Charity Lawyers & Charity Registration Service in Manchester

At Mounteney Solicitors, our experienced Charity Lawyers in Manchester offer a tailored, cost-effective service to assist you in registering as a charity. A charity, as defined under the Charities Act 2011, is an organisation established exclusively for charitable purposes that serve the public benefit. Most organisations seeking the advantages of charitable status, such as tax relief, increased funding opportunities, and enhanced credibility, must register with the Charity Commission to formalise their position.

We understand that registering as a charity can be a complex and time-consuming process. Our dedicated team provides a streamlined and supportive service, guiding you through every stage of the formation process. With a responsive and approachable approach, we ensure each client receives personalised advice to meet their unique goals and objectives.

Our Charity Lawyers pride themselves on making expert guidance accessible to organisations of all sizes. Whether you’re forming a new charity or converting an existing entity, we provide flexible solutions designed to accommodate various budgets and organisational needs. Our services range from economic options for smaller groups to comprehensive, traditional approaches for more established organisations.

In some cases, you may wish to consider an alternative to Charity Registration, such as forming a Community Interest Company (CIC). CICs are limited companies with a focus on benefiting the community rather than private shareholders. While they do not have the same tax benefits as charities, CICs offer greater flexibility in terms of business activities and less regulatory oversight. If this option interests you, we can provide additional information and guidance.

What Are the Requirements for Registering as a Charity?

Registering as a charity involves meeting several key criteria that establish your organisation’s legitimacy and eligibility for charitable status. These requirements ensure your charity operates within the legal framework set by the Charities Act 2011 and can access the benefits of registration with the Charity Commission and HMRC.

To qualify, your organisation must:

• Have a governing document that outlines how your charity will operate, including its rules, structure, and decision-making processes.
• Be exclusively involved in charitable activities that provide a clear public benefit, such as relieving poverty, advancing education, or supporting health initiatives.
• Define clear aims and objectives that align with recognised charitable purposes and explain how your charity will deliver these for the benefit of the public.
• Ensure trustees are appointed to oversee the charity’s management and comply with legal responsibilities. Trustees must act in the charity’s best interest and cannot receive payment for their roles, except in limited circumstances.
• Demonstrate financial viability, with a gross annual income of £5,000 or more in most cases, to qualify for registration with the Charity Commission.

In addition to the above, it is essential that your organisation maintains transparency and accountability, as required by the Charity Commission. This includes keeping accurate financial records, filing annual reports, and complying with regulations governing your charitable activities.

At Mounteney Solicitors, our expert Charity Solicitors are here to guide you through every step, ensuring your charity meets the necessary requirements for a successful application.

What are the Benefits of Registering as a Charity?

Registering as a charity offers significant advantages that can elevate your organisation’s credibility, funding opportunities, and operational efficiency. With charitable status, your organisation gains access to a range of benefits that help you achieve your mission while delivering a positive impact on the community.

Here are some key benefits of registering as a charity:

• Increased credibility by enhancing trust and confidence in your organisation, making it more attractive to donors, volunteers, and partners
• Access to tax relief with exemptions on Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Inheritance Tax (IHT), as well as the ability to claim Gift Aid to increase eligible donations by 25%
• Eligibility for funding through grants and government schemes that are only available to registered charities
• Reduced business rates with up to 80% relief, helping to lower operational costs and allocate more resources to charitable work
• Public visibility and accountability by being listed on the Charity Commission register, enhancing transparency and strengthening your reputation

Beyond these advantages, registering as a charity provides a strong legal framework that ensures your organisation’s activities align with its charitable purpose. This not only protects your mission but also helps safeguard the interests of trustees, donors, and beneficiaries.

At Mounteney Solicitors, our expert Charity Law Solicitors are committed to helping you unlock the full benefits of charitable status. From preparing your application to advising on tax relief and governance, we ensure that your charity is positioned for long-term success. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make a greater impact in your community.

Considerations when Registering a Charity

Before moving forward with registering as a charity, it is important to evaluate the practical implications of managing a charity. While achieving charitable status offers many benefits, it also comes with ongoing responsibilities that need careful planning.

Key considerations include:

• Financial sustainability to ensure your charity can operate effectively in the long term without jeopardising its objectives.
• Exclusively charitable purposes to meet the legal requirements, which may restrict certain activities such as campaigning or commercial trading.
• Voluntary trustee roles, as trustees cannot receive payment for their duties, except in specific cases. This also means trustees cannot simultaneously be employees of the charity unless an exemption applies.
• Administrative responsibilities, including filing accounts, maintaining compliance with Charity Commission requirements, and managing governance processes.
• Public transparency, as many charity documents must be filed with the Charity Commission and are available for public review.

Additionally, your charity must have an appropriate legal structure before applying for registration. At Mounteney Solicitors, we help you navigate this process, ensuring your organisation is properly structured and fully prepared to meet all regulatory obligations.

By understanding these factors early on, you can build a strong foundation for your charity and avoid potential challenges in the future. Let our expert Charity Lawyers guide you through the complexities and provide you with tailored advice at every step.

How do you Register a Charity?

Registering as a charity involves navigating a legal process to meet specific criteria and submitting a detailed application to the Charity Commission. One of the most popular structures for new charities is the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This legal entity provides limited liability protection for trustees and members while simplifying governance, as it only requires registration with the Charity Commission and not Companies House. The CIO structure is particularly appealing due to its streamlined administration and clear regulatory framework.

Other legal structures available include Charitable Trusts and Charitable Companies, each with unique advantages depending on the size, purpose, and operational requirements of your organisation. At Mounteney Solicitors, we assess your needs and guide you in selecting the most appropriate structure to ensure legal compliance and long-term stability.

Define Your Charitable Purpose

The process begins with identifying your organisation’s charitable purpose. This involves clarifying your goals, mission, and activities to ensure they align with the Charities Act 2011 and provide a public benefit. Our team works with you to ensure your charitable objectives, whether advancing education, relieving poverty, or promoting the arts, meet the Charity Commission’s standards and demonstrate a clear benefit to the public.

Establish the Legal Structure

Choosing the right legal structure is critical to your charity’s success. We help you decide whether a CIO, Charitable Trust, or Charitable Company best suits your needs. Once the structure is determined, we draft or review your governing document, such as a constitution, trust deed, or articles of association, ensuring it complies with the Charity Commission’s regulations and establishes a solid foundation for your charity.

Appoint Trustees

Trustees are essential to the governance and management of your charity. We assist you in appointing suitable individuals who meet the Charity Commission’s eligibility requirements and provide guidance on their roles and responsibilities. Trustees must act in the best interests of the charity and comply with their legal obligations, which we help you navigate with confidence.

Prepare and Submit the Application

Once your charitable purpose, legal structure, and trustees are in place, we prepare your application for the Charity Commission. This includes compiling all necessary documentation, such as your governing document, financial plans, and trustee details. Our team ensures your application is complete, accurate, and addresses all key criteria, giving your charity the best chance of approval. While the final decision rests with the Charity Commission, our expertise significantly reduces the likelihood of delays or rejections.

We offer a transparent pricing structure for our Charity Registration service.

The total cost for our service is £1,100.

We pride ourselves on providing a cost-effective solution, especially suited for those with budget constraints.

We are an unregulated provider, our service does not attract VAT, offering further savings.

For more detailed information about our fees, please visit our page.

If you have any questions, require any further information, or would like to engage us (that will be on the T’s & C’s that are linked, “Our Terms”, in the footer, below) please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.

How Long Does it Take to Register a Charity?

The charity registration process typically takes between two to three months from the time we begin preparing your application. In some cases, where urgent approval is required and the Charity Commission agrees to expedite the process, registration can be completed in as little as six weeks.

At Mounteney Solicitors, we ensure your application is handled efficiently and accurately to minimise delays and give your organisation the best chance of a swift outcome. Contact us today to get started.

If you have any questions, require further information, or would like to engage our Charity Registration service, we are here to help. At Mounteney Legal Services, we are committed to providing a responsive, professional, cost-effective service tailored to meet your needs. With over 18 years of experience and a deep understanding of charity law, you can trust Manchester Business Solicitors to guide you through the complex process of establishing your charity.

Our team Stockport Solicitors are committed to helping you achieve your social enterprise goals, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you are establishing a new charity or converting an existing entity, we have the skills and experience to ensure a successful outcome.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you, or visit our offices in Bramhall or Cheadle, Hazel Grove and Heald Green for a personal consultation. Let us help you make a positive impact on your community.