Do we have to register as a charity?
If your organisation is a charity and its income is over £5,000 you should apply to register it unless:
- its head office is outside England or Wales
- if it is part of and governed by a larger organisation, eg a scout group
- it is regulated by another organisation, eg a university
If your charity’s income is likely to stay below £5,000 it can still enjoy the benefits of charitable status without having to register.
You can apply directly to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to register as a charity for tax purposes. Like a registered charity number, an HMRC charity number is generally accepted by banks and grant funders as evidence of your charitable status.
- Apply to HMRC to register as a charity for tax purposes
See also:
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