Gift Aid – FAQ’s
What is Gift Aid?
- It is a long-running Government scheme to boost income for charities, like 1st Bramhall Scout Group.
- The Government gives to this Scout Group the tax that you paid to HMRC in earning the amount you paid in subs.
- So, if, as a taxpayer, you are paying subs of £17 per month, we can receive an additional £51 per year from HMRC, but only if you have signed a Gift Aid Declaration Form
Why is it so valuable to the Scout Group?
With very little effort, the Scout Group receives an additional 25% of all subs payments. Based on Subs paid in 2023, we received a payment of over £7,500 from HMRC .
What will it cost me as a parent?
Absolutely nothing
Who is eligible to sign the Gift Aid Form?
The Signer must be a UK Taxpayer and have paid Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for the year of donation at least equal to the tax treated as deducted from the donation.
So in the above example, if you have paid, or will pay, at least £51 in tax, you are eligible to sign the Gift Aid form.
If you do donate to other charities and you have signed a Gift Aid form with them, you need to be paying tax at least equal to the total reclaimed tax on all your donations. (Total donations times 25%)
Do I have to tell the Scout Group my tax position
Not at all. By signing the form, you are only stating that you have paid enough tax. Do not tell us if you are a higher rate taxpayer – we can only reclaim the standard rate.
Does the signer have to be the parent paying the subs?
No. The important thing is for the Signer of the Gift Aid Form to be a taxpayer. The other parent can actually be paying the subs
Where can I find the form?
There are three options for you:
- Ask your Section Leader for a copy of the physical form
- Download the form here: Gift Aid form
- [This is the quickest and easiest] :Complete an Online Form using this link: Quick link
Where do I send the completed form?
Unless you are completing the Online Form using the Quick link (see previous question) the Group Treasurer needs the completed form. There are various ways to get it to him:
- Scan the signed form and email it to him at richard.baker@ladybrookvalleyscouts.org.uk
- Leave the form in the letter box at the Bramley Centre, in an envelope marked for the attention of Richard Baker
- Give it to a Leader on Section night and ask them to leave it in the Group Treasurer’s tray
What happens if the signer ceases being a tax payer?
Please email the Group Treasurer richard.baker@ladybrookvalleyscouts.org.uk. This will be in complete confidence. Please note that if the Scout Group has not been made aware of a change in circumstances and reclaims tax from a donor who has not paid sufficient tax, it is the Donor’s responsibility to repay HMRC.
What happens when my child leaves the Scout Group?
Once you stop paying subs no more Gift Aid will be claimed. (Don’t forget that you need to cancel your subs standing order when your child leaves the Group)
Do I need to declare this on my tax return?
You should do, particularly if you are a higher rate taxpayer as you will receive additional tax relief
Is it compulsory to sign a Gift Aid form?
All eligible parents are expected to complete a Gift Aid form because Gift Aid is such a valuable way to increase funds without any additional cost to parents,.
I have another question
Please email the Group Treasurer richard.baker@ladybrookvalleyscouts.org.uk who will be only too pleased to help
