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Gift Aid

This guide explains how Gift Aid works in TrustistTransfer.

Gift Aid lets eligible charities and community amateur sports clubs claim extra money from HMRC on qualifying donations.

In TrustistTransfer, Gift Aid can be used to collect the donor details needed for a Gift Aid claim.

TrustistTransfer does not decide whether a donation qualifies for Gift Aid. It is your responsibility to make sure Gift Aid is only used when it is appropriate.

Before You Start​

Before using Gift Aid, make sure:

  • Your organisation is eligible to claim Gift Aid
  • You are recognised by HMRC as a charity or community amateur sports club
  • The payment is a donation that qualifies for Gift Aid
  • The donor has agreed to Gift Aid
  • The donor has paid enough UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax to cover the Gift Aid claim

Gift Aid should not be used for every type of payment.

For example, some payments for goods, services, tickets, raffles, or payments where the customer receives something in return may not qualify.

If you are unsure, check the GOV.UK guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid

When Gift Aid Appears in TrustistTransfer​

Gift Aid is only shown for eligible GBP charity-style accounts.

This can include:

  • Charities
  • Foundations
  • Charitable Incorporated Organisations, also known as CIOs

If Gift Aid does not appear on your account, it may be because your account type or currency is not eligible.

1. Taking a Payment with Gift Aid​

Sign in to TrustistTransfer.

Go to the payment screen.

Enter the payment amount as normal.

If Gift Aid is available on your account, you will see a Gift Aid option.

Tick Gift Aid if the payment is a qualifying donation and the donor has agreed to Gift Aid.

Then continue with the payment as normal.

2. What the Donor Needs to Do​

When Gift Aid is enabled, the donor will be asked to provide the details needed for a Gift Aid declaration.

The donor must confirm that they are eligible.

They must have paid enough UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in the tax year to cover the amount claimed by the charity.

If they have not paid enough tax, HMRC may ask them to pay the difference.

3. Using Gift Aid on Payment Presets​

Gift Aid can also be enabled on payment presets.

This is useful if you regularly collect donations using the same QR code or PayLink.

To enable Gift Aid on a payment preset:

  1. Open Payment Presets
  2. Create a new preset or edit an existing preset
  3. Turn on Gift Aid
  4. Save the preset

When a donor uses that preset, they will be able to provide the details needed for Gift Aid.

Only enable Gift Aid on presets that are used for qualifying donations.

4. Checking Gift Aid Before Taking a Payment​

If Gift Aid has been used before on the same device, the Gift Aid option may already be selected.

Before creating each payment, check whether Gift Aid should be on or off.

Turn Gift Aid off if the payment is not a qualifying donation.

5. Keeping Records​

You should keep the records needed to support your Gift Aid claims.

This may include:

  • Donor name
  • Donor address
  • Donation amount
  • Donation date
  • Gift Aid declaration
  • Any other information required by HMRC

TrustistTransfer helps collect information during the payment process, but you are responsible for making and managing Gift Aid claims.

6. When Not to Use Gift Aid​

Do not use Gift Aid unless the payment qualifies.

Gift Aid should not normally be used when:

  • The payment is not a donation
  • The donor has not agreed to Gift Aid
  • The donor has not paid enough UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax
  • The payment is being made by a company rather than an individual
  • The customer is receiving goods, services, tickets, or another benefit that means the payment does not qualify

If you are unsure, do not use Gift Aid until you have checked the rules.

Common Issues​

I Cannot See Gift Aid​

Gift Aid only appears for eligible GBP charity-style accounts.

If you think your account should have Gift Aid but the option is missing, contact support.

Gift Aid Is Already Ticked​

The Gift Aid option can remember the previous selection on the device.

Check the setting before each payment.

Only leave Gift Aid ticked if the current payment is a qualifying donation.

The Donor Is Not a UK Taxpayer​

The donor should not use Gift Aid if they have not paid enough UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax.

They can still make the donation, but Gift Aid should not be claimed on it.

I Am Not Sure Whether a Payment Qualifies​

Check the GOV.UK Gift Aid guidance or speak to the person who manages your charity accounts.

Need Help?​

If Gift Aid is not showing, or if something does not look right in TrustistTransfer, contact:

[email protected]