Gift Aid is a government scheme that lets a charity reclaim the basic rate tax on all gifts given by UK taxpayers. So, if you donate £4 through Gift Aid, we can claim an extra £1. That’s 25% more at no additional cost to you!
Gift Aid
Find out what Gift Aid is and how it works
What is Gift Aid?
How Gift Aid helps us
By donating through the Gift Aid scheme, you can help us train and equip the next generation of lifesavers.
If you donated £100, we could claim an extra £25 through Gift Aid.
£25 could help:
fund a community first aid session
train young people in first aid
pay for a volunteer's equipment
How do I add Gift Aid to my donation?
There are several ways you can make a Gift Aid declaration for donations.
Fill in our online Gift Aid form
Tick the Gift Aid declaration box when you donate online
Complete the Gift Aid form when you donate by post
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible?
Yes - if you:
are a UK resident and an individual donor
have paid or will pay enough income or capital gains tax* in that tax year (6 April to 5 April)
make a Gift Aid declaration.
If you are completing an enduring Gift Aid declaration, you must also ensure you paid enough tax to cover any donations made in the previous four years.
*Other taxes such as VAT and council tax do not qualify.
Do I have to sign up to Gift Aid every time I donate?
No - this single Gift Aid declaration will cover any donation you’ve made in the last four years and any future donations you make.
What if I'm a pensioner?
If you pay UK income or capital gains tax, we can claim Gift Aid. If you do not pay UK income tax or capital gains tax, we are unable to claim Gift Aid and you should not complete the Gift Aid declaration.
What if I'm a higher rate taxpayer?
Please note: The information on this page has been sourced from official UK government guidance. It is accurate as of June 2025.
Being a higher rate taxpayer does not change the amount of Gift Aid that we can claim from your donation. We can still only claim the basic rate of tax. If you pay higher or additional rate tax, you can also claim tax relief on gift aid donations, on top of what we claim.
To do this, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your self-assessment tax return or ask HMRC to adjust your tax code.
The table below shows the extra tax relief you could claim on a £100 donation:
Tax band | In England, Wales and Northern Ireland | In Scotland |
|---|---|---|
Intermediate rate (21%) | N/A | £1.25 |
Higher rate (40 or 42%) | £25 | £27.50 |
Additional rate (45%) | £31.25 | £31.25 |
Top rate (48%) | N/A | £35 |
Intermediate rate (21%) taxpayers can claim £0 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and £1.25 relief in Scotland. Higher rate (40 or 42%) taxpayers can claim £25 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and £27.50 in Scotland. Additional rate (45%) taxpayers can claim £31.25 in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Top rate (48%) taxpayers can claim £35 in Scotland (only applicable in Scotland).
Important information for donors
If we receive more Gift Aid from your donation than tax you have paid, HMRC may ask you to pay the difference.
Can I change my mind?
Yes! If you stop paying tax or you’ve simply changed your mind, you can withdraw your declaration at any time by writing to us at St John Ambulance, 27 St John's Lane, London, EC1M 4BU or by calling 0114 238 7360.
Give more with Gift Aid
Help your donation go further at no extra cost to you by signing up to Gift Aid.
