Affordability is an issue for all of us, particularly in these difficult times....

The Cowies Hill Estate (CHE) offers significant benefits on several levels to its members as well as to the community as a whole. This has been recognized by virtue of the authorities granting Public Benefit Organization (PBO) status to the Estate based on the role the Estate plays in enhancing the wellbeing of the whole community, not just our members.

This means that the estate can issue Section 18A tax rebate certificates to members, making joining the estate far more affordable to all.

THE BASIS OF THE STATUS

Based on research and surveys conducted, we know that affordability rather than a disinclination to join the CHE, affects some members of our community, causing them to not be able to join the Estate.

THE IMPACT OF THE STATUS

This understandable problem can now be addressed by granting a tax rebate pertaining to R800 of the total R980 monthly fee at your personal tax rate. For example, if you are on a 31% tax bracket, you will receive a R 248 discount per month. A taxpayer on a 45% tax bracket will receive a R350 discount.

This clearly makes a massive difference to the level of affordability.

This dispensation is effective from June 1 to the end of the tax year (9 months) and on an on-going basis going forward! Each member will be issued with a Section 18A certificate to accompany his/her tax return. If Companies wish to donate to the CHE, they too will be eligible for a Section 18A tax rebate.

WHAT THIS MEANS AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A COMMUNITY

This is seriously exciting news, and we strongly urge those of you who are not members to urgently consider joining under these new affordable circumstances. Obviously, the more members we can recruit the more we can achieve together in addition to the impressive benefits we already have, such as possibly a third armed response vehicle, cordoning off the M13, enhanced technology etc. etc.