Application for Charitable Status

Charitable organisations are organisations that carry out charitable activities or exist exclusively for charitable purposes.  They operate on a non-profit basis and may be incorporated or non-incorporated. Organisations involved in charitable, sporting or religious activities must be registered as ‘Charitable Organisations’ or ‘Sporting Bodies’ with the Ministry of Finance to qualify for concessions such as tax and duty relief and motor vehicle tax waivers.   Please note that the approval of charitable status does not guarantee waiver of duties and taxes on imported or purchased goods.

• How do I register as a charitable organisation?
• Where can I find more information?

How do I register as a charitable organisation?

When applying for Charitable Status, organisations should follow the procedures outlined hereunder:-

1. Application letter requesting charitable status must be addressed to:-

          The Permanent Secretary
          Office of the Permanent Secretary
          Ministry of Finance
          Eric Williams Financial Complex
          Independence Square
          Port of Spain
          Trinidad, West Indies

2. The letter must be submitted with the following documents:-
           Certificate of Incorporation under the Companies Act 1995 or Act of Parliament.
           Notice of Directors.
           Notice of Secretary.
           Notice of Registered office – Notice of Address.
           Memorandum/Articles of Association.
           Constitution/Rules/By-Laws – The By-Laws or constitution must be ratifies.
           Original Audited Financial Statements for the last two (2) years. Certified  by an ICATT Auditor.
           Bank Statement for the last two (2) years.
           BIR number.
           Achievement Report.

3.       a. The objectives of the organisation must be clearly stated.
          b. The dissolution clause must be under Chapter 81:01 Section 316.

4. STIPULATIONS

a) The Company/Foundation must be in operation for at least one (1) year. 

b) The approval for charitable status is granted by the Minister of Finance in accordance with Section 6(1) (g) of the Corporation Tax Act Chapter 75:02. Exemption from taxes refers to Corporation Tax.      

c) Section 6(1) (g) of the Corporation Tax Act – Chapter 75:02 states that the  tax exemption does not apply to profits derived from a trade or business carried out by the organization.

d) If approval is granted the organization is required to file returns for every year of income in accordance with Section 76(3) (d) of the Income Tax Act Chapter 75:01.

5. NOTE

The approval for charitable status does not guarantee waiver of duties and taxes on imported/purchased goods.

Where can I find more information?

For further information, please contact:

Office of the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Finance
Eric Williams Financial Complex
Independence Square
Port of Spain
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 612-9700 Ext 4013
Fax: (868) 627-6108