Gift Aid Declaration Wording: HMRC-Approved Templates (2026)
HMRC-approved Gift Aid declaration wording for UK charities. Single donation, multiple donation, and retrospective declarations. Copy-paste templates.
Getting Gift Aid declaration wording right is essential — if HMRC rejects your declarations, you could have to repay thousands. These templates are based on HMRC's approved wording.
What is a Gift Aid Declaration?
A Gift Aid declaration is a statement from a donor confirming they are a UK taxpayer and agree to the charity reclaiming basic rate tax on their donations. Without a valid declaration, you cannot claim Gift Aid.
Standard Gift Aid Declaration (Multiple Donations)
This covers all donations — past, present, and future — from the donor to your charity.
Gift Aid Declaration
I am a UK taxpayer and I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations to charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.
I want to Gift Aid my donation of [amount/all donations] and any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to:
[Charity name]
Donor name: _______________
Donor address: _______________
Postcode: _______________
Date: _______________
Signature: _______________
Single Donation Declaration
I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.
I want to Gift Aid my donation of £[amount] made on [date] to [charity name].
Essential Elements
HMRC requires the following elements in every Gift Aid declaration:
- Donor's full name
- Donor's home address (including postcode)
- Charity name
- Statement about being a UK taxpayer
- Warning about paying less tax than Gift Aid claimed
- Whether it covers past, present, and/or future donations
Verbal Declarations
Gift Aid declarations can be made verbally (e.g., over the phone). You must:
- Read the full declaration text to the donor
- Record the donor's name, address, and date
- Record that they agreed verbally
- Ideally confirm in writing afterwards
Online Declarations
For online donations, the same wording applies but delivered via a checkbox form. The donor must actively opt in (not a pre-ticked box). Record the timestamp and IP address.
Common Mistakes
- Missing the tax warning — the declaration MUST include the statement about paying enough tax
- Missing the address — HMRC requires the full home address including postcode
- Pre-ticked boxes — not valid. The donor must actively agree.
- Not keeping records — store declarations for at least 6 years after the last claim
- Not telling donors they can cancel — donors can cancel their declaration at any time
Retrospective Claims
A Gift Aid declaration can cover donations made in the past 4 years if the donor agrees. Use the standard multiple donation declaration which includes "donations I have made in the past 4 years."
Read our full Gift Aid Guide and HMRC claim forms guide for the complete process.
Capture Gift Aid at Events
PledgeNow collects Gift Aid declarations alongside pledges — so you never miss a claim. Digital, HMRC-compliant, free for every charity.
Stop losing pledges. Start tonight.
Pledge Now, Pay Later captures every promise, follows up automatically, and lets donors pay on their own time. No card required. No catch.
Get fundraising tips in your inbox.
No spam. Just practical resources when we have something worth sharing.
Related articles
How to Claim Gift Aid as a Charity: Step-by-Step (2026)
Step-by-step guide to claiming Gift Aid from HMRC as a UK charity. Registration, record-keeping, online claims, and maximising your Gift Aid income.
Tax Relief on Charity Donations: What UK Donors Can Claim
How UK taxpayers get tax relief on charitable donations. Covers Gift Aid, higher rate relief, payroll giving, shares, property, and inheritance tax. A guide for donors.
Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS): Claim Without Declarations
GASDS lets UK charities claim a Gift Aid-style top-up on small donations without needing a Gift Aid declaration. Complete guide with eligibility, limits, and how to claim.