Netherlands: Mosques aren't registering for donation tax-deductions

Netherlands: Mosques aren't registering for donation tax-deductions

Many mosques in the Netherlands have neglected to register (NL) by the Tax Authority. As a result, many Muslims who donated money can't deduct their gift from their taxes.

Just like churches, since 2008 mosques have to register as an "institution for general benefit" (ANBI), so that gifts to these houses of worship can be tax-deducted. Before 2008, religious institutions were automatically considered ANBIs, reports De Volkskrant today.

In recent time mosques have been registering more and more as ANBIs. Churches register via their umbrella organizations, mosques less. In the ANBI register there are 92 institutions who are clearly Muslim, a Tax Authority spokesperson said in response.

There are at least 450 mosques in the Netherlands.