Over the years, the private client team at Beverley Morris & Co. have assisted countless people in drafting and amending their Wills. We can guarantee that no two Wills are ever the same.
Your Will should be personal to you and cover comprehensive details about your wishes and circumstances. Therefore, you may decide to leave your money, property and possessions to whomsoever you wish, including charitable organisations.
Making a Will
A Will is a legal document that carefully outlines how you would like your estate to be distributed when you die.
It is always advisable to instruct a Will writing professional to assist you in drafting, signing (and possibly later amending) your Will. Although it is possible to create a ‘DIY’ Will, this is not advised since you, or your family after you are gone, are increasingly likely to face issues, no matter how straightforward you might deem your estate to be. Find out about some issues relating to online Will writing here.
How to leave money to a charity when I die
In order to leave a gift to a charity in your Will, there are some considerations that you should make. There are different ways in which you can leave money to charity, including:
- donating a fixed amount set out in your Will
- donating whatever sum of money remains once other gifts have been distributed
- donating a specific item.
For most people, they will know to which charity or charities they wish to donate a part of their estate. Typically, the testator/testatrix will have been a long-time supporter of the charity or charities, will be familiar with their work and wish to support them by way of a donation in their Will. There is also a Charity Directory if one is undecided as to which charity or charities one wishes to leave a gift in one’s Will and it is possible to carry out appropriate research.
Tax on Charitable Donations
When someone dies, their executor(s) is/are responsible for paying any Inheritance Tax due. By giving to a charity, the net taxable value of a person’s estate is reduced.
In cases where a gift is more than 10% of the estate, there could be a reduction in the rate Inheritance Tax paid.
Giving land, shares or property in your will to charity is not taxable.
To find out more about potential tax implications of giving to charity, please get in touch with Beverley Morris & Co. on 020 8852 4433 or email enquiries@beverleymorris.co.uk.
Which charity should I donate to?
If you have not already decided which charity or charities you would like to support in your Will, here are a few further key steps you might wish to follow to ensure that you make the right decision for you.
- Online research
The Charity Commission’s online database of UK charities contains information about hundreds of thousands of charities in England and Wales. The information on this site includes what the charity does, their trustees and whether they have ever had any action taken against them.
- Check their activities.
Most people wish to support charities that have a positive impact on the greater good. Charities publish annual reports outlining their activity, goals and achievement information so that you can see the work that they are doing.
- Ensure they are reputable.
If you are researching a charity that is subject to a statutory inquiry, this means that it is being investigated for mismanagement or misconduct. For many people, this will make them reconsider donating as they wish to ensure that their money is going to a cause that is benefitting the most people.
YouGov has listed the five most popular charities in the UK according to their data (list correct as of February 2023):
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Guide Dogs
- British Heart Foundation
- Cancer Research UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital
Wills Solicitor Near Me
At Beverley Morris & Co., based in Blackheath, South East London, we have many years of experience in assisting people in drafting, writing and amending their Wills.
To speak to a friendly and professional solicitor today, please call 020 8852 4433 or email enquiries@beverleymorris.co.uk.