Charities can now register online with HM Revenue & Customs, rather than having to use a paper form, the revenue announced today.

Charities must be registered with HMRC to claim gift aid and other tax reliefs, and the registration process is completely separate to that used by the Charity Commission.

Up until now they have had to do so using a paper form, ChA1, but a digital alternative is now available.

HMRC said the service has in-built checks and guidance to help organisations provide the right information and supporting documentation.

Mark Dearnley, chief digital and information officer at HMRC, said: "We are completely changing the way we work with our customers – including charities. Our new digital services are straightforward, easy to use and convenient.

"The charities service minimises the risk of making mistakes so applications are less likely to be returned to the organisation."

HMRC and the Commission have said they will move towards a joint registration process by 2016.