Gift Aid Declarations

One of the areas I found myself having to address after my appointment as P.C.C. Treasurer was that of Gift Aid declarations.

The system of Gift Aid, brought in a couple of years ago by the Inland Revenue, has greatly simplified the reclaiming of tax and can provide valuable financial support to the church at no extra cost to those who give. However, there is some simple paperwork that needs first to be in place, and I would therefore be most grateful if those of you who like to support the church could complete a Gift Aid declaration form.

In doing this, please note:

* Signing this form does not commit you to any level of giving in the future, but for every pound you choose to give (or have given already) with a declaration in force, the church will be able to claim 28 pence extra directly from the Inland Revenue.

* The declaration is back-dated. This is perfectly legitimate and will enable us to reclaim tax on the money you gave to the church in the year ending April 2001.

* You need only do this once. The declaration will continue to apply to all your giving to the church unless you notify me otherwise. You need do this only if you cease to be a tax-payer (or if the tax you pay in any one tax year is insufficient to cover all your giving). I intend to write on an annual basis to all those with Gift Aid declarations in force to remind them about this.

* If you are a higher rate tax-payer, you should declare any giving under Gift Aid on your annual tax return. This will entitle you to an additional personal rebate from the Inland Revenue. You are not obliged to give this to the church.

* If you have an existing covenant, signing a Gift Aid declaration will replace that. Gift Aid is just as valuable a help to the church but is less restrictive and easier to administer.

* If you have already previously completed a declaration, I would be grateful if you would still complete a new one as I am compiling a fresh file in order to make sure that I put in the claim that is due to us.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to reclaim the tax from the Inland Revenue, I have to detail the amounts given by each individual. This information is kept as a part of the Church Accounts strictly confidential to myself and to one other person directly involved with the scheme.

As you will see, this is a simple system, but there may be one or two unusual situations that we need to cover. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all.

I am sure I can speak on behalf of the entire P.C.C. in saying that the church is most grateful for the generosity of our regular givers. Through Gift Aid, we want to make your gifts go as far as possible to support all aspects of the church and its work and of Christian mission at home and overseas.

John Mason

(Treasurer, Bunbury P.C.C.)

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