Charity registration

Many PTAs meet the requirements to register as a charity, so the NCPTA actively promotes charitable registration for all eligible associations. There is no charge for PTAs to register as a charity.

Benefits include:

• exemption from the payment of income and corporation tax
• being able to receive charitable donations from local and national companies
• being eligible to apply to grant-making charitable trusts
• being able to receive donations from parents and other supporters through payroll giving and company matched giving schemes
• being eligible to apply for Gift Aid
• registering as a charity gives the clear message that your PTA is working for the benefit of others
• establishes a clear set of rules by which your PTA operates

In England and Wales it is a legal requirement for organisations engaged in charitable activities, with an annual income of more than £5,000 to register as a charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. In Northern Ireland, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Charities division provides formal recognition of charitable status and administers charity registration.

Charity registration England & Wales

The quickest way for NCPTA members to register is by using our fast track charity registration pack. The fast track option is only available to associations which have adopted our model constitution.  (New version coming soon.  Click here for further information.)  If you want to register using your exisiting constitution you should contact the Charity Commission on 0845 300 0218.

Charity registration Northern Ireland

HMRC will decide whether a PTA is a charity for tax purposes. Most PTAs should be eligible as one of the purposes recognised by Charity Law is "advancing education". The process is explained in more detail in our Information sheet Charity registration Northern Ireland