Charities Commission

Latest government media statement

To see the government's media statement and the issues paper, "The tax treatment of honoraria and reimbursements paid to volunteers" go to: http://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz

The Charities Commission - Komihana Kaupapa Atawhai

Registration under the Charities Act 2005 can be made on line - well almost. Having to move from an on line system to then get Trustees to sign a paper and fax it in is still a little cumbersome.  The public can also search on the website for details of registered charities.

The Commission will also be providing support and education to the charitable sector on good governance and management, but at the moment all the  activity seems directed to encouraging registration

2007 Budget - Tax Incentives

Key changes include:

The $1,890 threshold for individual's cash donations to organisations with charitable donee status will be removed, and individuals will qualify for the 33% rebate up to their annual net income

The deduction limit on charitable donations made by companies and Maori authorities will be removed & the company deduction will be extended to unlisted, closed companies with five or fewer shareholders.

Following enactment of the taxation bill, the above changes will apply from the 2008/09 tax income year.

In addition, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will continue to look at a range of measures aimed at supporting charities and other non-profit organisations, including payroll giving, tax deductions for non-monetary donations, and streamlining the tax treatment of expense reimbursement and honoraria payments to volunteers.