CTG co-ordinated a joint sector response to the recent Online Sales Tax consultation, developed in association with CFG, NCVO and CRA.

Online Sales Tax consultation – charity sector response

The response noted that in principle, an exemption for charities would be appropriate in line with the rationale that already exists for other charity tax reliefs. For example, business rates and VAT reliefs are available for charities who sell donated goods and sector bodies have argued that as a minimum sales of this type should be out of scope of the new tax.

The response also noted that alternative steps could be taken to breathe new life into high street retail sooner, noting that charity shops will ultimately benefit from greater footfall and a vibrant and diverse high street and from a lower rate burden for retailers as a whole.