Baznas Proposes Zakat as Tax Deduction, Requests DJP Pilot Scheme in Aceh

The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) is pushing for zakat payments to reduce tax liabilities through a credit tax rebate system. Baznas official for Mobilisation and Collection, Rizaludin Kurniawan, has proposed to the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) that Aceh become a pilot project to trial the policy. Rizaludin stated that representatives from Aceh have already discussed the proposal with Baznas and the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas). He noted that while the law already supports the measure, the absence of a specific DJP regulation has prevented its implementation, describing the situation as an ‘imaginary wall’ created to make it seem difficult. The proposal aims to reduce the financial burden on the public, particularly the middle class, by ensuring that zakat payers and taxpayers no longer feel they are paying double. He added that this would expand choice for the community while simultaneously reducing their burden.