Charity Donation Tax Relief Calculator
See your tax savings for UK donations (2025/26 tax year)
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How It Works
Gift Aid for Charities
Charities reclaim basic rate tax (20%) on your donation. A £100 gift becomes £125 for the charity. Higher/additional rate taxpayers claim extra relief via Self Assessment.
Relief Methods
- Self Assessment: Claim extra relief on your tax return
- Payroll Giving: Tax-free donations direct from salary
- Higher Rate Vouchers: Charities provide for simple claims
Tax Band Relief Comparison
| £100 Donation | Charity Receives | Your Tax Relief |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Rate (20%) | £125 | £0 (already paid via Gift Aid) |
| Higher Rate (40%) | £125 | £25 extra relief |
| Additional Rate (45%) | £125 | £31.25 extra relief |
Common Questions
Can I claim relief on all donations?
Most UK charities accept Gift Aid. Donations must be to registered charities. Personal gifts to friends/family don’t qualify.
What if I’m close to basic/higher threshold?
Relief based on your highest rate paid that year. Mixed rate taxpayers claim proportionally based on income bands.
Do companies get relief?
Corporation Tax relief available for business donations up to profit limits. Rate matches company tax rate (19-25%).
Cash or shares?
Both qualify. Share donations get extra capital gains tax exemption for higher/additional rate taxpayers.
Frequent Mistakes
- Forgetting to tick Gift Aid box: Charity misses 25% uplift
- Claiming relief twice: Gift Aid already covers basic rate
- Missing Self Assessment deadline: Relief lost if not claimed by 31 Jan
- Donating to non-UK charities: Gift Aid only for UK registered charities
- Not keeping receipts: HMRC may request proof up to 6 years later
References
- HM Revenue & Customs. “Gift Aid: how it works.” GOV.UK, 2025.
- Charities Aid Foundation. “Tax-effective giving guide 2025/26.”
- Inland Revenue. “Higher rate tax relief on charitable donations.” HMRC Technical Manual, updated December 2025.
- Lancaster University Development Office. “Gift Aid for higher rate taxpayers.”