What Can a Church Claim Gift Aid On?
A church can claim Gift Aid on money given by UK taxpayers who have made a Gift Aid declaration. That includes envelope giving, standing orders, card gifts and one-off gifts to appeals. For every £1 given, the church claims 25p from HMRC.
It can’t claim on payments for something, such as wedding fees, hall hire, raffle tickets or concert tickets. Gifts from companies don’t qualify, and nor does money someone collects from other people and hands over as their own.
Loose cash in the plate, with no declaration, can still earn a top-up through the Small Donations Scheme, on gifts of £30 or less.
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More questions about Gift Aid
- What Are the Rules for Gift Aid?
- Who Has to Repay the Gift Aid if the Donor Has Not Paid Enough Tax?
- Is There Any Downside to Gift Aid?
- Is a Church Classed as a Charity?
- How Does HMRC Know About Gift Aid?
- Can I Claim Gift Aid on Small Donations?
- What Donations Are Not Eligible for Gift Aid?
- Do Churches Have to Declare Donations?
- What Is the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) for Churches?
- How Much Gift Aid Can You Claim on a Donation?
- What Should Be on a Gift Aid Declaration?
- How Long Does a Gift Aid Declaration Last?
- What Happens if You Gift Aid but Don’t Pay Tax?
- How Do I Make a Gift Aid Declaration Online?
Sources
These answers summarise official guidance. They aren’t legal or tax advice, so check anything you’re unsure about.