Gift Aid is the mechanism by which charities reclaim basic rate tax on donations from individuals who have given a Gift Aid declaration. In England, charities use Gift Aid to extend the value of donors' gifts, subject to eligibility and record-keeping requirements under HM Revenue & Customs rules. A solicitor working in this area advises on compliance, drafts Gift Aid declarations, audits donor records, liaises with HMRC, and helps organisations prepare reclaim submissions and protect donor information.
Why this work is usually handled by a solicitor
Gift Aid declarations must meet statutory requirements, and errors can delay or reduce reclaim payments. A solicitor ensures declarations are valid, registers and maintains donor records, prepares reclaim claims, and addresses any HMRC inquiries, safeguarding the charity against penalties and regulatory risk by ensuring professional standards and accountability.