Gift Aid: tax relief for single cash gifts made to UK charities by UK residents.

How does it work?

You make a payment to the charity net of basic rate tax and give the charity a certificate which we provide so that it can claim tax back from the Inland Revenue. If you pay tax at the basic rate, this is all you have to do. For example, if an individual gave a Gift Aid of £250 (at the basic rate of tax of 22%) the charity would claim the tax back of £70.51.

From April 2000 the £250 minimum limit for Gift Aid donations is being abolished. Registered charities are now able to reclaim tax on any donations, whether large or small, regular or on and off provided that the donor is a basic rate or higher tax payer and the appropriate forms are completed. Cash gifts include payments made by:

• cheque
• bank transfer
• online via our secure payment facilities

There is no upper limit to the amount you can give in each tax year. (A tax year runs from April 6 to the following April 5). Gift Aid tax relief is intended for outright gifts, not for payments to buy goods and services for you or your family (for example, goods from a charity shop). The gifts must have no strings attached; there must be no significant benefits received by you or anyone connected with you in return for the gift.

Bequests

Before your spirit flies free, please leave an everlasting memory by remembering our organisation in your will. If your parrot is likely to outlive you, make proper provision for him also, in your will.