Deduction for certain gifts

(1) Subject to sub-section (2) of this section, in ascertaining the chargeable income of a person who proves to the satisfaction of the Commissioner that during the basis year he has made several absolute and immediate gifts aggregating two hundred and fifty dollars or over or one or more absolute and immediate gift or gifts of the value of two hundred and fifty dollars or over, taking effect in Belize, for ecclesiastical, charitable, educational, or cultural purposes or for the improvement of amenities in towns or villages, there shall be allowed a deduction of the amount of such gifts. (2) No deduction under this section shall be allowed in any year of assessment in respect of any such gifts beyond an amount equal to one-sixth part of the chargeable income of such person estimated in accordance with the provisions of this Act 28 before making the deductions specified in this section and in section 16 of this Act. (3) Where the amount of any such gifts in the basis year is such that it cannot be wholly deducted in the year of assessment, the amount of such gifts shall, to the extent to which it is not deducted, be carried forward and shall, subject to the same limitation hereinbefore imposed, be deducted from what would otherwise have been the chargeable income for the next five years in succession. (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2) of this section but subject to sub-section (3) of this section, there shall be allowed a deduction of up to four hundred dollars for every child, not being a child living with the individual at any time during the basis year under the age of sixteen years and wholly maintained by him during the basis year, for any school fees or books or any contribution to education, provided that the total deduction under this sub-section shall not exceed one thousand six hundred dollars.