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March 2025 - Voluntary

Research reveals low awareness of tax relief on charitable donations amongst higher and additional rate taxpayers: A survey by YouGov and Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has found that 39% of higher and additional rate taxpayers were not aware tax relief was possible on their donations to charity when completing their Self-Assessment tax return. A fifth (22%) of this tax bracket said they were aware of tax relief but had never made a claim.

40% rate taxpayers are eligible to claim relief on charitable donations made in the previous year on their tax returns. This can be donated to charity or claimed as personal relief. The lack of awareness uncovered in the survey suggests a low uptake of the tax relief function which, if adopted upon, could drive much needed additional funds for UK charities.

This research was conducted by YouGov on behalf of CAF. YouGov surveyed 3,033 adults between September – November 2024, of which 300 were higher or additional rate taxpayers. Of this group, paying over 40% tax, only 17% said they “always” claim back money on their taxes for their charitable or sports club donations.

Reasons given for making the decision to claim tax relief were varied but the majority (57%) said they did so to reduce their tax liability. Over a third (35%) submitted their tax relief claim to give more money to charity, and 21% said they were advised to do so by their accountant or financial advisor. Of those who chose not to claim, 35% say they “don’t claim” because they don’t keep records of their donations and a fifth ( 22%) said they “feel it is too much work” to do so.

Mark Greer, Managing Director at CAF, said: “Charities miss out on millions every year from generous donors who don’t know about or forget to tick the Gift Aid box. As demand for charity services continues to increase, it’s vital that taxpayers make a Gift Aid declaration to charities they support.”

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