Gift Aid query

HartleyPlayers

Hi,
The Am-Dram group I'm Treasurer of has been successful in getting charitable status for our work in the Hartlepool/Durham community.  I'm going to make a Gift Aid claim against the donations our members make towards our running costs.  Having read the HMRC literature I'm confident I understand the criteria for claims in this current tax year. I'm not clear though on how far back I can claim, or even if I can.  The charitable status was only conferred last month.  I've been advised by an accountant that even though we weren't a 'registered' charity I can still claim donations made to our group for the last 4 years if I can supply records of these donations and declarations. 

Does anyone know if this is correct? 

As a small group suffering from the current economic climate, with both membership and performances declining, I want to get the most legal benefit from HMRC I can to keep our activities in the community possible.  I have scrupulous records of donations over these years but, in my first year as a trustee, don't want to make false claims.

Does anyone have experience in this field that could offer advice.

Thank you.
 

Savvy_Sue

It could be worth a call to the Gift Aid Helpline, if you face long delays then try first thing in the morning (almost before they open). 

Undervalued

Presumably you would need confirmation from each of your members that they are taxpayers (some may not be) and that they are willing to allow you to make the claim (I imagine most would agree)?

Also, museums that charge admission, need visitors to agree to pay a voluntary donation of at least 10%, over and above the normal ticket price, to allow the museum to reclaim gift aid on the total paid.

For example https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/booking

Does anything similar need to happen when members are paying a subscription?

HartleyPlayers

Undervalued said:

Presumably you would need confirmation from each of your members that they are taxpayers (some may not be) and that they are willing to allow you to make the claim (I imagine most would agree)?

Also, museums that charge admission, need visitors to agree to pay a voluntary donation of at least 10%, over and above the normal ticket price, to allow the museum to reclaim gift aid on the total paid.



Does anything similar need to happen when members are paying a subscription?

Thanks - I think I have a good handle on the current and future donations with regard to declarations.  I'm really keen to make any backdated claim correctly as this will be my first as Treasurer.

HartleyPlayers

Savvy_Sue said:

It could be worth a call to the Gift Aid Helpline, if you face long delays then try first thing in the morning (almost before they open). 

Thank you, I didn't realize there was a helpline,  they keep that quiet!

penners324

Think you need to register for Gift Aid status first

Dazed_and_C0nfused

penners324 said:

Think you need to register for Gift Aid status first

Agree, it seems clear cut according to the guidance on gov.uk.

https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid/what-you-can-claim-it-on

You cannot claim on donations:

you got before you were a recognised charity or CASC