What is 'GIFT AID'?

The Gift Aid scheme, introduced by the government in April 2000, is very simple. If someone signs up to Gift Aid when making a donation there are a couple of things to clarify:

Gift Aid only applies to donations made by UK tax payers who pay more than the amount of UK tax in the tax year that the claim is being made. A donation is literally ‘a donation’ ie nothing can be received in kind in exchange for the donation. Therefore charities cannot claim ticket sales as donations as the donor is receiving something in kind in return for the donation.

Help for Heroes can reclaim the Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax paid on donations.

Help for Heroes claims back tax at the basic rate. This is equivalent to 25p for every £1 donated. This makes it possible to increase your sponsorship/donations by almost a third, at no extra cost to you or to them! Your sponsor must have paid Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in the UK, equal to the amount of tax that will be reclaimed, to qualify for Gift Aid.

For a full explanation of Gift Aid online: http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/charities/gift-aid.htm

Don’t forget to ask your sponsors to add 'gift aid' when they sponsor you!