What is the difference between swearing a document and affirming

[Brendan Burgess]

I read from the Revenue's Guide to CA 24

Part 3 - Sworn declaration
Persons who do not wish to swear this document on oath may affirm.

What does this mean?

 

[Sophrosyne]

Hi Brendan,

Legally there is no difference.

I think an affirmation is to allow for religious sensitivities - where members of certain sects are forbidden to swear an oath.

 

[oldnick]

same thing - swearing is when you promise on the bible, koran or whatever is your religions holy book. Affirming is basically same promise without reference to any deity and is increasingly used by humanists, agnostics etc.

 

[Brendan Burgess]

OK, but I must affirm in front of a solicitor in any event?

 

[Sophrosyne]

Brendan,

You might want to check out the Probate Office website.

There is an on-line information leaflet PA1 - an information guide for persons acting without a solicitor.

Also Revenue leaflet IT41

 

[Mr. C.J.H.]

OK, but I must affirm in front of a solicitor in any event?

No, a commissioner for oaths (most are also solicitors but not all), a court ccleek and I believe but am open to correction an peace commissioner are all also empowered to admininister an oath/affirmation.