Over 160 delegates attended CTG’s Annual Tax Conference, on 28 March 2017, which took place at the Wellcome Trust.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Jane Ellison MP, who has ministerial responsibility for charity taxation, gave the keynote speech.

In summary, the Minister said that Government welcomed working with the charities lobby including CTG and regarded it as a constructive partnership. She said that charities should be at the top table when we think about tax policy. She recognised the need for a balanced and sensible tax regime for charities while recognising the budgetary limitations the Government is still working within.

The Conference also saw presentations on issues including VAT, Gift Aid, Making Tax Digital, Brexit, Apprenticeship Levy and business rates, with speakers from HMRC, HM Treasury, charities and professional advisers.

CTG Tax Conference 2017 – Presentation slides

At the Conference, CTG also published its Annual Review, which focuses on the work that the organisation has done to extend its reach in the last year, particularly through the launch of its new website.

At the Conference delegates were asked to provide feedback on a range of issues:

• If they are interested in joining a forum for further discussion with HMRC and other charities about good fundraising materials and Gift Aid
• If they are interested in joining Gift Aid practical issues working group
• If they are interested in supporting a new CTG Business Rates network to share experiences with Local Councils re reliefs, appeals valuations etc
• If they have any thoughts on possible VAT simplifications before CTG meets the Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) VAT review team in mid April
• If they have any interest in working with HMRC on the Making Tax Digital pilot scheme (to help identify any complexities that will face charity trading subsidiaries under the new digital reporting requirements.
• If they have any feedback on current HMRC assessments in respect of VAT and direct mail
• If they have any suggestions for ways in which the HMRC Charities Outreach team can improve its engagement with smaller charities.

CTG would also welcome feedback from members on the Conference itself, including the timing, content, speakers, venue, refreshments and overall experience. This will help us to ensure that future meetings are as helpful to members as possible.

Please give your thoughts or suggestions in the box below, or alternatively contact us via email at info@charitytaxgroup.org.uk or on 020 7222 1265.