Welcome to ICTR

LATEST NEWS 

Vat Compensation back on public agenda! - 15th January 2010

The issue of VAT paid by charities received very significant coverage on RTE's Liveline (Joe Duffy) show on Friday 15th January, with a number of charities and ICTR on air explaining the issue.  ICTR's proposals for VAT compensation were fully explained. 

There is now an opportunity for charities to continue to highlight this issue to government in the run-up to the Finance Bill and to build momentum towards achieving a compensation scheme.

ICTR Launches Ireland's First National Charities Day - 25th November 2009

ICTR Launches Ireland's first National Charities Day on 25th November 2009 - one month before Christmas Day.  The day was launched by a number of ICTR members and our message is 'Giving is Good'.

View or download the Press Release here.  (PDF format 14k)

RTE Six-One News Coverage - 20th November 2009

Did you see our recent news coverage?  RTE's Six-One news on Friday November 20th featured a report from ICTR highlighting the difficult circumstances charities now face and the necessity for government to support these essential services through tax and vat reform.  You can view the News Clip here.

---

UPCOMING EVENTS

 January 26th 2010: Fundraising Codes of Practice

ICTR will present a seminar on Implementing the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising part of meeting the requirements of the Charities Act 2009 in relation to fundraising.  It will take place on the morning of January 26th (10am - 1pm) in the Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Dublin 8.

The Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising which was developed with fundraising practitioners and launched by ICTR in May 2008 sets out standards for fundraising practice in Ireland. In response to feedback received by ICTR during consultation with the sector prior to and following the development of the Statement, a set of web based resources has now been developed which will be of practical help to organisations implementing the standards in the Statement.

The seminar will present an update on the Implementation phase of the project, outline the resources which have been developed, and allow time for consideration and discussion of the resources.

Details of how to register are available on our Events page.

---

Recent News Hightlights

Pre-Budget Submission

ICTR's Pre-Budget Submission was sent into the Minister of Finance and the party spokespersons on finance earlier this month.  The Submission is titled 'Incentivise Charities - Assist those in Need'.

View or download the Pre-Budget Submission here.  (PDF format 35k)

Research Report on Tax and Regulatory Policy to encourage Greater Philanthropy

In August 2008 ICTR joined forces with Philanthropy Ireland to commission Farrell Grant Sparks Consulting (FGS) to carry out research on tax and regulatory policy to encourage greater charitable and philanthropic giving in Ireland. The research team was led by Greg Sparks and the final report is now available.

View or download the Key Recommendations here.
View or download the Full Report here.

Commission on Taxation Report

The Commission on Taxation Report was published on Monday September 7th 2009.   It makes a number of recommendations in relation to Charities, taking on board most of the issues that ICTRG raised with them in both our detailed written submissions and oral presentation.   Click on the links below for more details.
Charities give a 'cautious welcome' to proposals - Irish Times report 08/09/09
Key Recommendations in relation to Charities. 
ICTRG's Press Release.
Charity Tax Relief Proposals - Sunday Tribune Report 13/09/09

Fundraising Codes of Practice – Implementation

The final Feasibility Report published in May 2008 sets out a scheme to develop Codes of Good Practice on the operational and administrative aspects of fundraising by charities and also makes recommendations on bringing this scheme into operation. (Learn more about the research.) At the invitation of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, ICTR will bring the proposed scheme into operation and is now delighted to announce that the Implementation Group Members have been selected and the group has had its first meeting on September 8^th 2009.

---

About us

Irish Charities Tax Reform Group is a leadership organization working on behalf of charities to enhance the conditions for a vibrant and independent charity sector in Ireland.    ICTRG promotes the implementation of policies to optimize the financial value of donations (by charity friendly tax reform) and underpin public and donor confidence in charities.

Our sister organisation ICTR has carried out research on VAT and Charities, tax relief on donations and, on how regulation of fundraising by means of Codes of Practice can work in Ireland.    ICTR has been closely involved at all stages of the development of the Charities Act 2009 and is now firmly focused on implementation issues.  Read or download ICTR's Briefing Note on the Charities Act 2009 (PDF format 19KB) here.

Our major achievements to date are:

• The introduction of a comprehensive system of tax relief for all donations above €250, with no upper limit, to Eligible Charities in 2001 
• The extension of income tax relief to gifts of publicly quoted shares to charities in 2006

We are now working to:

• Remove the VAT burden on charities through the introduction of a VAT compensation scheme by government (see our vat campaign website www.vatcampaign.com)
• Reduce the minimum donation eligible for tax relief to €100, with a view to removing a minimum altogether
• To remove the new tax relief restrictions for high earners on donations to charities
• Extend tax relief to other non-cash donations (such as property and gifts in kind)
• Ensure that the implementation of the new Charities Act 2009 underpins public confidence in the sector, whilst accommodating the needs of charities