Tax relief discriminates against foreign charities, says EU
18th July 2006, 1:45 pm
The European Commission has threatened the Government with legal action for operating a tax system that it claims discriminates against foreign charities - from the Times, 10th July, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,200-2263907,00.html.
“The United Kingdom allows tax relief for gifts to charities, but only if they are established in the UK. Charities in other Member States are excluded from the relief and the Commission considers that this discrimination is contrary to the EC Treaty.”
If it does not get a satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice. EC press release.