For Bideford BMX Club becoming CASC (community amateur sports club) registered can help us to become more financially sustainable by offering reductions in tax burdens similar to that of charitable organisations. In light of challenging economic conditions, the CASCs scheme can be a real helping hand for our club and could be essential in providing added financial security.

Already some 6,000 clubs have benefited across the UK from the CASC scheme, saving over £100 million in business rates relief alone. It is estimated that up to 40,000  community and voluntary sector sports clubs in England could benefit from becoming a CASC.

The key benefits of CASC registration include:

• 80% mandatory business rate relief. Local authorities can offer up to 100% relief to clubs at their discretion.
• The ability to raise funds from individuals under Gift Aid. A registered CASC can reclaim up to £25 in tax for every £100 donated, though at the moment this does not apply to all types of donations.
• CASCs are exempt from Corporation Tax on profits derived from trading activities if their trading income is under £30,000 pa.
• Profits derived from property income are also exempt for CASCs if gross property income is under £20,000 pa, of particular relevance following the abolition of the nil rate band.
• CASCs whose income does not exceed these thresholds will no longer be required to complete an annual Corporation Tax return.