You can read the infographic version of our guide here.
The next phase of the Charities (Jersey) Law 2014 (the "Law") was enacted on 1 May 2018, allowing entities to finally register as charities under the Law.
Whilst registration is voluntary, it is necessary to ensure entitlement to certain Jersey tax reliefs and to the use of the word "charity".
It is further anticipated that from 1 January 2019 the remaining provisions of the Law will come into force which amends Jersey taxation legislation in relation to charities.
This is an exciting opportunity for Jersey to reinforce and develop its status as a centre of excellence for philanthropy both in private wealth management and impact investing.
The Law:
- Introduced a register of recognised charities with general, restricted and historic sections which provide distinct levels of public access to data on the register
- Created the office of the Commissioner who will oversee all charities and ensure enforcement of the Law
- Provides a framework by which charities in Jersey will be regulated
Five things you need to know...
- Individuals or corporate bodies who administer and run charities are known as Governors and have a new statutory duty under the Law in addition to any existing duties as trustee of a trust or council members of a foundation.
- The Law restricts the use of the expressions "charity" and "Jersey charity" so that broadly only registered charities (and certain overseas charities) may refer to themselves as "charities" from 2019.
- From 2019 entities must be registered as a charity under the Law to obtain the relevant charitable exemptions from Jersey taxation albeit subject to limited exceptions.
- The general (public) section of the register is likely to be for entities wishing to register as a charity, to raise funds from the public, to have full access to Jersey tax reliefs and to use the term "charity".
- The restricted section is likely to be for those not wishing to raise funds from the public but still wanting Jersey tax reliefs and the right to use the term "charity" and also looking to preserve client confidentiality.
Five things you need to do...
- Review the charitable entities you administer and consider whether to register, and if the decision is made to register, whether the registration application should be made under the general or restricted sections.
- Check the names of the companies, trusts and foundations you administer to ascertain if they have the word "charity" in the title and consider, specifically for those entities who will not be registering, whether the entity name needs amending.
- If registering you will need to draft registered charitable purposes and a registered public benefit statement for each entity and collate the documents required for registration.
- Target opportunities where trust company clients may be interested in having a registered philanthropic structure in Jersey - a major, politically-stable financial centre, with strong professional services and legal foundations.
- Get in touch with our specialist team to learn more about the opportunities created by the Law
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.