Claiming gift aid for previous years

dont_use_vistaprint

I've always signed the forms but never claimed the difference between the basic and higher rate, although always been advised to.

If I did would it mean re-doing historical self assessments with different info ? Is there a limit ?

Dazed_and_confused

If I did would it mean re-doing historical self assessments with different info ? Is there a limit ?

Do you mean you have already submitted incorrect returns failing to disclose the gift aid payments?

If so you can amend the 2017:18 return (if filed) and 2016:17 return but you are out of time for amending any earlier returns.

You can however try making a claim for overpayment relief for earlier years (probably back to 2014:15 but no earlier I don't think).

There is information on gov.uk regarding both amending your return(s) and claiming overpayment relief.

If you haven't completed Self Assessment returns can you confirm what you mean by "re-doing"?

dont_use_vistaprint

Dazed_and_confused wrote: »

Do you mean you have already submitted incorrect returns failing to disclose the gift aid payments?

My understanding was HMRC allow you to claim, so disclosure is optional and many people choose not to. For the Charities claim you declare it via the signed Gift Aid forms which HMRC allow the charity to administer.

Dazed_and_confused

No mention of optional in the notes which accompany last year's tax return,

Gift Aid
Gift Aid is a tax relief for gifts of money to charities and CASCs.
�
If you pay tax at the higher or additional rate, you’re entitled to additional tax relief – the calculation works it out for you.
If you were born before 6 April 1948 and pay tax at the basic rate (20%), your Gift Aid payments could reduce your tax bill so make sure you fill in box 1 on page TR 1.
�
Box 5 Gift Aid payments made in the year to 5 April 2018
Put the total Gift Aid payments you made from 6 April 2017 to 5 April 2018 in this box. Don’t include any payments under Payroll Giving.

But is hardly something which you would expect HMRC to put much effort into investigating, they'll hopefully focusing their efforts on those who claim to have paid Gift Aid when none is due.

But anyway you can amend your returns and claim overpayment relief. The 2016:17 return can only be amended upto 31:01:2019

dont_use_vistaprint

Thankyou for the info

I think its the "you're entitled to" wording, I know for a fact many people choose not to claim HR tax back for this out of principle, yet still allow the charity to claim their BR part