Charities and charitable status

Why apply for charitable status?

Many groups in the community sector exist for purposes that the law recognises as being “charitable.” Because these groups provide a benefit to the public, they don’t have to pay tax on income that they earn.

To get this tax-exempt status – called “charitable status” – your group will need to register with the Charities Services section of the Department of Internal Affairs.

This section explains:

  • how to register on the Charities Register
  • what kinds of purposes qualify as “charitable” purposes
  • Administrative responsibilities of registered charities
  • removal from the Charities register