Overview

The first of Macfarlanes' charity and philanthropy updates focuses on the increasing number of significant developments in the field.

The past year has seen the introduction of the tainted charity donation rules and the proposed introduction of two important tax reliefs on gifts to charity. These reliefs are the proposed new regime for gifts of pre-eminent objects to the State and the reduced rate of inheritance tax where at least 10 per cent of an estate is left to charity on a person's death.

In the broader charity field a significant matter, which will affect many charities, is the approach adopted by the Charity Commission in applying the public benefit test. There has been a test case in relation to how the requirement should be applied to fee paying independent schools. The briefing discusses the outcome of the case and its implications. A further aspect of the public benefit test currently under discussion is whether a charity for the prevention or relief of poverty which restricts its potential beneficiaries can satisfy the public benefit test.

For the full details on all these stories and more, click 'View Briefing'.