Gift Aid is a valuable tax relief scheme that allows charities in the UK, including Scotland, to increase the value of donations from UK taxpayers by 25%. This means for every £1 donated, charities can claim an additional 25p from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at no extra cost to the donor. This article will explain how Gift Aid works, the benefits for charities, and the steps a Scottish charity needs to take to register and claim Gift Aid.

How Gift Aid Works

Gift Aid enables charities to boost their income through tax relief on donations from UK taxpayers. When a donor makes a donation and agrees to Gift Aid, the charity can reclaim basic rate tax on the donation. Here’s how it works:

  1. Donation by Taxpayer: A UK taxpayer makes a donation to a charity and completes a Gift Aid declaration form.
  2. Declaration: The declaration confirms that the donor has paid enough UK tax to cover the amount the charity will reclaim.
  3. Claim Submission: The charity submits a claim to HMRC for the Gift Aid amount.
  4. Payment: HMRC processes the claim and pays the charity an additional 25% of the donated amount.

Example

If a donor gives £100 to a charity and completes a Gift Aid declaration, the charity can claim an additional £25 from HMRC, making the total donation £125.

Benefits of Gift Aid for Charities

  • Increased Income: Charities receive an extra 25% on eligible donations, significantly boosting their funds.
  • Encouraging Donations: The ability to maximize donations can encourage more people to give.
  • Flexibility: Gift Aid can be claimed on various types of donations, including one-off gifts, regular donations, and sponsorships.

Requirements for Claiming Gift Aid

To claim Gift Aid, charities must meet certain criteria and follow specific procedures:

  1. Charity Registration: The charity must be registered with OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) or another relevant charity regulator if it operates in other parts of the UK.
  2. Gift Aid Declaration: The charity must obtain a valid Gift Aid declaration from the donor, which includes:
    • The donor’s full name and address.
    • A statement that the donor wants the charity to claim Gift Aid on their donation.
    • Confirmation that the donor is a UK taxpayer and understands that if they pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on their donations, it is their responsibility to pay any difference.
  3. Record Keeping: Charities must keep accurate records of donations and Gift Aid declarations for at least six years.
  4. Tax Compliance: Ensure the charity and its donors comply with tax regulations to avoid issues with HMRC.

Registering for Gift Aid

To start claiming Gift Aid, a Scottish charity must be recognized by HMRC as a charity for tax purposes. Here are the steps to register and claim Gift Aid:

  1. HMRC Registration:
    • Register the charity with HMRC by completing the online application process. This can be done through the HMRC Charities Online service.
    • Provide necessary details, including the charity’s registration number, governing document, trustee information, and financial records.
  2. Gift Aid Claims:
    • Once registered, use the HMRC Charities Online service to submit Gift Aid claims. The service allows charities to upload donation records and track the status of claims.
    • Claims can be submitted for donations received in the last four years, provided valid Gift Aid declarations are in place.
  3. Training and Support:
    • HMRC provides guidance and support for charities on Gift Aid procedures. The HMRC Gift Aid toolkit is a useful resource for understanding the requirements and ensuring compliance.

Conclusion

Gift Aid is an essential tool for charities in Scotland, offering a straightforward way to enhance donations and maximize funding. By understanding how Gift Aid works and following the necessary steps to register and claim it, charities can significantly increase their resources to support their charitable activities.

For more detailed information and to begin the registration process, visit the HMRC Charities Online service.

References

  1. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). (n.d.). Gift Aid: How It Works. Retrieved from GOV.UK
  2. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). (n.d.). Claiming Gift Aid As a Charity or CASC. Retrieved from GOV.UK
  3. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). (n.d.). Charities Online Service. Retrieved from GOV.UK
  4. Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). (n.d.). Guidance and Forms. Retrieved from OSCR
Understanding Gift Aid: How Charities in Scotland Can Benefit
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