St Petrocs Gift Aid – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is a UK government scheme that allows charities to claim back tax from HMRC on donations made by UK tax payers, at no extra cost to you.

2. How does gift aid work?

You donate to a charity, like St Petrocs, and decide to Gift Aid your donation.

We are then able to claim an extra 25% from the government on top of your donation.
For example, if you donate £1, St Petrocs can claim 25p in gift aid from HMRC, making your donation £1.25.

The extra money doesn’t come from you. It’s the government that adds the extra 25% to your donation, but only if you’re eligible.

3. Who can use Gift Aid?

You can use Gift Aid if:

• You're a UK taxpayer.
• You pay enough Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover the amount the charity will reclaim in a tax year.
• You don’t need to be employed — pension income, savings interest, and capital gains can also count.

4. How do I sign up for Gift Aid?

Simply tick the Gift Aid box when you donate online or complete a Gift Aid declaration form (either online or by post). It’s a one-time action that can apply to all future donations to the same charity.

5. Does Gift Aid cost me anything?

No. Gift Aid doesn’t cost you anything extra. The charity claims the tax back from HMRC.

6. Can I Gift Aid if I donate on behalf of someone else or a group?

No. Gift Aid only applies to personal donations made from your own money. Donations on behalf of others (e.g., from a fundraiser total) generally do not qualify.

7. Can I Gift Aid donations from a company account?

No. Gift Aid only applies to personal donations. Companies can claim tax relief separately on charitable donations through their own accounts.

8. What if I stop being a UK taxpayer?

If you stop paying enough tax to cover your Gift Aid donations, you must let the charity know so they stop claiming Gift Aid on your contributions. Otherwise, you may have to repay HMRC.

9. Can I claim Gift Aid on past donations?

Yes, you can backdate Gift Aid to donations made in the past four tax years — as long as you were a UK taxpayer during that time and have filled in a valid gift aid decleration.

10. How does Gift Aid affect my taxes?

If you’re a basic-rate taxpayer, there’s no effect. If you’re a higher-rate or additional-rate taxpayer, you can claim extra tax relief on your donation through your Self Assessment tax return.

11. What information do I need to provide for Gift Aid?

You’ll need to give:

• Your full name
• Your home address (for tax purposes)
• A declaration confirming you’re a UK taxpayer
• Date of declaration

12. Can I cancel my Gift Aid declaration?

Yes. You can cancel your declaration at any time by contacting the charity. It will apply to future donations only.

13. Where can I find more information?

For more on Gift Aid, visit the official UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid or if you have any questions or unsure if you can gift aid, please contact us at St Petrocs and we can help to guide you.