As Bermuda implements the new corporate income tax, one question remains crucial: who will benefit?

One area that needed a closer look was the community development tax credit that allows businesses to support charities while receiving tax relief. At its best, it strengthens both our economy and our community.

Early on, however, a concern quickly emerged about how charities would qualify.

Initial guidance suggested that charities would need audited financial statements for donations to receive tax credits. While audits are important for transparency, this created a challenge for many smaller organisations.

Under Bermuda's laws, charities raising less than $450,000 per year are not required to have audited financial statements. They are still regulated by the Charities Commission, which reviews their accounts and can request further information at any time.

Many of these smaller charities do vital, hands-on work every day. They run after-school programmes, help seniors with groceries, and support families who struggle to make ends meet. Most rely on volunteers and community fundraising to stay afloat.

Without a change, these organisations could have been pushed to the back of the line for donations linked to the tax credit.

The Non-profit Alliance of Bermuda raised this issue, speaking up for many of these groups. We listened, took action, and collaborated with the Ministry of Finance to fix it. Following those discussions, Premier David Burt confirmed that the audit requirement would be adjusted.

This change ensures smaller charities are not left behind. Charities must still be registered and must still be in good standing with the Charities Commission. Oversight remains in place but we have ensured that access to support is now more equitable.

Bermuda's charitable sector includes both large institutions and smaller, community-based groups. Each has a vital role. Often it is the smaller organisations that are closest to the people they serve and respond quickest when help is needed.

That is the approach we have taken here: listen, fix where necessary, and ensure that the outcome is fair.

As this system is implemented, my ministry will continue working closely with the sector to ensure it supports charities of all sizes across Bermuda. After all, some of the most important work is done quietly, by smaller charities that show up every day for the people who need them.

· Tinee Furbert is Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors