How many incorporated societies are there in NZ?

24,000 incorporated societies
There are over 24,000 incorporated societies in New Zealand.

How do I incorporate a society in NZ?

download application form or ring 0508 762 438 for forms to be posted out….At this meeting your group needs to:

1. approve the rules.
2. complete the application for incorporation documents.
3. appoint a chairperson, secretary, treasurer and management committee.
4. set a membership fee (or agree not to have one).

What can an incorporated society do?

An incorporated society can lease, rent, buy and sell property, borrow money and sign contracts in its own name. The society’s property (premises, money, trophies etc) is held by the society rather than by its members. No individual member can have a personal interest in any of the society’s assets.

Is an incorporated society a legal person?

An incorporated society is a membership-based organisation that has registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. This means the society continues to exist as a legal entity (called “perpetual succession”) even though its membership may change.

Do incorporated societies pay tax NZ?

Incorporated societies and charitable trust boards are liable for tax on all income unless they come within a specific exemption (see “Tax exemptions available to community organisations” below). The tax rate that generally applies to these organisations is 28 percent.

Do incorporated societies need to be audited?

Does your statement need auditing or reviewing? We do not require that your financial statements are audited or reviewed. Your society’s rules may, however, require an auditor or reviewer to be appointed.

Do incorporated societies pay tax?

Incorporated societies and charitable trust boards are liable for tax on all income unless they come within a specific exemption (see “Tax exemptions available to community organisations” below).

What is the difference between incorporated and unincorporated charity?

Unincorporated groups cannot enter into contracts or own property in their own right. Incorporated groups can own property and enter into contracts in their own right.

Can Incorporated Societies make a profit?

An incorporated society is a non-profit organisation. Under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 a society is not permitted to make a profit with the intention of passing it on to some, or all, of its members. The society cannot, however, take part in the industry or trade.

How does an incorporated society work in New Zealand?

To incorporate a society in New Zealand you must submit an application, along with the required documents, and pay a registration fee. Once you’ve registered your incorporated society, you’ll need to maintain it by keeping your details up to date, filing annual financial statements, and meeting your other legal obligations.

How are the activities of an Incorporated Society Limited?

The society’s activities are limited by the Incorporated Societies Act and the rules the society adopts for itself. Usually an incorporated society’s management committee and officers deal with the admini­stration, management and control of the society.

Where can I find the status of an Incorporated Society?

You can search the register free of charge for information about incorporated societies and their status. Information available on the register for an incorporated society includes its: annual financial statements (for society’s not registered as charities).

When does an incorporated society have to be wound up?

When an incorporated society reaches the end of its ‘life’, it must be wound up and removed from the register. There are two ways this can be done – by dissolving the society, or having it liquidated. An application can be made to us to have an incorporated society restored to the register, by the society itself, or by a creditor.