Gift Aid frequently asked questions

Who can sign up to Gift Aid?

You can become a Gift Aid donor if you are a UK taxpayer.

What happens after I’ve signed up to the shops scheme?

As we sell your donated goods in our shops, we will regularly write or email you to tell you the amount we have raised. With your permission, we will then treat the money raised as a donation and reclaim the tax from HMRC. It’s important that you keep a record of the total amount of your Gift Aid donations for each tax year, as you may need to let HMRC know.

What if I’m a higher rate taxpayer?

If you pay higher rate tax, you can claim back the difference between the higher rate of tax (40 per cent) and the basic rate of tax (20 per cent) on the total (gross) value of your donation to us i.e. 20%.

For example, if you donate £100, or your donated goods are sold for £100, the total value of this to us is £125 – so you can claim back 20% of this (£25) for yourself. You can make this claim on your Self Assessment tax return.

You can also donate some or all of your tax rebate to us. Simply by quoting our HMRC reference number which is FAB45EG, you can help us even more. For more information call HMRC on 0845 300 0627 or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk

What if I’m a pensioner?

When you reach State Pension age you no longer pay National Insurance contributions, but you don't automatically stop paying Income Tax. If your taxable income - including your State Pension – is more than your tax-free allowances, then you are still a taxpayer.

What if I don’t work?

You don’t necessarily have to be working to be paying tax. Apart from tax on income from a job or self-employment, the tax you’ve paid could include:

• tax deducted at source from savings interest
• tax on State Pension and/or other pensions
• tax on investment or rental income
• Capital Gains Tax on gains

What shall I do if I’m unsure if I pay enough tax?

Check your individual situation with your local tax office, call HMRC on 0845 300 0627 or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk

More information

For more information about Gift Aid please contact us