IHTM35122 - Property redirected to a charity: Gift Aid relief

Relief is available from income tax for certain gifts made to charities.  The relief was introduced by FA90/S25 and is commonly known as Gift Aid.  The relief has been extended by ICTA88/S587B with the effect that from 6 April 2000, eligible donations include not only cash gifts but also gifts of ‘qualifying investments’; which are defined as

a. stocks or securities which are listed, or dealt in, on a recognised stock exchange, or on AIM, (IHTM18061)

b. units in an authorised trust,

c. shares in an open-ended investment company (OEIC),

d. interests in offshore funds (essentially, foreign collective investment schemes equivalent to unit trusts or OEICs).

Generally, this means the shares that will qualify are the major household name PLCs as will units in investment and unit trusts.  Shares in private family companies do not qualify.