Gift Aid declaration

The declaration is the paperwork that makes a Gift Aid claim valid. Without one, HMRC will not let you reclaim the tax — and if a claim is audited, missing or incomplete declarations are the most common reason money has to be repaid. Getting the wording right matters.

A valid Gift Aid declaration must give the charity’s name, the donor’s full name and home address, identify the donations, and include the donor’s statement that they have paid enough UK Income or Capital Gains Tax to cover every charity’s claim. (Source: GOV.UK, Charity Gift Aid declaration forms; charities detailed guidance, accessed 9 July 2026.) HMRC publishes model single and multiple-donation wording you should base yours on.

Use an enduring declaration for regular donors so you do not have to ask each time, keep declarations for at least the claim period, and never alter HMRC’s tax statement. A ready-to-use template sits with the Gift Aid Handbook.