Should charity rules be tightened to stop abuse by tax dodgers?
- No - they're fine as they are
- 74
- Yes - the system's too easy to abuse
- 25
- Unsure
- 3
If an organisation wants to set itself up as a charity – with all the benefits that entails, not least in terms of tax breaks - there is a test it must pass.
Legislation passed a decade ago stipulates the criteria groups must meet before they qualify for charitable status.
However, there have been concerns the rules are too lax – allowing too many groups to “jump on the charity bandwagon” for tax purposes.
MSPs on the Scottish Parliament’s public petitions committee argued it was time for a rethink of the “charity test”, which is overseen by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.
The concerns were raised as the public petition committee took evidence on private schools which have charity status.
We want to know what you think – should charity rules be tightened to stop abuse by tax dodgers?
Vote now – and join in the debate by commenting below.
