What is the entity to which Muslims must pay zakat according to evidence from the Noble Book?

A Muslim who possesses the minimum taxable amount (nisab (definition)) and a full year (hawl) has passed on it must give zakat (definition) from their wealth to one of the eight categories mentioned in the Quran: "Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the wayfarer - an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise." (Quran 9:60). The basic principle is that the zakat payer should disburse it themselves, but they are permitted to appoint a trustworthy Muslim, whether an individual or a charitable organization, as an agent. Furthermore, it is obligatory to give zakat to the Imam if he requests it, provided he is just and the public treasury is well-regulated.