1. What is the Charities Act?

    The Charities Act was implemented by the Charities Authority and the Registrar of Charities and it took effect on December 24, 2013.

    1. What was the driving force behind the establishment of a Charities Act?
    2. Prior to the establishment of the Charities Act 2013, there was no single place where charitable organizations were registered. Relevant information was stored at either, the Companies Office of Jamaica, the Department of Co-operatives & Friendly Societies or at the Office of the Clerk of the House of Parliament.

  2. What was the Rational for the Act?

    The Charities Act facilitates the registration, regulation, administration and governance of the private voluntary sector operating in Jamaica. Charitable Organizations are therefore required to be registered in order to obtain the tax relief relating to the following taxes:-

    • Customs Act
    • General Consumption Act
    • Income Tax Act
    • Stamp Duty
    • Property Act
    • Transfer Tax Act

  3. How can an entity obtain benefits under the Charities Act?

    Any entity seeking to be certified as a charitable institution or to obtain benefits under the Charities Act must first be registered with the Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS).

  4. What are some of the benefits to organizations registered under the Charities Act?

    • No import duties will be charged.
    • No General Consumption Tax (GCT) will be applied.
    • Only fifty percent (50%) of applicable Customs Administration Fee (CAF).
    • Motor vehicle – no special consumption tax (SCT) and 50% of applicable CAF.
    • All other applicable fees will be charged

  5. What was the driving force behind the establishment of a Charities Act?

    Prior to the establishment of the Charities Act 2013, there was no single place where charitable organizations were registered. Relevant information was stored at either, the Companies Office of Jamaica, the Department of Co-operatives & Friendly Societies or at the Office of the Clerk of the House of Parliament.