HST

I hope this is the place to ask a HST question.

It is my understanding that the money my group has is that of Scouts Canada, as per BP&P.
The properties such as camps, also belong to Scouts Canada.

My question is simple, why would I pay HST on camping fees sent to Scouts Canada?

This is a transfer of funds from one level of the organization to another level.?

Just hoping to not send more money out the door then is needed.

Gumby-

If I may ask clarification? Who exactly is charging HST? Does this happen when you go into your council office to pay for camping fees for a council owned camp?

This could have to do with your location? Alberta does not have HST, only GST, but to the best of my knowledge we are not charged GST to camp on our own properties.

Hey;

This may help build a better understanding of the current guidelines...

I found it on http://swoscouts.on.ca.

If I'm interpreting this correctly each group under it's charter operates as a "franchise" of sorts of Scouts Canada as a separate legal entity for financial purposes (aka group cash belongs to the group, not the Corporation. As such, the vast majority of groups do not collect fees of an excess of $50,000 per year and would classify as small suppliers per Excise Tax Act, ss 148(1) and interpreted at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/gm/2-2/2-2-e.html and are not required to collect nor remit GST/HST.

Given the nature of our operations and expenses, the vast majority of our purchases which relate to HST/GST are exempt at time of purchase (food for camps etc) and the increased paperwork involved I do not believe it is prudent for individual groups to register nor remit.

However, it is worthwhile for groups to register from the charitable perspective to claim back (50% I believe) of all GST paid. Our group has been doing this for years, we get a tidy sum back each year. When you can go back about five years in filing as long as you have your receipts.

Not to beat a dead horse.
1. I have spoke to an HST rep, they wondered why tax is being charged in the first place to anyone. We are a registered charity and may not have to charge HST on many fees.

2. My group (franchise) does not operate as a separate entity, we report to the next senior council, and hold all our funds in the name of "Scouts Canada" These points are VERY clear in the BP&P. When a group closes the funds are sent up the food chain. If a group mismanages the funds the next senior council can and will come and take over.

3. My group can recover HST thru the next senior level, the registered charity # belongs to them, They are the one charging most of the tax I hope to recover?

4. This is a strange one, my group was not charged HST on the popcorn we "bought" from the next senior council. Popcorn is as taxable as camping fees.

Much of this can be clarified by a HST reppresentative and a staff member for the highest level. Revenue Canada can make a ruling based on our structure and will publish a letter to that effect.
The reason this bothers me and other so much is the fact that we seem to be paying for one extra youth in 13 in taxes for camping fees each time we camp. This may only be $10 it adds up. THIS EFFECTS THE PROGRAM DIRECTLY.
Sorry to rant, may Scouters and myself try very hard to "be wise in the use of ALL resources" Cash is always tight and I hate to waste it.