Fulfilling zakat at the Amil Zakat Institution (LAZ) can reduce the obligation of a citizen to pay taxes, can’t it? This has been stipulated in Government Regulation (PP) Number 60 of 2010 concerning Zakat or Religious Donations of a Mandatory Nature that can be deducted from Gross Income. However, Zakat payments need to be made following government regulations so that your taxpayers can be reduced. Check out the following review.
Paying Zakat Off Can Reduce Tax Obligations
Fulfilling zakat for the owned property is an obligation for Muslims. The obligation of charity has also been stated in the third pillar of Islam, namely, paying zakat. Therefore, it can be said that zakat is one of the indicators of establishing Islamic law.
Allah Subhanalloh wata’allaa also obliged His people to be in love is an excellent reason; of course, there is a benefit behind it. In addition to bringing rewards, zakat also benefits human social life. The social benefits of zakat include being a means to help meet the lives of the poor, the majority group in almost all countries in the world.
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In addition, zakat can also be used as a support and strength for the fisabilillah (on Allah’s path) Muslim group to develop their potential and uplift their existence. Zakat also reduces social jealousy, resentment, and spiteful envy in the heart of the poor. The reason is that most of them will be ignited by hatred and anger in their hearts if they see a society with a high economy squandering their money on useless things. However, it is different if abundant wealth is used to break the chain of poverty; of course, it can create a harmonious relationship and love between the rich and the poor.
Difference between Zakat and Tax
The most fundamental difference between zakat and taxes lies in the recipient and the purpose of its use. Islam has regulated the use of zakat by means that it can only be given to 8 groups of people as stated in the Quran, which is then referred to as Ashnaf. Meanwhile, the tax, known in Arabic as Adh-Dhariibah, is paid to the government with the aim of financing general expenditures, the provision of services, and the administration of government.
However, zakat and taxes also have something in common, which is mandatory and binding on a country’s residents’ property. A person negligent on zakat and taxes will be subject to sanctions. In terms of goals, there are also similarities, namely zakat and taxes are used to solve economic problems and alleviate poverty.
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However, taxes still need to be clarified with zakat because they have fundamental and essential differences. Equating zakat and taxes is fatal. The reason is that taxes can be used to build highways, and in many ways, they can be more flexible. While zakat, in its use, will be bound into Ashnaf as described in the Quran. Under any pretext, zakat cannot be equated with taxes.
Zakat Must Be Distributed Through Amil Zakat Institution
To reduce the obligation to pay taxes from gross expenses, zakat issued by an Indonesian citizen (WNI) must be distributed through an amil zakat agency or amil zakat institution recognized by the government. This regulation is stated in Articles 1 and 2, Regulation of the Minister of Finance Number 254 / PMK.03 / 2010, concerning Procedures for Charging Zakat or Religious Donations of a Mandatory Nature that can be deducted from Gross Income. Suppose the zakat is not distributed through the amil zakat institution. In that case, the zakat that has been issued cannot be deducted from an Indonesian citizen’s gross income or gross income.
For example, Rindu is a citizen with the status of an individual taxpayer who owns and manages a business. Rindu issued zakat amounting to Rp80,000,000. However, the zakat was distributed through something other than the amil zakat agency or amil zakat institution authorized by the Government. Still, it was given directly to individuals or families entitled to it. Based on the provisions in the article above, the zakat paid by Rindu cannot be deducted from gross income affected by the tax.
For complete administrative procedures, you can read Permenkeu No. 254 / PMK.03 / 2010 concerning Procedures for Charging Zakat or Religious Donations of a Mandatory Nature that can be deducted from Gross Income here.
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Zakat in Dompet Dhuafa
If you need help finding a trusted amil zakat institution authorized by the Government, you can distribute your zakat at Dompet Dhuafa. In addition, Dompet Dhuafa had also pocketed the deed of foundation establishment recorded through deed No. 41 dated September 14, 1994, before Notary H. Abu Yusuf, S.H, which was announced in the State Gazette of the Republic of Indonesia No. 163/A.YAY. HKM/1996/PNJAKSEL.
In addition to being trusted and verified, making a difference in Dompet Dhuafa can also be done online, making it easier and more practical. You can do it through bank transfer and pay zakat through online payments such as ShopeePay, GoPay, Dana, or OVO.
Then, suppose you still need clarification about how much money to distribute. In that case, you can access the Dompet Dhuafa Zakat Calculator service here, which can help you calculate your zakat quickly and easily. What are you waiting for? Zakat in Dompet Dhuafa now by clicking the link below.