Guidance – ChA1

The ChA1 form needs to be completed if a branch is registering for Gift Aid for the first time. Once the branch is registered with HMRC alterations should be made using the ChV1 form.

Section 1 “The Organisation”

1.  Enter the branch name (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis Society – XXXXX Branch)

2.  Enter “Multiple Sclerosis Society”

3.  Enter branch contact telephone number

4.  Enter email address of branch (if applicable)

5.  Enter branch address or the address of the person completing the application

6.  Disregard – address should only be at point 5

7.  Select “No”

8.  Response should read “This is an integral branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and governed by its constitution adopted on the 31st of January 2011”

Please leave points 9, 10 and 11 blank.

Section 2 “Details of the person making this application”

Enter the contact details for the person completing this application. For point 14, enter “Committee Member”

Section 3 “Governing document”

Leave this section blank

Section 4 “Operations and funds”

20. Tick “Yes” if the branch has a copy of the most recent pro forma. Include a copy of the most current set of branch accounts with this application – i.e. pro forma sent to MSNC.

If branch is new, select “No” and complete points 21 and 22.

21. Blank, unless answer to question 20 was “No”

22. Blank, unless answer to question 20 was “No”

23. Response should read “Funds are raised through donations, membership subscriptions, legacies, grants or in any other form.”

24. Tick box and include bank statements covering 3 months. Only include the bank statements for the main bank account. This should also be the bank details entered in section 8 “Your organisations bank details.”

25. Tick “No”

26. Enter “local branch area”

27. Blank

Section 5 “What your organisation does”

28. Leave information already entered.

Section 6 “Security information”

Branches are required to have 3 committee members listed as responsible persons.

“Responsible person 1” will be regarded by HMRC as the person responsible for signing claim forms on behalf of the branch. This can only be changed by completing form ChV1 Variation Form.

Complete points 29 – 36 for the 3 responsible persons at the branch.

Section 7 “Nominee information”

Leave blank

Section 8 “Your organisations bank details”

55. Tick “Yes” for gift aid And “No” for other income

Complete points 56 – 61 as requested. Point 61 can be an approximate date if the account has been open for a long period.

Section 9 “Declaration”

The declaration must be signed by a responsible person listed on Section 6 “Security information”.

Section 10 “Checklist”

Enclosures required

·  A simple cover letter on letter headed paper addressed to Mr A J Dobson, Title Executive, Charity Assets & Residence Charities, St John’s House, Merton road, Liverpool, L75 1BB.

·  Copy of most recent branch pro forma

·  Copy bank statements covering 3 months for main bank account – account entered in Section 8 “Your organisation’s bank details.

Please send form & enclosures to:

Mr A J Dobson, Title Executive, Charity Assets & Residence Charities, St John’s House, Merton road, Liverpool, L75 1BB.