AUDITING
SERVICE
for
NFP GROUPS
FAQ
- Non-profit
organisations in NZ
We receive a number of requests for information about non-profit organisations in New Zealand and their organisation etc.
In the hope that it may assist, we provide the following comment. We wish to stress that not-for-profit.org.nz cannot accept any responsibility for any information provided here. This information is provided in good faith and any errors or omissions are regretted. Please let us know of any errors you find.
As the government information pages change frequently there may be errors in these links. Please advise the webmaster of any mistakes you note in these pages.
| Where can I find information about the new Charities Bill? | Have a look at www.charities.govt.nz - the Charities Commission website. Contact them through their website for copies of their fact sheets. |
| Where can I find general tax information for NZ non-profit organisations? |
Visit the appropriate IRD website |
| What do I have to do to get a tax exemption for a NZ non-profit organisation? |
Have a look at: www.ird.govt.nz/notforprofits/ |
| what is the difference between a Charitable Trust and an Incorporated Society. which is best for me? | The differences are clearly explained on the Registrar of Incorporated Societies website. which is the most suitable will naturally depend upon your group's circumstances. Detailed information about charitable trusts and information about incorporated societies are also available on the website |
| What do I have to do to set up an Incorporated Society? |
Check the Department of Internal Affairs website or the Registrar of Incorporated Societies website (Go to 'Information Library') |
| What are the benefits of forming an Incorporated Society? |
as above |
| What are the obligations after forming an Incorporated Society? |
as above |
| Where can I find out if a charity is registered with the NZ Inland Revenue Department to accept receipts which are eligible for tax deduction purposes? | The key phrase here is 'donee status' or 'donee organisation' if you are searching the IRD webiste. www.ird.govt.nz/donee-organisations/donee-h.html Note; apparently inclusion on this list indicates that a society IS registered for donee status but non-inclusion does not necessarily mean that the organisation is NOT so registered! |
| Do you know of a good fundraising resource in NZ? | Try www.charity.org.nz. Forsee Communications publish a monthly sponsorship journal dedicated to the NZ situation |
| How many charities are there in NZ? | It appears that no-one knows for sure at the moment, but it is likely to be over 30,000. It is not clear why the IRD does not actually know the true figure (see 'donee status' above) though trusts which do not claim donee status do not currently need to register. The Charities Commission says: Charities registered as at 25 January 2008 -
2,142 (This is a long way behind the 30,000 figure quoted and indicates that there is likely to be a scramble when the 1 July 2008 registration date is reached! ) |
| How can I check whether an organisation is incorporated ? | Go to www.societies.govt.nz and look under 'search the register' . (You can get a copy of the certificate of incorporation, download financial statements and consitutions etc from this site.) NB Be sure to check alternatives - for example "The xxx" if "xxx" does not deliver a solution. The Charities Commission has a register of those organisations which have registered with it |
FEATURED NZ Not-for-Profit ORGANISATIONS
INTERNATIONAL SAILORS
SOCIETY (AUCKLAND) Inc
Copyright(c)2006-2008 Not-for-profit.org.nz
editor@not-for-profit.org.nz
Information in these pages is provided in good faith but we can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions. In cases where a definitive opinion is required you should consult the appropriate professional.