Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: Government Announces Tax Incentives for Donations
Mayotte is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which has resulted in significant destruction, including thousands of homes being destroyed and a critical shortage of water and food supplies. The cyclone has left at least 22 people dead and 1,373 injured, with authorities fearing that the death toll could rise to several hundred or even a few thousand, particularly in this economically disadvantaged region of France. In response to this humanitarian crisis, Prime Minister François Bayrou announced on December 17, 2024, that donations made to humanitarian associations aiding the victims will be eligible for a substantial tax reduction of 75% until May 17, 2025.
The tax incentive applies to individual donations up to 1,000 euros, meaning that a donation of 100 euros would result in a 75-euro deduction on income tax. This measure aims to facilitate rapid assistance to the affected population by supporting organizations that provide essential services such as free meals, housing reconstruction, and medical care. The Prime Minister's office emphasized that these donations must be directed to associations recognized as being of public utility, which are actively working on the ground in Mayotte.
The initiative will need to be validated in the 2025 budget, as confirmed by the office of the resigning Minister of Budget and Public Accounts, Laurent Saint-Martin. Typically, donations to such organizations are tax-deductible at a rate of 66%, with certain exceptions allowing for the increased 75% rate, particularly for donations aimed at assisting those in difficulty or supporting heritage conservation efforts.
