Giving Shares to WNO is

• an excellent way of unlocking capital to benefit the company
• incredibly tax-effective, giving maximum tax benefits to the donor and an effective way of leaving the company a gift in your Will
• easy

Donating shares to WNO is a great way of supporting the company whilst also reaping significant tax relief for you, the donor. The gift itself is tax exempt. In addition to this, your taxable income will be reduced by the market value of the shares gifted. If you are a higher rate tax payer, this can be particularly attractive.

You can claim tax relief equal to the market value of the shares donated on the day the gift is made, together with any associated costs such as broker’s fees. In addition, you will not have to pay capital gains tax on any increase in the value of the shares since they were first bought. Provided you have already exhausted any capital gains exemption, the maximum tax savings can amount to 80% of the value of the shares gifted. These conditions apply when you gift any qualifying investments to a UK charity.

If the shares have fallen in value, thereby showing you a capital loss, that loss can be offset against other capital gains. However, if the shares are gifted directly to WNO, then you will lose that offsetting capability. You might be better advised to sell the shares and donate the proceeds to WNO, but you need to take tax advice to see whether selling or gifting the shares is more beneficial to you.

To check which investments qualify for tax relief and to gain further advice, please contact www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/giving/assets.htm

For more information and guidance, please email Sara Evans at sara.evans@wno.org.uk or contact CAF for more information on donating shares.