GIFT AID
SO WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Gift Aid?
It’s an easy way for charities to claim back the tax on a donation you have made from HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs), i.e., the tax man!
Why do charities ask you to agree to Gift Aid on your donation?
Any charity to reclaim 20p for every £1.00 donation from HMRC at no cost to the original donor. So if you donate £10.00 to any charity of your choice and you allow them to collect the Gift Aid from HMRC, you will increase your initial donation from £10.00 to £12.00.
Who can actually Gift Aid on their donation?
If you are a UK tax payer (and you will pay tax on your income which includes any salaried income, private pension income or interest received on your investments and savings) then you can be a ‘Gift Aider’.
What if I only have a state pension and no other income?
You do not pay tax on your state pension so would not be able to Gift Aid. HOWEVER if you have private savings which generate interest you will pay tax on this so therefore you can become a Gift Aider.
Does it cost me, the Donor, anything?
No it doesn’t. You pledge your initial donation of say £10.00. HMRC pay the additional 20 pence in every pound back to the charity you have donated to.
How can I sign up?
Simply download the form from our website fill in your details and send it back to us. If you have made any donations in the past and have not signed a Gift Aid declaration you can still do so and we can reclaim backdated Gift Aid for a period of 6 years.
For more information about Gift Aid go to (www.hmrc.gov.uk)
What if my circumstances change?
If you change your name, your address, or you no longer pay tax, please notify us by writing to: Age UK Enfield, Unit 2 – Vincent House, 2E Nags Head Road, Enfield. EN3 7FN. Alternatively you can call us on 020 8375 4120.