What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is a government scheme that allows registered charities to reclaim the tax that you have already paid on the money you donate to us. It doesn’t cost you anything and increases the value of your donation by 25%. The extra money we receive through this scheme is a huge bonus to us and to the disabled and vulnerable people across the world who receive our support.
How does it work?
It is linked to the current basic rate of Income Tax (which is currently 20%). As a basic rate taxpayer, for every £1.25 you earn, you will pay 25p to the taxman and receive £1 in your pocket. It is this 25p we claim.
What can Gift Aid apply to?
Gift Aid can apply to any donation made in the last four years whether it was a one-off donation or part of a direct debit, a cash donation for a specific cause or money raised through sponsorship, providing a Gift Aid declaration has been completed. Gift Aid does not apply to gifts in kind, payment received for goods or service or payments made through CAF (Charity Aid Foundation) and gifts made on behalf of other people.
Who is eligible for Gift Aid?
You must be a UK taxpayer for your donation to qualify for Gift Aid. The amount that you pay in Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax must at least equal the amount we will claim on your donations in the tax year (25p per £1).
Companies are not eligible for Gift Aid, neither are overseas residents.
What if I’m a higher-rate tax payer?
We are only able to claim back the basic rate of Income Tax. If you pay a higher rate of income tax, either at 40% or 50%, you can claim the difference between the basic rate of tax reclaimed by us and your highest rate. You can choose to either keep this relief for yourself or donate it to Handicap International UK. This can be done via your self assessment tax return. The standard tax return form is called the SA100 and is available online or as a paper version. There is also a short version available called the SA200 which is available as a paper version.
If you do not complete a self-assessment form, you can contact your local tax office and reclaim the tax from the donation using the P810 form.
Can I donate my rebate back to Charity?
HMRC will provide you with the SA100 Charity form, which you can use to donate any tax rebate (or a part of it) to go to Handicap International UK. This can be done anonymously if preferred. Please consider this simple way to add even more to your gift to us.
To do this, you will need your our ‘SA Donate’ reference number, which is MAL02LG (this is different from our registered charity number).
More information can be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/index.htm
What if I’m not eligible for Gift Aid?
On your donation form tick the box that states you are not a UK taxpayer.
How do I sign up for Gift Aid?
When you make a donation online, there is a Gift Aid tick box on the online payment form. Simply tick the box to allow us to claim Gift Aid on your donation, and all donations you make in the future. We'll do the rest!
Alternatively, you can complete a Gift Aid declaration form and return it to us at the address below.
> Gift Aid Declaration form (doc, 209kb)
Do I have to make a declaration for every gift?
No, as long as your declaration clearly states that it stands for all donations made in the future.
What should I do if my circumstances change?
Please let us know by contacting us in one of the following ways:
- Email: supportercare@hi-uk.org
- Telephone: 0870 774 3737
- Write to us at:
Handicap International UK
Supporter Care Team
27 Broadwall
London
SE1 9PL
Who will have access to this information about me?
Your Gift Aid declaration will only be available to Handicap International and the Inland Revenue. We will not share it with anyone else.
You can find more info about Gift Aid at www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/giving
