Date of issue: 13th April 2005

CHARITIES GET TO GRIPS WITH VAT AT SPECIAL SEMINAR

A firm of Birmingham chartered accountants is to help Midlands' charities and not-for-profit organisations get a better grasp of key VAT issues to ensure they are complying with the law and maximising the reliefs available to the sector.

Clement Keys, Birmingham is hosting a half-day seminar at Warwickshire County Cricket Club in Edgbaston on Tuesday, April 26.

The firm has a specialist VAT division and a dedicated Pension Schemes and Charities Unit and is one of only a handful of accountants accredited by the Charity Commission to work with solicitors authorised to act as receivers and managers.

Director of VAT services Steven Simmonds will discuss issues such as the requirements for and timing of VAT registration, how to distinguish business and non-business activities, partial exemption, cultural exemption and the VAT treatment of land and property.

He will also discuss the various special VAT reliefs which are available to charities, so that delegates improve their understanding and are better equipped to assess their individual organisation's position and maximise their entitlements.

"The charities sector is subject to some of the most complex legislation on the statute books," says Steven Simmonds.

"Our aim is to help organisations get to grips with some of the more daunting regulations, dispel misconceptions and clarify certain VAT matters, especially those which can affect a charity's status."

Up to 35 people are expected to attend the event, which will be an interactive session making reference to recent VAT cases.