and thus also the tax you pay. How significant this effect is depends on your personal income.
In Austria…
… the process is particularly simple. You can claim up to ten percent of your annual income for tax purposes. For example, if you earn €30,000 a year, donations of up to €3,000 are deductible. How much you actually get back depends on your tax rate. For an income of this amount, it is approximately 30 percent. A donation of €300 therefore reduces your tax bill by around €90. The best part: You don’t have to do a thing. We automatically report your donation to the tax office, and it is taken into account in your tax return.
In Germany…
… donations up to 20 percent of your income can be tax-deductible. The tax savings depend on your personal tax rate, which ranges from about 14 to 45 percent depending on your income. You must report your donations yourself on your tax return. For smaller amounts, a bank statement is sufficient as proof; for larger donations, we will, of course, issue you a donation receipt.
In Switzerland…
…the cantons play an important role. While you can deduct up to twenty percent of your income in most cases, the actual amount of your tax savings depends heavily on where you live. It usually ranges between about 20 and 40 percent. You enter your donation yourself on your tax return and keep the relevant receipts in a safe place.
You may be wondering why donations and tax deductibility are important. Quite simply: Because your donation often “costs” less than you think, but at the same time, every amount has an enormous impact. Your donation is not just support in the moment, but an investment in long-term change. And because it’s tax-deductible, it makes it a little easier for you to be part of this change.
Take advantage of this opportunity.
Your donation is relevant!
With just € 10 (~ CHF 9,20),
you enable a family to participate in a kitchen garden workshop. That may sound small, but it makes a lasting difference to their food security and independence.
With a donation of € 15 (~ CHF 13, 69),
you can help 10 patients at our health center receive an HIV or malaria test administered by a professional lab technician.
With a donation of € 20 (~ CHF 18,25),
you can provide 35 trees for reforestation projects in Kenya. By 2026, we aim to plant a total of 9,300 trees in various regions of Kenya, including the Kakamega Rainforest.
With € 85 (~ CHF 77,85),
you fund a legal advisor who supports women and children affected by sexual and domestic violence while simultaneously building long-term protection structures across entire communities.
