Declining gift aid and claiming during self assessment

[B9]

I've tried googling this but can't quite find a definitive answer, so this probably isn't the case..

I'm about to purchase the national trust lifetime membership. It's around £2k, so not exactly a small purchase. During the checkout process it asks me if I want to add gift aid. I never realised it was a charity...

I'm a 40% taxpayer. If I were to spend the £2k, they ask if I want to add £500 in gift aid.

If I say yes, they add £500 to the donation and claim this back from HMRC. I understand I can then claim the other £500 back in my self assessment.

If I say no, they don't add anything to the donation. Can I then claim the entire £1000 back in my self assessment?

[bogie]

yes, you just total all your gift aid payments up for the year and put them in self assessment

gift aid usually just claim back back rate anyway, so if you are higher rate tax payer you should always go and claim the rest back....

Just keep receipts.

[B9]

Thanks, apologies if I've misread your response.

The question is that if I decline gift aid, can I reclaim it all through self assessment (the gift aid amount and the difference)?

[bogie]

I dont think so, I cant see that option in Self Assessment. Have just done mine for the year and for charitable giving it only gives the option for gift aid payments i.e qualifying charities that you have donated to and used gift aid. So essentially you get to claim back the extra relief yourself on the 20 or 25% depending on your tax band. The basic rate 20% has already gone to the charity.

To be sure I would consult an accountant.

[JulianPH]

Charities are able touse Gift Aid to reclaim the basic rate of tax on all donations (so for every £80 you donate, ticking this box allows them to reclaim a further £20).

It also allows you to reclaim any further (higher rate) tax payable.

You are not, however, allowed to reclaim the basic rate of tax back yourself under the Gift Aid rules. Only the charity can do this.

So tick the box. This gives them more money and you a tax break in return for your generosity.

I would say "well done", but it sounds patronising!!!

Good work though!


Edited for stupid typo

Edited by JulianPH on Tuesday 9th April 11:38

[B9]

I thought that might be the case! Thanks

[SV_WDC]

Interesting question.

Worth reading HMRC site on this: https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid

Specifically, if claiming against a membership looks like there are some additional rules: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/gift-aid-what-donation...

"To qualify for Gift Aid, charity subscription payments must be for membership only. They must not give members personal use of the charity’s facilities or services.

Wonder if access to National Trust properties qualifies under this rule

[droopsnoot]

I've found it strange that, on the odd occasion I visit a particular local historic site, it's £8 on the door to get in, but "with Gift Aid", it's £8.80.