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Gift Aid might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the simplest ways to make your charitable donations go further. For every £1 you give, charities can claim an extra 25p, at no extra cost to you.
If you’re a UK taxpayer, understanding how Gift Aid works could mean more money for the causes you care about and even tax savings for yourself. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Gift Aid in 2024/25.
Gift Aid is one of the most powerful tax reliefs available in the UK. It allows charities to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate.
Yet many people don’t fully understand how it works or the benefits it offers. When used correctly, it helps both charities and taxpayers.
To clarify how Gift Aid works: when you make a Gift Aid declaration, charities can reclaim the basic rate tax on your donation from HMRC, increasing the value of your gifts at no extra cost to you. This process benefits both the charity and the donor by maximising the impact of each contribution.
When you make a Gift Aid declaration, you’re helping your chosen charity receive more funding. This doesn’t cost you an extra penny, and applies to eligible gifts and donations you make.
If you’re a regular donor, the UK’s first personal tax app Pie tax can help track your Gift Aid donations for easy tax return filing. Or if you’re just here to get to grips with it all, let’s break it down!
What is Gift Aid and why does it matter?
Gift Aid is a tax relief scheme that lets UK charities reclaim the basic rate tax you’ve already paid. For every £1 you give, the charity can claim an extra 25p from HMRC, provided the Gift Aid declaration form includes the donor's full name and address.
It’s important that eligible donors complete a valid declaration, as this enables charities to identify donors and ensure the donation qualifies for tax relief.
Only registered charities and community amateur sports clubs are eligible to claim Gift Aid. These organisations must be registered with HMRC to make a claim.
The registration process involves setting up an online account through HMRC's online service, completing the necessary forms, and activating the account using an activation code sent by HMRC.
A bank account is required to receive and manage donations before making a claim. If your charity or club has a community building, you may be able to maximise your Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) claim, including donations made by debit card.
When you submit a claim, you can claim repayments from HMRC using HMRC's online service and your online services account. You must activate your online account with the activation code before submitting claims, and keep an accurate record of all donations and claims.
Records must be kept for at least six years after the end of the accounting period for tax purposes.
For more detail and further guidance on the process, visit HMRC’s website or consult their official Gift Aid guidance.
Donor Information and Declarations: What You Need to Know
When it comes to claiming Gift Aid, having the right donor information and valid Gift Aid declarations is absolutely essential.
For a charity to claim Gift Aid on a donation, the donor must complete a Gift Aid declaration form confirming they are a UK taxpayer and have paid enough income tax or capital gains tax to cover the amount being claimed.
This declaration must include the donor’s full name, address, and the name of the charity, along with a clear statement about their tax status.
Charities looking to claim Gift Aid online through HMRC’s Charities Online service must ensure they have accurate records for every donation. This includes not only traditional cash donations, but also sponsorship payments and contactless card donations.
Each Gift Aid claim must be backed by a valid Gift Aid declaration, whether collected via a paper form, online submission, or other approved method. Keeping these records up to date is crucial for compliance and for supporting any future Gift Aid repayment claims.
For small donations, the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) offers a way for charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) to claim Gift Aid without needing individual declarations for every donor.
This is especially useful for collections at community buildings or events, where tracking each donor may not be practical. However, charities must still keep detailed records of the amounts collected and ensure they meet all the requirements of the small donations scheme.
Before making a Gift Aid claim, charities must register with HMRC and set up a Government Gateway account. Claims are submitted online using the Charities Online service, often with a schedule spreadsheet detailing each donation.
It’s important to note that records supporting Gift Aid claims, including donor information, declaration forms, and bank statements, must be kept for at least six years after the end of the financial period in which the claim was made.
There are also special rules for certain types of donations, such as those made by companies, trusts, or through payroll giving. Charities should familiarise themselves with these Gift Aid rules and seek further information or guidance from HMRC or the Charity Commission as needed.
Staying up to date with the latest guidance ensures that claims are made correctly and that the charity remains eligible for Gift Aid repayment claims.
Charities operating in Northern Ireland should be aware that while the Gift Aid scheme and most requirements are the same as in the rest of the UK, there may be differences in registration or regulation. It’s important to consult local guidance and ensure compliance with any specific rules that apply.
Ultimately, accurate donor information and valid Gift Aid declarations are the foundation of successful Gift Aid claims. By following the correct procedures, keeping thorough records, and staying informed about the latest rules and resources, charities can maximise the value of their fundraising and make the most of the Gift Aid scheme.
How to make an HMRC Gift Aid claim properly
For charities, claiming Gift Aid involves a straightforward process. Charities can claim online using HMRC’s Charities Online service, which offers the convenience and speed of online claims compared to postal submissions. Online claims are generally processed faster than postal claims, making it a more efficient option for charities.
As a donor, your main responsibility is making an accurate Gift Aid declaration. This confirms you’re a UK taxpayer and have paid enough tax to cover the claim.
Your declaration can be made on a form, online, by phone, or sometimes by text. It must include your full name, home address, and Gift Aid confirmation.
You must have paid enough tax to cover all your Gift Aid donations. If you donate £80, the charity claims £20, so you need to have paid at least £20 in tax that year.
Higher or additional rate taxpayers can claim back the difference between their tax rate and the basic rate. This is done through Self Assessment or by contacting HMRC directly.
Common Gift Aid mistakes to avoid
The most frequent Gift Aid error is making a declaration when you haven’t paid enough tax. This creates a tax liability for you, as HMRC may ask for the difference back.
Another mistake is claiming Gift Aid on donations made on someone else’s behalf. The person who actually makes the donation must complete the declaration.
Payments for raffle tickets, auction items, or event tickets aren’t eligible. These aren’t true donations as you’re receiving something in return.
I once mistakenly claimed Gift Aid on a charity auction item I’d won. HMRC later explained that only the amount above the item’s value could qualify as a donation.
Charities sometimes claim Gift Aid without proper declarations or on ineligible donations. This can lead to penalties from HMRC.
Gift Aid payments are typically processed within four weeks of submitting a claim, so keeping accurate records is important for compliance and timely payment.
If your tax circumstances change and you stop paying enough tax, tell your charities. This prevents them from continuing to claim Gift Aid on your donations.
Gift Aid for higher rate taxpayers
If you pay tax above the basic rate, Gift Aid offers additional personal tax relief. Many people overlook this valuable benefit.
For higher rate (40%) taxpayers, you can claim back the difference between basic rate and your actual tax rate. For a £100 donation, that's an extra £25 in tax relief.
Additional rate (45%) taxpayers can claim even more. They receive the 25% difference between basic rate and their tax rate.
To claim this relief, include your Gift Aid donations on your Self Assessment. If you don't complete a return, contact HMRC directly.
Keeping track of your donations throughout the year makes this process much easier. Tax return season becomes less stressful with good records.
Final Thoughts
Gift Aid is a win-win system benefiting both charities and taxpayers. It relies on everyone understanding and following the rules correctly.
For charities, it represents billions in additional funding each year. For taxpayers, it maximises donation impact and potentially reduces tax bills.
Taking a few moments to complete Gift Aid declarations properly ensures the system works as intended. Keeping track of your donations is equally important.
Pie tax: Simplifying Gift Aid Tax Management
Keeping track of your Gift Aid donations shouldn't be a chore. Yet it's essential if you want to claim higher-rate tax relief.
The UK's first personal tax app Pie tax automatically organises your charitable giving. It shows exactly how donations affect your overall tax position in real-time.
For higher and additional rate taxpayers, our app displays your entitled tax relief. This could save you hundreds of pounds each year that might otherwise be missed.
When it's time to file your Self Assessment, your Gift Aid information is already organised. It's ready to submit directly to HMRC through our secure system.
Feel free to explore the Pie tax app to see how we can simplify managing your Gift Aid donations and tax affairs.
