Tax, PAYE And National Insurance Contributions Help! Sheet

Tax

All organisations have an obligation to pay tax. Charities are entitled to tax exemptions and relief from Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax. In order to claim tax exemptions charities in Northern Ireland must be registered with the Inland Revenue.

PAYE (Pay As You Earn)

If your group or organisation employs staff, the Pay As You Earn system places a responsibility on the employer for collecting and accounting for an employee’s income tax. This is done by deducting the required amount from an employee’s gross pay and provising it to the Inland Revenue. The amount deducted must appear on the employee’s pay statements.

National Insurance Contribution

National Insurance Contribution is tax on earnings designed to fund social security benefits. Organisations employing staff are required to provide the appropriate payment each month in respect of both employee and employer’s contribution to the Inland Revenue. Deductions must appear on the employee’s pay statements.

VAT

In general charities are not exempt from the payment of VAT on goods and services purchased. Charities do benefit from zero rating of some goods and equipment. This means that they do not pay VAT on certain items (or can claim it back). Examples include:

• items used by people with disabilities;
• sale or hire of donated goods;
• non-classified advertising in newspapers and magazines for educational and fundraising purposes;
• construction of new buildings that the charity will use for its charitable purposes.

Summary

Tax is a complex area and specialist advice may be needed to ensure that your obligations are being met in this area.