A new Charities Advisory Group has been set up by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that is intended to help the new HMRC Charities Unit meet the demands of its customers.

The Charities Unit was created following an announcement by the Chancellor in the last budget to modernise tax administration, and is to act as a one-stop-shop offering charities a tax helpline and website. The Charities Advisory Group brings together representatives from various sector umbrella bodies and allows them to present ideas or questions about tax operations to the Unit.

A spokesperson for HMRC said: “The first meeting was extremely positive and both sides are keen to build on opportunities for improved customer service that the new business stream presents. Many useful suggestions have been made and we are to consider how, if at all, these can be taken forward.”

Matters under discussion included PAYE and Gift Aid, however issues relating to VAT reform are not to be looked at as this is a matter for the Treasury.

The Charities Unit helpline is open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Call 0845 302 0203 or visit the website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/