The calls come after Tasmania Council of Social Services messaged its members saying there was some confusion about whether charitable organisations are exempt from general rates on properties owned and operated for charitable purposes. 

TasCOSS chief executive Kym Goodes said its community service industry members needed consistency in how the Local Government Act is applied across Tasmania's 29 councils. 

She called for consistency in applying and administering rate exemption by the councils. 

Rates exemptions for charities are critical and the intent of this section of the Local Government Act recognises the work our organisations do on the ground with people who are in need.  This work is well beyond what charities are funded by governments to provide," she said.   

Charitable organisations do not make a profit, their fundraising and government grant funds are invested into the communities in which they work and the services they deliver to Tasmanians.  Their work is heavily supported by volunteers who also make a significant contribution to charities by their support."

Mr Gutwein said it was an issue for those businesses and the council in their municipality. 

"If an organisation believes it might be be able to receive a charitable exemption then it needs to be able to have a conservation with its council," he said.