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Registration of Charities Begins Today

The launch of the Charities Register at Parliament today marks the start of the registration of charities under the new Charities Act.

Chief Executive of the Charities Commission Trevor Garrett said that while registration is voluntary, organisations wishing to remain tax exempt on the grounds of charitable purpose should register before 1 July 2008.

"Charitable organisations have 17 months to register with the Commission before any existing tax exemptions are affected by a change to the tax laws," he said.

To be eligible for registration, an organisation must be established and maintained for charitable purposes – meaning they must have a purpose that advances religion, advances education, relieves poverty, or is otherwise beneficial to the community. Other criteria, such as having officers who are qualified to be officers under the Charities Act, also apply.

Mr Garrett said the charitable sector was consulted to ensure the registration process was not onerous, but straightforward.

"Applications to register are free and can be made online at www.charities.govt.nz or by completing prescribed forms and sending them to us by post," he said. "Guidance notes and fact sheets are available to assist charities with the registration process."

Mr Garrett said every applicant would be judged on its rules and activities on a case-by-case basis.

"The Charities Register will help to promote and maintain public confidence in charities. Once a charity is registered, the public can search the Register for up-to-date information about its activities and purposes."

The Charities Act established the Charities Commission on 1 July 2005 to register and monitor charitable organisations in New Zealand and to provide them with education and support on good governance and management.

ENDS

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