THE money charities receive could be mistakenly spent on domestic rates.
Rate demands are currently being issued to property-owning businesses, individuals – and charities.
Now the Isle of Man Council of Voluntary Organisations is urging charities to re-evaluate what rates they are currently being asked to pay.
Although they are liable to pay water rates, the council reminds charities that they are not, generally speaking, liable to pay domestic rates on any property they own or occupy.
The council is hoping to raise awareness of this issue among charities in order for their money to be put to better use.
A council spokesman said: ‘We are aware that on occasions charitable organisations have paid rates for which they are not liable, generally through a lack of awareness.’
Invoices will be sent to charities by local authorities that will, on occasion, be asking for incorrect rates. The issuing authority may not be aware of the organisation’s charitable status or the fact that a building, or a part of a building, is being occupied for charitable purposes.
It is usual for the authority to require an exemption form to be completed on an annual basis, to confirm the status of the occupant.
The council is urging charitable organisations – with the inclusion of faith organisations – that receive a rate demand, to contact their local authority.
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