Gift Aid FAQs

As a UK taxpayer, you have the fantastic opportunity to increase your impact by supporting the Ramblers with Gift Aid. Thanks to the government’s Gift Aid scheme, we can reclaim the tax you've already paid on your donations and membership fees, making your support stretch even further at no extra cost to you! This extra funding allows us to do even more to safeguard the wonderful places you love to walk. Together, we can make a big difference.

When you sign up, we can add Gift Aid to the past four years of your donations to the Ramblers.  We’ll continue to add Gift Aid to any donations you make in the future unless you ask us not to.

It costs you nothing as long as you pay Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax at a rate at least equal to the amount of Gift Aid claimed on your donations in that tax year. Otherwise, it’s your responsibility to pay the difference.

 

Self-assessment taxpayers also qualify for Gift Aid

Keep records of your donations as you’ll need to report these on your tax return. HMRC can then adjust your tax code.

 

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid is a tax incentive scheme run by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) which supports charities by allowing us to reclaim the tax you as a taxpayer have paid on your donations. It means we receive an extra 25% on top of your donations and membership subscriptions without it costing you a penny more.

 

What is a Gift Aid Declaration?

A declaration is your agreement with us to confirm you are eligible to join the scheme and you would like us to claim back the tax you have already paid on your donations and membership subscriptions from HMRC.

 

Who can make a Gift Aid Declaration?

To be eligible to sign up for Gift Aid you must be a UK taxpayer and have paid enough tax to cover all the donations and memberships on which we will add Gift Aid. So, if you donate £40, you will need to pay at least £10 in tax to cover the Gift Aid we will collect. If you make other donations under the Gift Aid Scheme, just be sure you have paid enough tax to cover the Gift Aid.

 

What about donations I've made in the past?

A Gift Aid declaration allows us to reclaim an extra 25% on all eligible donations you have made in the past four tax years,  as well as for all future donations. 

 

How long does it last for?

You only need to make one Gift Aid declaration, which is valid until you contact us to cancel it. However, if you stop paying tax, or find you have not paid enough tax just let us know. Everyone’s circumstances can change, and we will be happy to amend our records. 

 

What does it commit me to?

There is no commitment to joining the Gift Aid Scheme. You can cancel your declaration at any time

 

How do I cancel my Gift Aid declaration?

Email us at Ramblers@ramblers.zendesk.com or call us on 020 3961 3232.

 

What if I'm a lower rate taxpayer?

We can still claim back 25p for each £1 you donate, provided you pay enough tax, as detailed above.

 

What if I'm a higher rate taxpayer?

We can still claim back 25p for each £1 you donate. As a higher-rate taxpayer, if you declare your donations on your tax return, you can claim a rebate based on the difference between the higher rate and the basic rate (20%) when you fill in your self-assessment form. So, for example if you donate £40 and you are a 40%  higher rate taxpayer, you too are eligible to claim back £10 in tax.

 

What if I'm a pensioner?

Many pensioners have private pensions they continue to pay tax on. If you pay tax on a private pension plan or a savings account, then you’re eligible to make a Gift Aid declaration. If you pay Capital Gains Tax, for example, if you sell property or shares, then you’re also eligible to make a Gift Aid declaration. If you are unsure, please don’t hesitate to contact HMRC for advice on 0300 200 3300

 

What if I stop paying tax?

Just let us know and we will cancel your Gift Aid declaration. Email us at Ramblers@ramblers.zendesk.com or call us on 020 3961 3232.

 

How do I make my declaration?

You can make your declaration by downloading our Gift Aid declaration form and sending the completed form back to us at The Ramblers, 13 Dirty Lane, London SE1 9PA

 

What if I want to know more Gift Aid?

If you have further questions about Gift Aid please don't hesitate to contact us at Ramblers@ramblers.zendesk.com or by calling us on 020 3961 3232.

For independent advice please contact HMRC 0300 200 3300 or your own accountant/solicitor

 

I pay our membership fee, but my partner is the taxpayer

At the Ramblers we only claim Gift Aid where the membership fee / donation payer is also the UK Taxpayer and opted in for the Gift Aid Scheme. For all our joint memberships under Gift Aid, it is important to let us know who the taxpayer is. Only UK taxpayers can join the Gift Aid scheme.

Please let us know the full name of the taxpayer.

 

How do I know if I have paid enough tax?

Under PAYE, there are two rates – gross the amount you earn and net the amount you have after tax has been deducted. The basic Rate of Tax (BRT) is currently 20% of your gross pay, meaning you retain 80% of your gross pay. 

 

What if I want to know more?

If you have further questions about Gift Aid please don’t hesitate to contact us at ramblers@ramblers.zendesk.com or call us on 020 3961 3232.

 

gift aid declaration form

becoming a member

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Fundraising at the Ramblers

How we raise funds to support our work and how to take action if you are concerned about our fundraising.

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Gift Membership

Treat someone to a Ramblers gift membership. It’s the perfect gift for someone who loves walking outdoors.