If you support the TUM University Foundation with a donation of up to € 300, you do not need a donation receipt. A simplified donation receipt  (Pdf-Download, 46 KB) in conjunction with the bank statement is sufficient for your tax return. For donations of €300 or more, you will automatically receive a donation receipt from the TUM University Foundation if you provide your address when making the transfer.

Since the introduction of the "Act to Further Strengthen Civic Engagement" in 2007, a distinction has only been made in the tax consideration of a donation as to whether it is a donation to the asset pool of a foundation or a "normal" donation. From 2013, there are further regulations for so-called consumer foundations under the Act to Strengthen Volunteering.

For natural persons, donations of up to 20% of the total amount of their annual income are tax-deductible. This applies regardless of the charitable purpose for which the donation is made. Alternatively, companies can claim a maximum amount of 4 per thousand of the total turnover and wages and salaries spent in the calendar year as special expenses. Donations that exceed these maximum amounts can be deducted indefinitely over the following years within the framework of the maximum amounts mentioned above.

In addition to the general deduction for donations, natural persons can also claim up to EUR 1 million for tax purposes as a contribution to the assets to be preserved (asset pool) of a foundation. It is irrelevant whether this is a new foundation or an endowment to an existing foundation. In the case of jointly assessed spouses, both are entitled to the maximum endowment amount, i.e. up to EUR 2 million can be claimed jointly. Whereas until 2012 it was necessary to prove that each of the spouses had made a significant contribution on their own, from 2013 this proof is no longer required. You can deduct this maximum amount within a period of ten years, spread over the individual years as you wish. However, this special deduction can only be claimed once within a ten-year period. Excess or unused amounts can be claimed as part of the general annual donation deduction (20% or 4 per thousand, see above).

The Act to Strengthen Volunteering of 21.03.2013 clarifies that the increased deduction for donations to the asset pool of foundations does not apply to so-called consumer foundations. These are foundations that are not geared towards the permanent preservation of the asset pool. This special case of a foundation under private law has now been enshrined in law through the new regulation of Section 80 BGB. A consumer foundation must therefore exist for at least ten years and have a corresponding amount of capital.

Foundations and endowments should be set up as early as possible so that you, as the founder, can still exert influence where desired and also take advantage of tax benefits. Contributions to the assets of a foundation set up as a legacy upon death are not eligible as special expenses for the testator.