Registering as a Charity

[Tamsin]

Anyone done this and can write a section with some tips on how to do it/where to get info?

[jrn1310]

This is the link to all the information supplied from the charity commision http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/

[doorkeeper]

The rules have changed recently so previous experiences may not be that helpful.

The threshold for charities to register has risen from £1000 to £5000 income. You can be a charity below that but do not need to register.

We were registered just before the change came into effect.

[honeybunny]

The rules have changed recently so previous experiences may not be that helpful.

The threshold for charities to register has risen from £1000 to £5000 income. You can be a charity below that but do not need to register.
.

So can you now just call yourself a charity?:?

[Julia123]

So can you now just call yourself a charity?:?


No, you have to put together a constititution which is sent for approval to the charities comission.

Edit just re-read the part about not having to register - that is confusing :?

[Tamsin]

Yep, you have to be careful about how you present yourself, I think it's breaking the law (you can be fined) if you imply you are a charity and you're not.

[AlisonA]

Equally I am fairly sure that contrary to popular belief, there is actually no choice whether to register as a charity or not if your gross turnover is over £5000 (used to be £1000). If you are operating for charitable purposes (and the advancement of animal welfare is one of the criteria) and your turnover is over £5K, you must register. The law has recently been simplified though so it's not as onerous as it previously was.

[duracell]

You can also register as a charity with HMRC without being registered with the charity's commission. This gives you a charity number which you can use for fundraising and also for tax purposes.