CIOT: Institute launches Gift Aid resources to bring together charities and advisers

Friday, 2 December 2011 10:21 AM

The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) is today launching a new resource1 for tax professionals who want to help charities make the most of Gift Aid.

The launch, at Deloitte’s offices in the City of London this evening, will be attended by Chloe Smith MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, who has responsibility for Gift Aid, and by Nick Hurd MP, Charities Minister.

The initiative flows from a recommendation in the Fanning Report2 on Gift Aid that 'Ministers should consult with the tax profession to explore how tax professionals might donate their skills and time to help charities comply with and benefit from the Gift Aid system.'

Commenting ahead of the launch, CIOT Deputy President Patrick Stevens said:

“The CIOT is delighted to be launching this initiative which has the potential to bring real benefits to the charity sector, and smaller charities in particular, across the UK.

“There is evidence that many smaller charities have difficulties with Gift Aid. What we aim to do is bring together those who need advice on Gift Aid with those who understand it and wish to help.

“In order to do this, the CIOT has commissioned some resources which will be delivered though our website which will enable tax professionals who do not usually advise on Gift Aid - that is most tax professionals - to refresh their know-how.

“Additionally, in partnership with our website supplier, Cubik, we shall be delivering an online 'dating service' for tax professionals willing to offer support on a pro bono basis to charities needing support. The prototype online service is scheduled for delivery during the first quarter of 2012.

“I am grateful to Chloe Smith and Nick Hurd for giving ministerial support to this venture, and to David Cruikshank and Deloitte for generously hosting the launch event which will bring together tax professionals and charities to celebrate Gift Aid and launch the CIOT's Gift Aid Resources.

“I encourage all tax professionals to take a look at the resources we are providing and to consider donating their skills and time to help a charity they support.”

Notes to Editors

1. The resource material is available at http://www.tax.org.uk/gift-aid

2. CIOT Chief Executive Peter Fanning produced the report on the work of the Government’s Gift Aid Forum, of which he was a member, at the request of the Economic Secretary to the Treasury. It was published alongside the minister’s response, on December 6 2010.

The report and response can be read at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/8519.htm

3. Gift Aid increases the value of donations to charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs by allowing them to reclaim basic rate tax on gifts. Charities can claim relief at the higher rate on gifts from higher rate taxpayers. Gift Aid delivers over a billion pounds a year extra for charities.

4. The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) is a charity and the leading professional body in the United Kingdom concerned solely with taxation. The CIOT’s primary purpose is to promote education and study of the administration and practice of taxation. One of the key aims is to achieve a better, more efficient, tax system for all affected by it – taxpayers, advisers and the authorities.

The CIOT’s comments and recommendations on tax issues are made solely in order to achieve its primary purpose: it is politically neutral in its work. The CIOT will seek to draw on its members’ experience in private practice, government, commerce and industry and academia to argue and explain how public policy objectives (to the extent that these are clearly stated or can be discerned) can most effectively be achieved.

The CIOT’s 15,600 members have the practising title of ‘Chartered Tax Adviser’ and the designatory letters ‘CTA’.

George Crozier
External Relations Manager

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