Gift Aid

Gift Aid is a tax incentive program in the United Kingdom that allows charities to reclaim tax on a donation made by a taxpayer, effectively increasing the value of the donation at no extra cost to the donor. Here’s how it works:

  1. Donation: When an individual makes a donation to a UK charity, they are typically asked whether they want to Gift Aid their donation.
  2. Declaration: To Gift Aid a donation, the donor must make a declaration stating that they are a UK taxpayer and that they want the charity to claim back the basic rate tax on their donation. This declaration can usually be made verbally, online, or through a written form.
  3. Claiming Tax Relief: Once the declaration is made, the charity can reclaim the basic rate of income tax (currently 20%) on the donation from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). For example, if a donor gives £120 to a charity and Gift Aids it, the charity can claim an additional £30 from HMRC, making the total value of the donation £150.
  4. Higher Rate Taxpayers: If the donor is a higher or additional rate taxpayer, they can claim additional tax relief on the donation in their self-assessment tax return.
  5. Eligibility: To be eligible for Gift Aid, the donor must pay enough income tax or capital gains tax in the UK to cover the amount that all charities and community amateur sports clubs will reclaim on their donations in the tax year.

Gift Aid is an important source of income for charities in the UK, allowing them to boost the value of donations and support their charitable activities. It’s a simple way for taxpayers to increase the impact of their charitable giving.

Please find the declaration form for Warminster Scout Group – Warminster Scout Group – Gift Aid Declaration

Dwayne Fields proudly holds the title of the UK's 11th Chief Scout

An explorer, adventurer and TV presenter, Dwayne's been seen in BAFTA nominated Channel 5 series Race to the Pole, on BBC Springwatch, Countryfile, National Geographic and Disney+.

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