Gift Aid made easy
“How does Gift Aid work?”
Gift Aid is a government scheme that allows donations given to charity to be tax-effective. As soon as you give your permission by completing a Gift Aid declaration form, we can we can reclaim the tax you have already paid on your donation — at absolutely no extra cost to you.
This means that a £10 donation will be worth £12.50 and for every £50 gift, we will actually receive £62.50.
“Am I eligible for Gift Aid?”
If you are a UK tax payer, yes. Even if you are not employed, you are still eligible if you are paying tax on any of the following:
- Personal or occupational pension
- Stocks and shares
- Bank and building society savings accounts
- Rental income
- Overseas and UK investment dividends.
“Is my donation eligible for Gift Aid?”
According to HMRC rules, certain donations are not eligible for Gift Aid. If your donation falls into any of the following categories, Gift Aid shouldn't be claimed:
- Donations made by anyone that is not a UK taxpayer
- Donations made on behalf of someone else or a group of people - For example, you collect money from your friends and family and then made a bulk donation. Even if they are UK taxpayers, the donation is not eligible. HMRC needs a Gift Aid declaration from each of the donors contributing to the collection.
- Donations made in return for something - For example, you are making a donation in return for a ticket to attend an event, or a raffle ticket.
- Donations made on behalf of a company - you can only make Gift Aid declarations on your own taxpayer status when spending your own money. However, the company can claim tax relief on the donation when donating directly to the charity.
“What if I pay tax at the higher rate?”
If you pay tax at a rate of 40% or above, you can claim the difference between the higher and basic rate on your donation. Do this:
- through your Self Assessment tax return
- by asking HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to amend your tax code
“What if I am a pensioner?”
You may still be paying tax on a private pension plan or a savings account, or pay Capital Gains Tax if you sell property or shares. You are still eligible if you have paid enough tax during the year to cover your donations (i.e. 25% of the value of your gifts).
“Why do I need to make a declaration?”
The declaration gives UP the right to reclaim the tax from HMRC on your donations. By making the Gift Aid declaration, you are confirming that you are happy for us to do this.
“Am I committing myself to give regularly?”
Not at all, completing a Gift Aid declaration does not commit you to any future donations, but any you may give will be covered by the declaration.
“What’s the catch?”
There’s no catch. It really is that easy. Giving us a declaration will enable us to make your donation worth more without costing you anything.
“What should I do if I move house, or change my name?”
Please let us know if any of your circumstances change so that we can keep your record up-to-date on our systems.
“How do I cancel my declaration?”
Simply inform us that you are no longer a UK taxpayer, in writing or over the phone, and we will stop reclaiming tax on your donations straight away.
“How do I sign a Gift Aid declaration?”
Either:
- Fill in our online declaration form
- Download a declaration and post it back to us