Tax relief on donations: how it works in different countries

How does tax relief on donations work abroad? An overview of Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain and the UK, with official sources for each.

TL;DR Almost every country rewards donations to recognised charities, but the mechanism differs. Belgium gives a 30 percent tax reduction from 40 euros a year, France a 66 percent reduction, Spain 80 percent on the first 250 euros, the UK adds 25p per pound through Gift Aid. Rules change every year, so always check your national tax authority before you promise anything.

If your charity has donors in more than one country, you will hear the same question again and again: can I deduct this? There is no single answer. This guide compares six examples with links to official sources. It is general information, not tax advice.

Why do tax rules for donations differ per country?

Each country decides for itself which organisations are recognised and how donors are rewarded. Some reduce the tax bill directly, some lower the taxable income, and some let the charity claim extra money. The result for the donor can look very different.

That is why one sentence such as "your gift is tax deductible" is rarely safe on an international page. Name the country, name the rule, and link to the tax authority.

What types of tax relief exist?

There are three common mechanisms: a tax credit or reduction that lowers the tax bill, a deduction that lowers taxable income, and a top up where the charity reclaims tax paid by the donor. Which one applies depends on the country and sometimes on the type of charity.

• Tax reduction or credit: a percentage of the gift is taken off the tax bill
• Deduction: the gift lowers taxable income, within a limit
• Top up: the charity claims extra money from the tax authority

How do six countries compare?

The table below shows one verifiable example per country with an official source. It covers the main rule for donations by individuals and leaves out many exceptions. Check the source for details and for the current year.

Sources checked on 7 October 2026. The table is a simplification, not a complete list of rules.

What does this look like in a small example?

Take a donor who gives 100 euros to a recognised charity. In France that donor can get a 66 euro reduction on the tax bill, so the gift costs 34 euros. In Spain a 100 euro gift falls fully in the first 250 euros, so the deduction is 80 euros. This is a hypothetical example, personal results vary.

• France, 100 euros at 66 percent: reduction of 66 euros
• Spain, 100 euros at 80 percent: deduction of 80 euros
• UK Gift Aid on 100 pounds: the charity claims 25 pounds extra

Which conditions do almost all countries share?

Nearly every system requires that the receiving organisation is recognised and that the donor has proof. Usually a gift with a real return, such as a ticket, does not count. The recognition process and the type of proof differ per country.

In Spain the entity issues a certificate with donor data and the amount. In Germany the donor needs a donation receipt. In the UK the donor signs a Gift Aid declaration, and the charity needs an HMRC reference. In France the donor keeps a tax receipt, in Belgium a certificate comes from the recognised institution.

What should a charity say on its donation page?

Be specific and modest. Say which country your rule applies to, name the rule, and link to the tax authority. Never promise an amount of savings, because it depends on the personal situation of the donor.

1. Check that your organisation is recognised in your country
2. Write one sentence about the rule that applies to your donors
3. Link to the official source
4. Give donors their proof on time, ideally within a few weeks of the year end
5. Review the text once a year, because rules change

What does WeGlow.world offer for tax receipts?

With WeGlow.world you build a donation page in your own branding, with one time and monthly amounts, each with a label that says what the gift does. For tax receipts, WeGlow.world supports certificates for recognised organisations in Belgium and the French reçu fiscal.

For other countries we make no claims about tax receipts. Proof differs per country, and you can ask us about your situation via the contact page. For more detail on two countries, read about the Belgian tax certificate (French) and Giving Tuesday in Belgium, the Netherlands and France.

Frequently asked questions

Is a donation deductible everywhere?

No, it depends on the country, on the recognition of the charity and on the donor's situation. WeGlow.world helps you collect gifts, but your tax authority decides what is deductible.

Do the rules change every year?

Yes, they often do. France raised its 75 percent ceiling from 1,000 to 2,000 euros for gifts since 14 October 2025, and Belgium lowered its rate from 45 to 30 percent. WeGlow.world cannot replace checking the current rules at your tax authority.

Which country gives the highest relief?

That cannot be answered fairly with one number, because mechanisms, limits and conditions differ. Compare the table above and ask your tax authority. WeGlow.world gives you the donation page, not tax advice.

Can a donor in one country deduct a gift to a charity in another?

Sometimes, but it depends on the rules of the donor's country. France, for example, accepts some organisations in other EU states. Ask your local tax authority, and contact us via WeGlow.world if you work across borders.

Does WeGlow.world issue tax receipts in every country?

No. WeGlow.world supports certificates for recognised organisations in Belgium and the reçu fiscal in France. For other countries we make no claim, so contact us to discuss your case.

Set up your Giving Tuesday donation page

Create a free donation page with WeGlow.world, with no setup costs and no contract, and explain clearly which tax rule applies to your donors. Start via the sign up page or ask your question via the contact page. Prices are on the pricing page.

Sources and checks: FPS Finance, Belastingdienst, service-public.gouv.fr, section 10b of the German income tax law, Agencia Tributaria and GOV.UK, checked on 7 October 2026. General information, not tax advice. Rules change every year, so consult your local tax authority.