Register a charity, co-operative or friendly society

Make your group official, so a charity gets tax benefits and people can trust it with donations.

✓ Links tested 24 Oct 2026 · Facts checked 24 Oct 2026

Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies

Opens the official government site.

Who can do this

Groups set up only for the public good: helping the poor, education, health, religion, animals. Also groups forming a co-operative or friendly society.

What you need

Your founding document: articles, trust deed, constitution or rules
A clear list of what you will do and for whom
The application form
Financial statements, if already running
Beneficial ownership declaration
The fee

Tick things off as you gather them.

Steps

Write your constitution or rules. Be specific about what you will do. Avoid vague words like “good causes”.
Apply to the DCFS. Since 1 September 2026, charity applications and renewals are done online on JSWIFT.
The DCFS sends it to TAJ, which replies within 14 working days. You don’t apply to TAJ separately.
Get your Certificate of Charitable Status.
File audited accounts within your first year, and renew on time.

Cost

Charity registration or renewal: $5,000.

How long

TAJ’s part takes up to 14 working days.

Can’t go online?

DCFS, 2 Musgrave Avenue, Kingston 10: 876-927-4912. Montego Bay, 10 Delisser Drive: 876-952-7913. Mandeville, 23 Caledonia Road: 876-613-7602.

Part of

🫶 Starting a charity, church or community group

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