Information - Organisational

Charity Law

Applying for Charitable Status in Scotland

A Scottish charity or a charity registered in Scotland is an organisation entered on the Scottish Charity Register.  To get your organisation entered on the Register you need to apply to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).

Information on how to apply, and relevant forms, are available to download from the OSCR website at www.oscr.org.uk.  Alternatively, you can get hard copies from OSCR, tel:  01382 220446.

If OSCR approves your application, you will receive a notification letter.  This will advice you to contact HMRC Charities to apply to be able to claim relief from various types of taxation.

For further information:

  • Midlothian Voluntary Action - if you want more advice, contact the Information Officer on 0131 663 9471 (link to email please);
  • HMRC Charities - www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/;
  • Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) - www.oscr.org.uk, tel:  01382 220446;
  • Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations - www.scvo.org.uk (Information), tel:  SCVO Information Service - 0800 169 0022.

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In addition, whilst we believe that the information on the website was accurate when it was written, it is up to you to check the current accuracy of the information.

If you experience problems downloading any documents, or unable to find the information you are looking for, or if you would like some help, please contact MVA’s Information Officer, Margaret Nisbet, who will do her best to help you.

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