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Is your charity recognised by HMRC for Gift Aid?

To claim Gift Aid, your charity must be recognised by HMRC. If your charity is registered in England or Wales, you can check in a minute on the Charity Commission's register.

How to check

  1. Go to the Charity Commission's Register of charities (register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk).
  2. Search for your charity by its name or registered charity number, and open it.
    The Charity Commission register's search box, with British Heart Foundation typed in
    An example: a large charity's public entry on the register
    The British Heart Foundation's row in the register's search results: charity number 225971, status Registered
    An example: a large charity's public entry on the register
  3. Choose the Governance tab.
    The British Heart Foundation's page on the Charity Commission register, with the Governance link highlighted in the menu on the left
    An example: a large charity's public entry on the register
  4. Find the line Gift aid. It reads either:
    • Recognised by HMRC for gift aid, or
    • Not recognised by HMRC for gift aid.
    The Charity Commission register's Governance tab with the Gift aid line highlighted: Recognised by HMRC for gift aid
    An example: a large charity's public entry on the register

The register shows HMRC's status as the Charity Commission holds it. If you've applied recently, or think it's wrong, your HMRC recognition letter is what counts.

If it says "Not recognised by HMRC for gift aid"

You can only claim Gift Aid on donations made from the date HMRC's recognition takes effect. Donations made before that date can't be claimed, so it's worth applying soon. Claims must also be made within 4 years of the end of the accounting period the donation was made in.

How to apply

Apply to HMRC online: on GOV.UK, see Get recognition from HMRC for your charity. The GOV.UK page lists what you'll need.

Not recognised yet? You can still sign up

Not recognised yet? That doesn't stop you signing up for Foundry. You can start collecting Gift Aid declarations now, so they're ready when HMRC recognises your charity. A supporter's declaration can cover the donations they make from then on, so once you're recognised you can claim on their eligible donations from your recognition date.

Not on the Charity Commission register?

If your charity is registered in Scotland (OSCR) or Northern Ireland (CCNI), or is exempt or excepted from registering, check your HMRC recognition letter or your HMRC charities online account. HMRC gives your charity a reference when it recognises you. Community amateur sports clubs can also check HMRC's list of registered clubs on GOV.UK. If you can't find it, contact HMRC's charities team (see GOV.UK).

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.