What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is a government scheme that lets a charity reclaim the basic rate tax on all gifts given by UK taxpayers. The most amazing thing is, we can claim the tax back from donations going back four years.

For every £1 you donate through Gift Aid, charities can claim an extra 25p. That’s 25% more at no extra cost to you!

How Gift Aid helps us

By donating through the Gift Aid scheme, you can help us train and equip the next generation of lifesavers.

If you donated £100, we could claim an additional £25 through Gift Aid.

£25 could help:

How do I add Gift Aid to my donation?

There are several ways you can make a Gift Aid declaration for donations.

• Tick the Gift Aid declaration box when you donate online
• Complete the Gift Aid form when you donate by post
• Fill in our online Gift Aid form below

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible?

Yes - if you:

• are a UK resident
• have paid or will pay enough income or capital gains tax* in that tax year (6 April to 5 April)
• make a Gift Aid declaration.

If you are completing an enduring Gift Aid declaration, you must also ensure you paid enough tax to cover any donations made in the previous four years.

*Other taxes such as VAT and council tax do not qualify.

Do I have to sign up to Gift Aid every time I donate?

What if I'm a pensioner?

If you pay UK income or capital gains tax, we can claim Gift Aid. If you do not pay UK income tax or capital gains tax, we are unable to claim Gift Aid and you should not complete the Gift Aid declaration.

What if I'm a higher rate taxpayer?

Being a higher rate taxpayer does not change the amount of Gift Aid that we can claim from your donation. We can still only claim the basic rate of tax on your donation.

If you pay income tax at a higher rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your self-assessment tax return or ask HMRC to adjust your tax code.

For example, if you donate £100 with Gift Aid, we will receive £125 and you could claim back £25.

Important information for donors

If we receive more Gift Aid from your donation than tax you have paid, HMRC may ask you to pay the difference.

Can I change my mind?

Yes! If you stop paying tax or you’ve simply changed your mind, you can withdraw your declaration at any time by writing to us at St John Ambulance, 27 St John's Lane, London, EC1M 4BU or by calling 0114 238 7360.