Gift Aid
Churches that operate their own Gift Aid administration were reminded that HM Revenue and Customs require a change to be made in the wording of Gift Aid declarations.
The change became effective on 24 February 2012, but there is a period of grace up to 31 December 2012. Gift Aid declarations signed between these dates, using the old wording, will still be valid.
The new requirement is that the Gift Aid declaration must contain a statement by the donor.
Guidance for the donor’s form of words says: ‘I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities and community amateur sports clubs that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year.
‘I understand that other taxes such as VAT and council tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I have given’.
Further information may be obtained from www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/new-guid-giftaid.htm
