25 years ago today, the Church of Scientology were rejected tax exemption by the United Kingdom’s Charity Commission. To mark the occasion, we revisit the 49-page ruling and comment on how it has impacted Scientology’s UK operations over the last 25 years.
The UK Charity Commission has today confirmed its decision to refuse Scientology tax exempt status cannot now be appealed, upholding its view that “the Church of Scientology is not established for the public benefit“ Following a Freedom of Information Act request [continue reading…]
Since being rejected by the Charity Commission in 1999, Scientology has operated in the United Kingdom through an Australian-registered charity called COSRECI (Church of Scientology Religious Education College, Inc). As such, their revenue is considered ‘foreign income’ and is exempt from [continue reading…]
Since being rejected by the Charity Commission in 1999, Scientology has been required to pay taxes on its activities in the UK. This includes business rates on its properties, VAT (sales tax) and corporation tax, which is currently set at 25% [continue reading…]
In 2013, the Church of Scientology won a landmark case in the UK’s Supreme Court and was authorised to conduct marriages at it’s London Org building at 146 Queen Victoria Street. The ruling redefined religion in British law and gave Scientology [continue reading…]
