CIOT: Gift Aid changes should help charities but sports clubs must study the detail
The Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) has warmly welcomed government proposals to simplify the administration of Gift Aid in order to attract as many eligible donations as possible. This should benefit charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs). However, sports clubs will need to study the proposed revisions to the qualifying conditions for CASC status.
In the Autumn Statement delivered yesterday, the Chancellor also confirmed that Finance Bill 2014 will extend corporate Gift Aid to gifts of money from limited companies to CASCs1.
President of the ATT, Yvette Nunn, said:
“This is positive news; we welcome the announcement that the Government wants as many eligible charitable donations as possible to attract Gift Aid. The generosity of the British taxpayer should be reflected by a simple and common sense administrative system so we welcome HMRC’s decision to consult further with charities to determine how this is achieved.
“We also welcome the extension of corporate Gift Aid for company donations to CASCs from April 2014. This brings such donations into line with those from companies to charities and properly recognises the role of CASCs as a key guardian of the Olympic and Paralympic legacy. We have previously called for a widening of the CASC scheme2. In late November, HMRC published the government’s response to its consultation3. Sports clubs will need to study very carefully the draft regulations (which are expected shortly) in order to check whether they will remain eligible for CASC status. If a lot of clubs are excluded by the new regulations, the availability of corporate Gift Aid to those that remain eligible will be of little consolation.”
Notes for editors
1. Further information on CASCs can be found here.
2. ATT’s previous release, calling for the widening of the CASC scheme, can be read here.
3. HMRC’s Consultation on redefining eligibility for the CASC scheme can be found here, a summary of responses can be found here. The proposed regulations will be published for a short technical consultation in the new year before being laid in draft before Parliament.
4. Association of Taxation Technicians
The Association is a charity and the leading professional body for those providing UK tax compliance services. Our primary charitable objective is to promote education and the study of tax administration and practice. One of our key aims is to provide an appropriate qualification for individuals who undertake tax compliance work. Drawing on our members' practical experience and knowledge, we contribute to consultations on the development of the UK tax system and seek to ensure that, for the general public, it is workable and as fair as possible. Our members are qualified by examination and practical experience. They commit to the highest standards of professional conduct and ensure that their tax knowledge is constantly kept up to date. Members may be found in private practice, commerce and industry, government and academia.
The Association has over 7,000 members and Fellows together with over 5,000 students. Members and Fellows use the practicing title of 'Taxation Technician' or ‘Taxation Technician (Fellow)’ and the designatory letters 'ATT' and 'ATT (Fellow)' respectively.
-01.png){kind=spacer}