Tax-efficient giving

Gift Aid

Gift Aid is one of the most effective ways of giving to charity.

For every £1 you donate, we can claim an extra 25p of tax from the government.

There’s no cost to you. You only need to complete one form.

Please see our Gift Aid page for more details.

Are you a higher rate taxpayer? Then we can claim the basic rate of tax on your donation.

You can reclaim the difference in your tax return, or choose to donate it to the British Red Cross.

All you need to do is include details of your charity gifts on your tax form.

For the latest information, see the government's guidance on Gift Aid.

Giving shares

You can get income tax and capital gains tax relief on shares you donate to charity. 

As a donor, you’ll get tax relief on the full market value of shares at the date of sale or transfer.

Shares can be:

• transferred to the British Red Cross
• sold on our behalf by the donor

The government's website has further information on donating shares.

Give in your pay

Donations in your pay are taken from your salary before tax is deducted. This means your donation costs you less.

The amount of tax relief you get depends on the rate of tax you pay. For the more details, see the government guidance on payroll giving.

Leaving money in your will

If you leave money to a charity in your will, the donation will either:

• be taken off the value of your estate before inheritance tax is calculated, or
• reduce your inheritance tax rate if more than 10 per cent of your estate is left to charity

Find out how to leave a gift to the British Red Cross in your will.

More help and information

All donors should seek independent financial advice before making a donation. 

These links are also good sources of information:

• Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)
• GOV.UK