Gift Aid

pandas66

Hi,
I'm going to do a 'fun run' (OMG) in May and am collecting sponsors as we speak. If I were to total the amount sponsored and then write a personal cheque for same amount could I then claim gift aid thus gaining a little more. Not all the sponsors will be tax payers but I am. I have asked a few people and its a bit unclear. Please help I would hate to miss out on potentially 100 pounds I think.

JayneH_3

I don't know, but the telephone number of the Inland Revenue gift aid section is 08453 020203. I have found them nothing but helpful when giving advice on anything to do with giftaid.

Savvy_Sue

I agree with previous post: probably not OK because Gift Aid is a refund of the tax YOU have paid. Unlikely IR would know, but if they did suspect anything it would be a whole heap of trouble for the charity concerned.

If it's an organised fun run it would also be worth phoning the organisers and / or having a good look at the official sponsorship forms. You may find that there is a box which individual sponsors can tick to say they are taxpayers and wish to gift aid the tax. You send in the 'net' amount with your sponsor form, charity does the rest. Yes, the charity misses out on a few £££s from those who aren't taxpayers, but it's legal, decent, truthful etc.

peterward

pandas66
Have a look at this site as it tells you a bit about gift aid and fundraising

http://www.justgiving.com/process/raisemoney/

Here is an extract from their gift aid area that may be of interest to you:-

"Please note that tax can only be reclaimed on donations made by individuals who pay UK income or capital gains tax at least equal to the amount reclaimed on their donations in the current tax year."

I hope this helps.

Peter
Visit my fundraising page and donate £1.00 to help the Tsunami victims rebuild their homes.
www.hhfh.co.uk