HMRC Guidance On Gift Aid Declarations

Trainee Solicitor Caroline Reynolds outlines the additional information which must now be given to donors on gift aid declaration forms and the requirement to retain gift aid records.

In February 2012, HMRC published amended guidance relating to the declarations donors must make if they want their donation to charity to benefit from Gift Aid. Two key changes arise from the guidance, relating to a charity's obligation to keep records of the declarations and to the wording of the declaration itself. HMRC requires charities to comply with the revised requirements from 31 December 2012, so charities that have not done so should check their compliance now to ensure Gift Aid declarations made by donors are valid and that tax on the gifts can be reclaimed.