The government has extended the deadline for charities to apply for museums and galleries tax relief until January 4 2019.
Civil Society writes:
Museums and galleries now have until 4 January 2019 to apply to reclaim VAT incurred on most goods and services purchased in order to fund free admissions.
The scheme was re-opened in May 2018 to all relevant organisations that meet the following criteria:
- Be open to the general public for at least 30 hours per week, without exception
- Offer free entry, without prior appointment
- Hold collections in a purpose-built building
- Display details of free entry and opening hours on the museum website
Museums and galleries are required to provide as part of the application process: proof of Arts Council England Accredited status, visitor figures, information on education programmes and community engagement work. Upon admission to the scheme museums or galleries will be required to provide visitor figures on a bi-annual basis and commit to continuing to provide free entry.
