General
I want to ask others to donate to KULeuven on a special occasion. How do I go about that?
Simple. Fill in this form or contact us. We will then provide you with a unique VGS code or structured communication. Donations from your guests will then go directly to the project or fund you wish to support. You can find more information here.
On the decease of a loved one, I would like to support the doctor's research. How can I do this?
We express our deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. And thank you for thinking of others in these difficult times. To ensure that donations are well received, you will need a structured communication. In the obituary letter for your loved ones, include a short message asking them to donate and a unique VGS code. We will send this to you as soon as possible after you contact us. You can also request a reference online.
Why does part of my donation go to the operations of KULeuven (overhead arrangement)?
A small part of your donation is spent on operational costs (overhead). One half of this goes to the university, the other half to the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office. This is how we guarantee optimal service. With this contribution, we support more than 250 funds and chairs, process donations, prepare tax certificates and communicate to our donors. This is money that is reinvested in fundraising and your charity benefits from this.
Specifically, 12 per cent of your donation goes towards operational costs. With a few exceptions. For projects that work for the Global South, an overhead of 3 percent applies. Donations for scholarships go entirely to the fund. In any case, we try to limit operating costs so that your donation is spent as well as possible.
Where can I find information on donating my body to science?
Perhaps you are considering donating your body to science after your death. Your intention to donate your body for teaching and research in medicine is an act of great generosity. By doing so, you will be doing scientific research and medical education a very important service.
If you have any questions about this, please contact the Vesalius Institute (info in Dutch).
Tax advantage
Is my donation to KULeuven tax deductible?
Yes. If you donate a minimum of 40 euros on an annual basis, you will enjoy a tax reduction of 45 percent on your donation if you pay taxes in Belgium. In the spring of the following year, we will send you your tax certificate by post in time for your tax return for the completed fiscal year.
You will only receive a tax certificate for donations, hand-outs and bank gifts in money. Donations in kind (of material objects or real estate) do not qualify. The purchase of tickets, the sponsoring of an event, the proceeds of a collection or a sale are not donations and are therefore not entitled to a tax certificate.
All information on tax relief for gifts can be found on the website of the Federal Public Service Finance (info available in Dutch, French and German).
How much is the tax break for my donation?
The tax reduction on your donation is 45 per cent. It is also stated on your tax certificate. In other words, you get 45 per cent of your donation back.
Some examples:
| Your donation to KULeuven | The amount you get back | Your effective cost |
|---|---|---|
| EUR 40 | EUR 18 | EUR 22 |
| EUR 100 | EUR 45 | EUR 55 |
| EUR 250 | EUR 112.50 | EUR 137.50 |
Please note: if your donations to KULeuven total less than 40 euros per year, you will not receive a tax certificate.
As an individual, the total of your tax-deductible donations may never exceed 10 per cent of your net income (with a ceiling of EUR 392,200 for income year 2023, assessment year 2024). Companies can deduct 5 percent of their net profit for tax purposes with a maximum deductible amount of EUR 500,000.
Are gifts from abroad fiscally beneficial?
If you are living abroad and don’t pay taxes in Belgium, you can enjoy tax deduction in some cases. Read more here.
When am I (not) entitled to a tax certificate for a donation?
Your donation is tax deductible if:
- you make a cash donation and donate at least 40 euros on an annual basis;
- you deposit money on a main account of KULeuven, preferably on account number 734-0194177-89 (IBAN BE45734019417789, BIC code KREDBEBB);
- your name and address are mentioned on the deposit;
- your donation is used for the functioning of KULeuven;
- It is a disinterested donation (i.e. without any quid pro quo).
Your donation is not tax deductible if:
- your donation is transferred to KULeuven via a non-recognised association, even though your donation is (partly) used by the university;
- For example, you will not receive a certificate if the organisers deposit the collected donations in one amount into the account of KULeuven.
- your donation is passed on to a natural or legal person other than KULeuven;
- you receive a quid pro quo for your donation (e.g. the delivery of a good or service) or receive an additional benefit (with the exception of minor items such as a sticker or information brochure).
- Thus excluded are: membership fees, payments for magazine subscriptions, tuition and school fees, lesson, examination and similar fees, entrance fees for concerts ...
- This also applies if only part of the donated amount is involved. For example: a donation of 50 euros, of which 10 euros go towards the purchase of a book, does not entitle the recipient to a tax certificate of 40 euros.
Am I always entitled to tax relief?
To check this, consult the website of the Federal Public Service Finance (info available in Dutch, French and German).
When will I receive my tax certificate?
You will receive your tax certificate in the spring of the year following the year in which you made your donation. So if you made a donation to KULeuven in 2022, your tax certificate will arrive in your mailbox by the end of April 2023 at the latest.
Do I have to apply for my tax certificate myself?
No. We will automatically send your tax certificate to the postal address associated with the account number you are depositing into.
When transferring from a foreign account, it is possible that parts of the postal address are lost during the transaction and that we cannot send a tax certificate. In this case, please contact us.
I have a question about the tax certificate I received. Who can I contact?
For more information on your attestation, please contact us. We will be pleased to help you.
Why do I need to provide my national registry number?
If you donate a minimum of 40 euros on an annual basis, you will enjoy a 45 percent tax reduction on your donation. In the spring of the following year, we will deliver your tax certificate by mail, in time for your tax return for the completed fiscal year. You add this to your tax return. KU Leuven notifies the government who received a tax certificate.
According to the law, published in the Moniteur belge on 29/12/2023 (Program Law 28.12.2023), for donations as of January 1, 2024, we must add the donor's national registry number to sheet 281.71 for Belcotax.
In order to provide you with a correct tax certificate for fiscal year 2024, we ask you to provide your national registry number.
Only an individual's data can be automatically linked to your tax return. Do you support us through a joint account and are known to us as a couple? If so, please provide only one individual's full first name, last name, address information, date of birth and national registry number.
These data are processed according to KU Leuven's privacy policy. Learn more about this policy and what we do with your data.
Enter your national registry number here >
Will I receive a tax certificate in case of sponsorship?
No. Sponsors receive visibility in exchange for their financial contribution. This can be in the form of a logo mention, advertisem*nt or other promotional attention. A donation is only tax deductible if there is no quid pro quo. In the case of sponsorship, you will therefore not receive a tax certificate. You can find more information here.
Will I receive an invoice for my donation?
No. An invoice is only drawn up for goods or services supplied, in other words there is a quid pro quo. In the case of donations, it is a matter of "donating for nothing" and therefore there is no quid pro quo.
