Can a new church claim Gift Aid straight away?

Only on gifts received after HMRC recognises it as a charity for tax purposes. Gifts from before that can’t be claimed, so apply early and collect declarations from the start.

Can a new church use the Small Donations Scheme in its first year?

Yes, as long as it also claims Gift Aid in the same tax year. The old rule making charities wait two years ended in April 2017.

When does a new church need to register as a charity?

In England and Wales, most must register once income reaches £5,000, and a CIO registers from the start. Scottish churches register with OSCR.

Membership Software for Church Plants

Start with good records from your first Sunday, so following up newcomers, organising volunteers and claiming Gift Aid are easy as you grow.

Start your 30-day free trial See prices

Newcomers followed up
Grows with you
From £12 a month

Built for the early days

Newcomers: Record first visits, follow people up and see who’s becoming a regular, with data protection built in from the start.
Your core team: Invite your leaders, each with their own sign-in and a role that shows them only what they need.
Small groups: Start groups with their own registers and email, and see who you haven’t seen for a while.
Gift Aid from the start: Collect declarations from your first givers, so you’re ready to claim once HMRC recognises your church.

Every newcomer followed up

Add first-time visitors in seconds, give someone the job of getting in touch, and see who becomes a regular. Checks flag anyone you’re holding too much about.

The Checks tab, listing one-off visitors with what’s held about them beyond basic details and whether their agreement has been recorded. — Open a larger view (opens in a new tab)

Volunteers without the chasing

Rotas for welcome, worship and set-up, with reminders before each turn and an easy way to say you’re away.

A phone showing a volunteer’s reminder: Coffee, Sunday 18 October 2026 at 10:30, with a large “Yes, I can do it” button and an “I can’t make it” button. — Open a larger view (opens in a new tab)

What it doesn’t do

To claim Gift Aid, your church needs to be recognised by HMRC, which can take some weeks. If you’re still part of your sending church’s charity, it may claim on your behalf. You can send it a list of every gift from here.

Questions churches ask

Can a new church claim Gift Aid straight away?: Only on gifts received after HMRC recognises it as a charity for tax purposes. Gifts from before that can’t be claimed, so apply early and collect declarations from the start.
Can a new church use the Small Donations Scheme in its first year?: Yes, as long as it also claims Gift Aid in the same tax year. The old rule making charities wait two years ended in April 2017.
When does a new church need to register as a charity?: In England and Wales, most must register once income reaches £5,000, and a CIO registers from the start. Scottish churches register with OSCR.

Sources

Start your records right, free for 30 days

Start a free trial with no card needed. Set up your core team and first groups, and grow from there.

Start your free trial See prices