The Irish Charities Tax Reform Group (ICTRG) is a membership organisation of 155 charities. We work on behalf of members to enhance the conditions for an independent and vibrant charity sector in Ireland that remains responsive to existing and emerging needs whilst aspiring to the highest standards of excellence in all its activities. ICTRG focuses on the strategic needs for charities (i.e. ICTRG’s members) to optimize the financial value of donations (by charity friendly tax reform) and to underpin public and donor confidence in charities.ICTRG was formed in 1991. Since then we have organised a number of campaigns to optimise tax-effective giving and reduce the tax burden on the sector. We have also focused on increasing public confidence in charities by advocating for an effective and appropriate regulatory environment for charities.

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 forthcoming Charities legislation underpins public confidence in the sector, whilst accommodating the needs of charities