Charity status in Ireland

The introduction in the Republic of Ireland of tax relief on donations made to recognised charities has been of considerable benefit to Irish parishes, dioceses and other Church bodies.  Through the establishment of the Pontifical Irish College Charitable Trust (CHY 16351), the Irish College is now in a position to benefit from this concession.

The Pontifical Irish College Charitable Trust exists ‘for the advancement of religion and education, through the medium of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome and the provision and maintenance of buildings for this purpose’. Its trustees are the four metropolitan archbishops in Ireland and the rector of the Irish College. Recently the Trust has been recognized by the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland as an eligible charity which results in donations made to the Trust qualifying  for tax relief.  

Therefore if a person who pays income tax in the Republic of Ireland decides to support the work of the College by meaning a donation to the Trust, the income tax which he/she has already paid on the donation may be refunded by Revenue.  In the case of PAYE tax payers, the taxation already paid by the donor may be forwarded by Revenue to the Trust directly.   In the case of the self- employed, the tax payer claims the refund with his/her annual tax return attaching a receipt for the donation and the tax already paid may be credited to the donor.

If a PAYE taxpayer in the Republic of Ireland eligible for tax at the standard rate of 20% decides to support the work of the Irish College by means of a donation to the Pontifical Irish College Charitable Trust of €500, the Revenue may add €125 to that donation without any additional cost to the donor (or €347.46 if the person pays tax at the higher rate of €41%). All that is required is that the donor sign a simple declaration (CHY2) which the Trust forwards to Revenue.

For further information you are welcome to contact vr@irishcollege.org   

Charity status in the United States

Donors in the United States may benefit from tax exemption on gifts to “The Friends of the Pontifical Irish College, Rome, Inc” (PIC-US). This is a charitable organisation which financially assists the mission of the College. Established in 2000, it is registered in Washington DC and had been awarded federal tax exemption as a charitable and educational organisation described in Inland Revenue Code (“IRC”) §501(c)(3). Currently PIC-US is supporting the renovation of the College Chapel and the completion of the meditation garden in the College Grounds. Future projects include the upgrading of student accommodation.

The founding President, Mr Frank Cain, retired in September 2008. Mr Thomas Prince was elected as his successor. Bishop Kevin Farrell (Dallas) is Chairman of PIC-US.

If you would like further information on PIC-US, please contact Mr Thomas Prince at friends@irishcollege.org or to contact rector@irishcollege.org.