Charity tax avoidance

A smoke screen - a few bursary places to hide behind a system that perpetuates privilege. I know someone who as the partner of a firm 'arranged' to show nil returns during the duration of his son's education a public school - so they could get a scholarship. There is so much fiddling around- if parents can pay 10000 and much more per term in fees, they can pay tax too. Private hospital are not exempt from taxes, are they?

Public schools are supposed to contribute to the well being of the community at large! Most give a few bursaries or scholarships.

I thought charities were exempt from tax? I certainly do believe that it is wrong for so called public schools where parents pay £10.000 + a term to be exempt.

Greatnan - What you say is worrying - and (not for the first time) seems to back up what my husband says. What a shame you can't say any more.

There seem to be thousands of charities and I don't suppose many of us know exactly how they operate and what happens to the money donated to them. Time for a bit more investigative journalism I think.

I am a retired tax inspector and perused the accounts of many well known charities. Suffice it so say, I don't contribute to any of them. I can't give any more details, as I am bound by the Official Secrets Act.

Apart from Oxfam, which I believe spends only about 10% of its income on administration (staff salaries, etc.), I have some concerns about charities. Am I right in thinking that many independent schools are classified as charities?

Many charities spend huge amounts on administrative costs. After seeing a documentary a couple of years ago concerning The London Marathon I decided I wouldn't continue sponsoring people for it.

Accurate reporting? Haha!

sorry

but...

Bloody Times should drop its paywall, full stop

Yes j07.
They should perhaps report things accurately as well

Bloody Times should drop its firewall for a day. Might do a bit of good then.

I belive Cup Trust has charitable status (i.e. is technically a charity) even if it isn't what most of us would regard as a proper charity. I expect there are more like it.
inagist.com/all/296762568792494080/

That's alright janeainsworth. Probably just as well if no one sees it.

You can't tar all charities by that brush. Just do something about the Cup Trust. (which I'd never heard of before)

Didn't see your post about Gransnet being pally with Age Concern j07 before I posted

I can't do that diagram. I've got a cold. They do sound dodgy though. So is The Times for having a firewall.

But the Cup Trust is clearly not a genuine charity is it?
And unless I am mistaken, it is the individual investor who is avoiding tax by getting the tax relief on their bogus 'donation.
Cup Trust is the facilitator, and make their money from the fee paid to them by the investor.
Is anyone suggesting that genuine charities like Age Concern wheel and deal in Gilts to enable their contributors to avoid tax?

Or have I completely misunderstood?

the cup trust Not the best of websites.

I wonder if Gransnet has indulged in tax avoidance by hooking up with Age Concern.

No! Of course not!

It would be disgraceful if the government took money from charities!!! Charities save them loads of money as it is. (think the St Mungo's thing for just one eg)

mey . I like the idea that I'm hafficient but it's not my diagram. Someone else deserves the credit. I just found it.

liked your little diagram bags you are indeed a very hafficient person and a value to GN I know I spelt it wrong thats how I say it

The reality of it all is, that lots of individuals and companies would avoid tax and try to find ways to avoid paying tax, they see it as a means to survival.

I dont think that charities should pay tax at all.

Here is some info about the Cup Trust. I hadn't heard of it before either.

Bags You can only see bits of the articles if you don't have a Timesonline subscription.
I've never heard of the Cup Trust, although it says it attracts more donations that the British heart Foundation and other leading charities.
Am I right in thinking this Trust is an organisation that pretends to be a charity, making meagre donations, so that wealthy investors can benefit form its charitable status?
Is there evidence that well-known charities abuse their charitable status?
After all there is a reason for charities enjoying their beneficial tax status - we wouldn't want to donate to a worthwhile cause in good faith, out of our taxed income, and then have the government take yet more tax out of, would we?

Just asking because I can't read the article.

The people at the head of charities aren't necessarily more 'moral' than those at the head of any other big business and if the rules allow such tax avoidance, it will continue to happen.

The rules governing payment of tax have to change, so no, I'm not surprised.