Here is a simple guide to the features and benefits of CASC, which may be of great interest to your place to play. Over 5000 sports clubs are registered nationally, CASC is becoming an increasingly popular option for many clubs, with an increasing list of excellent benefits including:
80% mandatory business rate relief
Many clubs only receive 50% discount or even less prior to gaining CASC status – some other clubs with CASC status are able to claim 100% discount.
Relief on business rates alone are estimated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to be worth £2,000 per year. Whilst this only benefits facility owning clubs, non-facility owning clubs can still significantly benefit from Gift Aid and exemption from Corporation Tax.
FREE Gift Aid – reclaiming up to £28 in tax for every £100 donated.
The club submits a tax repayment claim twice a year to recover tax on any certificated donations that have been received or other certificated receipts from suitably devised fund raising events.
Tax recovery is not admissible on membership subscriptions income – but if more clubs sign up to the scheme the government may consider including junior membership subscription as gift aid.
FREE JustGiving - worth £180 per year.
A CASC club can join JustGiving today, raise money and claim Gift Aid online, enabling volunteers to spend more time on sport and less time on administration. Clubs have used this format to raise money for new nets, equipment and even clubhouse refurbishments
.
Exemption from Corporation Tax profits on trading income under £30,000pa + property income under £20,000pa.
Usually, a club submits an annual corporation tax return and will pay tax on bank interest received gross on bank deposits. This is a valuable benefit because many clubs’ bank deposits are earmarked for sinking funds.
CASC Clauses/Rules:
In order to apply for CASC clubs will need to have an open constitution. A model constitution is included within Tennis resources. Must haves include:-
1. Purpose is to promote tennis and community participation in the town/village.
2. Membership of the club shall be open to anyone interested in the sport on application regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs.
3. Property and Funds of the club cannot be used for the direct or indirect private benefit of members other than as reasonably allowed by the Rules and all surplus income or profits are reinvested in the club.
4. Winding up the club can be voted for by the membership; the committee shall dispose of the net assets remaining to another club with similar sports purposes, which is a registered charity, a registered CASC and/or the National Governing Body.
If you are still not sure about CASC please visit these websites for further inormation:
LTA website guidance and case studies - http://www.lta.org.uk/Articles/Clubs1/casc/
CASC website - http://www.cascinfo.co.uk/
JustGiving guide -http://www.sportengland.org/support__advice/justgiving_for_sports_clubs.aspx