Gift Aid maximises your donation at no extra cost and with minimal administration. As long as you're a UK taxpayer, all you have to do is make a Gift Aid declaration.

The declaration covers all donations made up to six years ago and donations you make now or in the future.

How much Gift Aid will my donation generate?
Gift Aid allows the charity to reclaim the basic rate of income tax on the gift, which works out at 28.2% of the amount you give. In other words, 22% of the gross value of the donation. So if you make a donation of £20, we will be able to claim an extra £5.64

Do I qualify for Gift Aid?
To qualify for Gift Aid, you must pay income or capital gains tax, at least the amount we will claim in the Tax Year.

Does it cost me anything?
There is no cost to you. The extra money is claimed by the charity from HM Revenues & Customs.

How can I Gift Aid my donation
All you need to do is sign a Gift Aid declaration. This can be done online if you are using our online donation facility. You can also download a declaration form from our website. Alternatively, call 020 8668 2181 and ask to make a Gift Aid declaration by phone and we will send you a written confirmation. You can also make a declaration if you give by our secure online donations facility.

How will I know if I pay income tax?
You pay these taxes if:
- income tax is taken from your salary before you receive your pay
- you pay tax after completing a Self-Assessment form
- if they are shown as deducted on your bank/ building society statements

Do I pay income tax on my pension?
Your P60 will show any Tax you have paid in any one year

Do I pay Capital Gains Tax?
Capital gains tax might be paid when, for example, you sell a property or some shares. This would have been declared by you or your financial adviser.

I don't pay tax but my partner does. Can I still Gift Aid?
The Gift Aid declaration must be made by the person who pays the tax.

What happens when I make a donation from a joint account?
We will need a separate Gift Aid declaration from either partner if both are tax payers OR a confirmation that the amounts donated represent a contribution out of the taxable income of the person who is the tax payer and who signed the existing Gift Aid declaration.

Do I have to sign a Gift Aid declaration for each donation?
You only need to sign one declaration which covers all future donations. However, you can cancel your declaration at any time by contacting us (for example, if you cease to pay tax).

Can Gift Aid be applied to sponsored events
Gift Aid can be claimed on sponsored events provided the form is correctly filled out. There is a space on our sponsorship form for you make a declaration. We need the first line of the address, the name and postcode of the sponsor to make a claim as well as the date of the event.

What if I am a higher rate taxpayer?
If you are a higher rate tax payer, we can reclaim the Gift Aid on your donation at the basic rate. You will still need to make a Gift Aid declaration in the usual way.

However, as a higher rate taxpayer you can claim a rebate based on the difference between the higher rate and the basic rate when you fill out your self-assessment form.

For example if you make donations of £100 over the Tax Year, on top of the £28 that the Catholic Children's Society claims back, you can reclaim as much as £23 from HMRC.