No grants without ABN

Gosford Council has decided not to fund community groups which do not have an Australian Business Number (ABN).

Council's director of corporate and community services, Mr Chris Gallagher, said: "Under the new (tax) conditions, 48.5 per cent of grants made to community organisations which do not have an ABN, will go to the Australian Taxation Office as withholding tax."

He said Council would withhold grants for community until they get an ABN for the next financial year, but after then Council policy will dictate that an ABN is a condition of funding.

Council will advise community groups about the its new policy and assist community organisations if they need help to register for an ABN.

Carl Spears, May 31