Turning away six-figure sums: why your charity can't afford to ignore the 'Substantial Donor' rules

Venue: Farrer & Co. 66 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2
Start: 08/04/2008 - 16:15
End: 08/04/2008 - 18:00
Organiser: European Association for Planned Giving
Fee:
Tel: 01622 859356
Email: sue@plannedgiving.org.uk
Website: European Association for Planned Giving (EAPG)

EAPG London Roundtable 8 April 2008
Time: 5.15 pm welcome for 5.30 – 7.00 pm discussion, followed by drinks and refreshments

Host/Venue: Julian Smith, Farrer & Co., 66 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2. Nearest Underground station: Holborn

Discussion Leaders: Julian Smith, Farrer & Co.
Kevin Russell, Stewardship
Susan Mackenzie, Philanthropy UK

Budget 2008 announced a Government Consultation on the anti-avoidance legislation relating to substantial donors ‘to simplify the system for charities and prevent innocent transactions from being caught’.

This roundtable discussion examines how the ‘substantial donor rules’ can impact unwary charities, and will consider practical steps needed to operate within the new rules. This session will also look at how organisations within the sector can work together to respond robustly to the forthcoming Consultation and achieve changes to legislation that has the potential to hamstring genuine philanthropy.

* The unseen cost of donations: how might your charity be hit by significant and unforeseen tax costs due to a donation in excess of £25,000? Will your charity have to curtail key activities due to the potential cost?
* Discouraging the growth of philanthropy and major gifts: the potential effects of this legislation upon the UK’s culture of giving.
* Tax avoidance or legitimate activity? The absence of discrimination between bona fide charitable activities and illegitimate attempts to avoid tax.
* Problems for grant-makers: what are the problems of accepting ‘substantial’ donations? Why might you need to keep records covering an 18 year period?
* The administrative burden and the problem of compliance: how can charities realistically keep track of ‘connected persons’ linked to a major donor?
* What is the sector doing about it? What can I do to help?

Join the discussion and share your own experiences and perspective on what the rules will mean for your charity.