Gift Aid

What is Gift Aid?

It’s a scheme introduced by the government which allows charities to reclaim the tax that supporters have already paid on their donations. For every £1 donated, the taxman gives us an extra 25p − so our income from your donations increases by almost a third. We can only claim on donations made within the last six years − tax unclaimed before this will be lost forever, so please act now.

Why 25p per £1?

It’s linked to the current basic rate of income tax (which is currently 20 per cent). As a basic rate taxpayer, for every £1.25 you earn, you will pay 25p to the taxman and receive £1 in your pocket. It is this 25p we claim. The taxman will contribute an extra 3p until 2011.

Am I eligible?

If you are a UK taxpayer and have paid enough income or capital gains tax in the financial year to cover the amount we’ll reclaim, then yes: please complete a Gift Aid declaration.

Where can I get a Gift Aid declaration form?

Below we have posted Gift Aid declaration forms in both Word and PDF formats for you to download. Please complete one of these forms and return it to the address specified at the bottom of the form. If you require assistance or an alternate format please call 0870 240 6993.

Gift Aid form - Word document

Gift Aid form - PDF

What if I’m a pensioner?

We can still claim the full 25 per cent on your donations, providing you pay at least as much tax as we will be reclaiming in the year in which you made your gifts. As a pensioner, for example, you may still pay tax on a private pension scheme or a savings account, or pay Captial Gains Tax if you sell property or shares.

What if I’m a higher-rate taxpayer?

We can only claim the basic rate back, but this is still extremely valuable. You will also be able to claim additional personal tax relief on your self-assessment form. If you are due a rebate, you can opt to give this to Guide Dogs by entering the code NAJ59XG on the appropriate form included with your Tax Return pack.

I’m not eligible; should I still return the form?

Yes please. It would be a huge help if you could return a declaration to us letting us know not to claim. This way, we won’t contact you about Gift Aid again in the future, saving us time and money.

I’ve already completed a declaration for another charity. Do I need to complete one for Guide Dogs?

Yes. You will need to complete a separate form for each charity you want to benefit from Gift Aid.

What else does ticking the Gift Aid box commit me to?

Nothing at all. It just ensures that, if you donate to us, we can claim money back from HM Revenue and Customs.

How long does my declaration last for?

Until you tell us to stop. At the moment, and as long as you remain eligible, your declaration lets us reclaim past (up to six years), present and future donations.

What do I do if I need more information on Gift Aid?

If you would like to find out more, or if you would prefer to make your Gift Aid declaration over the phone, please contact us on 0870 240 6993 and we will do our very best to help

What if I change my mind, or am no longer paying tax?

Please contact us either by letter to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG, or by e-mail to customerservices@guidedogs.org.uk, and tell us that you no longer wish us to claim the tax on your gift.

What if I'm an events participant?

If you have received a benefit by participating, although anybody can sponsor you, Guide Dogs may not be able to claim Gift Aid from all your sponsors, including family members ('Connected Persons'). Please check with us for further details.

Will it really make a difference?

Yes. You will be increasing the value of your donation, enabling us to increase the mobility and independence of even more blind and partially-sighted people in the UK.

What about Gift Aid for branches?

If you fundraise for one of our volunteer branches, you can help us claim Gift Aid by obtaining declarations from your donors. Please refer to our Gift Aid guidelines for branches.