As time goes on, individuals and families may begin to consider the future of their charitable trusts and the best way to sustain their impact. Succession planning for a family trust can raise questions and uncertainties – but at Lincolnshire Community Foundation, we’re here to help you find a secure path forward.
By transferring your family’s charitable trust to Lincolnshire Community Foundation, you can ensure that your original philanthropic goals continue to be met while adapting to changing community needs. We’ll handle all administrative responsibilities, allowing family members and trustees to focus on the heart of the trust’s mission, staying involved in decision-making to whatever degree they choose.
By making a Gift Aid donation, charities can receive extra funds without any additional cost to you as a UK taxpayer. The donation is treated as if basic rate income tax had already been deducted, allowing the charity to reclaim that tax from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). For example, a donation of £10,000 with Gift Aid allows the charity to claim an additional £2,500, meaning the charity receives £12,500 in total.
Higher rate taxpayers can claim back the difference between the higher rates of tax (40% or 45%) and the basic rate (20%) on the total donation value. For example, a 40% taxpayer donating £10,000 can reclaim £2,500, meaning the net cost to the donor is £7,500, while the charity still receives £12,500.
If you complete a Self-Assessment tax return and are due a repayment from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), you can choose to donate some or all of that refund directly to charity through the SA Donate scheme. This allows taxpayers to support charitable causes as part of the tax return process. The donation is made from the repayment owed to you, making it a simple and tax-efficient way to give while completing your annual tax return.
Contributions to charity through Payroll Giving can be made in any amount and are taken directly from your salary before tax is deducted. Because donations are made from your gross pay, the amount of tax you pay is reduced. This provides a simple and tax-efficient way to give regularly through your employment.
Leaving a gift to charity in your will can reduce the Inheritance Tax due on your estate. You can choose to leave a fixed amount, a specific item such as shares or property, or a portion of your estate to support causes that matter to you.
Tax relief is available when donating certain shares, securities, or investments to charity. When qualifying investments are given to a UK charity, donors may receive income tax relief on the value of the donation, and capital gains tax may also be avoided, making this a highly tax-efficient way to give.
Donations made by a limited company to charity can be deducted from the company’s total profits before Corporation Tax is calculated. This means businesses can support charitable causes while benefiting from tax relief. However, corporate donations are not eligible for Gift Aid.
Companies may also receive Corporation Tax relief when donating land, buildings, or qualifying shares to charity, or when selling them to a charity for less than their market value. This can provide a tax-efficient way for businesses to support charitable causes while making use of company assets.
For more information on the benefits of transferring your family trust, please contact us. We would be delighted to guide you through the process and answer any questions about aligning the trust with your goals.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy for Lincolnshire.
