What is Gift Aid?
From 6th April 2008, the basic rate of Income Tax is 20%, which means that Children Today can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate to us from HMRC.
By completing a single Gift Aid declaration form or making your declaration by phone, e-mail or via our website (click here to print off a form) all your future donations can qualify for tax relief. We can also claim Gift Aid on donations received over the past four years.
This means that £10 can be turned into £12.50 so long as donations are made through Gift Aid. Imagine what a difference that could make and it doesn’t cost you a thing. So if you want your donation to go further, Gift Aid it.
If you already donate to us and want to check that you are gift aiding your donations then please call us on 01244 335622 (lines open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm).
Gift Aid FAQ's
Q: What is Gift Aid?
A: Gift Aid is a government scheme that allows you to increase the value of your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you. So, for every £10 you donate, Children Today is able to claim back £2.50, making your donation worth £12.50.
Q: Where does Gift Aid money come from?
A: Gift Aid is a Government scheme that allows registered charities such as Children Today to claim back tax you've paid to the UK Government. The Gift Aid claimed on your donation is thus tax you've paid which the Government allows us to reclaim.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Gift Aid costs you nothing. Money is reclaimed from tax you've paid.
Q: Is there a minimum donation for Gift Aid to apply?
A: No, Gift Aid can be applied to all donations, large or small, provided your tax contributions for the year are at least equal to the amount reclaimed.
Q: Can I change my mind?
A: Yes you can. If at any time you wish us to stop claiming Gift Aid on your donations simply contact us and we will amend our records.
Q: How do I register for Gift Aid?
A: To allow us to claim Gift Aid you need only complete a Gift Aid Declaration once and we then will reclaim Gift Aid until you instruct us otherwise. A Gift Aid Declaration form which you can print and post or fax can be found here. Alternatively you can call us on 01244 335622.
Q: How often do I need to register?
A: You need only register once. From the time we receive a Gift Aid Declaration we will claim Gift Aid on all your subsequent donations.
Q: Am I eligible for Gift Aid?
A: We are able to claim Gift Aid on your donations if you are a UK tax payer and have paid income or capital gains tax at least equal to the amount we reclaim.
Q: How do I know if I'm a UK tax payer?
A: You are a UK tax payer if any of the following apply:
Tax is taken from your wages or salary before you receive it (see your payslip).
You have taxable savings or income from investments such as stocks and shares or the sale of property.
You are required to complete a Self Assessment form each year.
Q: What if I'm a lower rate tax payer?
A: Even if you are a lower rate tax payer we can still claim Gift Aid at 25% on your donations, provided you pay tax at least equal to the amount reclaimed.
Q: What if I'm a higher rate tax payer?
A: If you pay higher rate tax, you can claim 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 the charity.
For example, if you donate £100, the total value of your donation to the charity is £125 - so you can claim back 20 per cent of this (£25) for yourself. You can make this claim on your Self Assessment tax return if you were sent one.
If you don’t complete a return, you can give the details on form P810 Tax Review - available from your Tax Office, or telephone your Tax Office and ask them to make a change to your tax code.
