C H R I S T  C H U R C H
A n n u a l  S u b s c r i p t i o n s

The collection and subscription income of the cathedral is an area about which the congregation ought to have serious concern based on the recent Income and Expenditure Accounts for the year 2000. The total amount (£27,929) includes collections at major services when large amounts are contributed yet it still breaks down at just over £3 per person per week, less than the cost of a cinema ticket.

It should also be recalled that the punt will be replaced by the euro on 31 December next which means that even to maintain the current value of subscriptions it will be necessary to contribute 25% more in euro than is currently being given in punts.

However, a painless way to increase your subscription without it costing you any extra has been recently introduced in the recent budget. Under the Finance Act 2001, tax relief for eligible charities, of which the cathedral is one, has been for the first time introduced. Instead of putting cash on the collection plate all PAYE taxpayers are invited to make an annual commitment to the cathedral of not less than IR£200/€250.

The cathedral can then claim back the tax from the Revenue Commissioners at no extra cost to the subscriber. Self-assessed individuals can now also obtain relief on subscriptions to the cathedral thereby reducing the amount of tax payable by them. The donor's personal tax affairs remain unknown to the cathedral. If you wish to have further details about either scheme please make contact with the Honorary Treasurer at 2985163 or 2985196 or 087 2442705 or the Cathedral Manager at 6778099.

Any PAYE taxpayer can covenant not less that £200 per year and the cathedral can claim back the 23% income tax. Self-assessed persons can covenent a sum larger than £200 and they can claim back the tax. So they can actually pledge more without it costing them extra!