Making a Gift Aid claim

1. Make sure givers have declarations. Gift Aid → "Givers without a declaration" lists them, with how much tax each could bring in.
2. Go to Gift Aid → New claim. Choose the end date. You’ll see what can be claimed, and any gifts that can’t and why.
3. Create and lock the claim, then download HMRC’s schedule spreadsheet, already filled in, and attach it to your claim in Charities Online. The claim page walks you through it.
4. Mark the claim as sent, and as paid when the money arrives.

Gifts in a claim are locked so they can’t be changed by accident. HMRC can ask to see your records for six years, so we keep them.