When it comes to charitable giving, we all want to make a difference. Whether it’s supporting a cause we’re passionate about or helping those in need, our donations have the power to effect meaningful change. But what if there was a way to maximise the impact of our contributions without costing us an extra penny? That’s where HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Gift Aid comes in.
Gift Aid is a simple mechanism that allows Kashmir Welfare Foundation (and other charities ofcourse) to claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated by UK taxpayers. This means that if you donate £10 to Kashmir Welfare Foundation, we can claim an extra £2.50 from HMRC, making your total donation worth £12.50.
So, how does it work? It’s as easy as ticking a box. When you make a donation to Kashmir Welfare Foundation, we will ask you to confirm that you are a UK taxpayer and that you would like to Gift Aid your donation. By doing so, you are giving us permission to claim the extra 25% from HMRC.
But wait, there’s more! Gift Aid doesn’t just apply to one-off donations. If you’re a regular donor, you can also Gift Aid your monthly or yearly contributions. This means that every time you donate, the Kashmir Welfare Foundation can claim the extra 25% from HMRC. It’s a win-win situation – Kashmir Welfare Foundation gets more money to support the cause, and you get the satisfaction of knowing that your donations are making an even bigger impact.
Now, you might be thinking, “But what if I’m a higher-rate taxpayer? Will I still benefit from Gift Aid?” The answer is yes! If you pay tax at the higher or additional rate, you can claim the difference between the higher rate of tax and the basic rate of tax on your donation. So not only are you helping the charity, but you’re also reducing your tax bill. It’s like getting a discount on your generosity!
But before you start claiming tax relief left and right, it’s important to keep a record of your donations. HMRC may ask you to provide evidence of your Gift Aid donations, so it’s a good idea to keep receipts or bank statements as proof. And remember, you can only claim Gift Aid on donations that you have actually made. So if you say you’re going to donate but never actually do, you can’t claim the tax relief. It’s all about honesty and integrity.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Gift Aid only applies to donations made to registered charities like Kashmir Welfare Foundation. So if you’re thinking of giving to your friend’s crowdfunding campaign or supporting a non-profit that isn’t registered, unfortunately, you won’t be able to benefit from Gift Aid.
So, the next time you’re feeling generous and want to make a difference, don’t forget to Gift Aid your donation. It’s a simple yet powerful way to maximize the impact of your contributions without costing you an extra penny. With HMRC Gift Aid, you can unlock the full potential of your generosity and help create a better world for all.
PS – Gift rules and laws are always changing. Whilst we will try to update this page regularly, its worth checking out the HMRC’s own resources for the most upto date information.
