Giving shares is a simple, tax-effective way to support our work and reduce your tax bill as such donations can be exempt from Capital Gains Tax and could also reduce your Income Tax liability.
We cannot offer financial advice, but if you would like to know more, please call us on 0800 716 146 or write to us at:
Supporter Services Team
Marie Curie Cancer Care
FREEPOST 15438
London
SE1 7YY
Income Tax Relief
You can claim Income Tax relief that is equal to the market value of the shares on the day you donate them*. You can also claim tax relief on any fees associated with the gift, such as brokers’ fees*.
Example A
If you are a higher rate taxpayer and you give shares* worth £1,000 to Marie Curie Cancer Care, you could pay £400 less income tax in that year*. This effectively means the donation has cost you only £600.
Example B
If you are a standard rate taxpayer and you give shares* worth £1,000 to Marie Curie Cancer Care, you could pay £220 less income tax in that year. This effectively means the donation has cost you only £780.
For further information on income tax relief, please contact HM Customs and Excise.
Capital Gains Tax Relief
You may not have to pay Capital Gains Tax* on any increase in the value of the shares since you bought them – a tax you might pay if you chose to sell the shares instead. This could mean a further saving of up to 40 per cent.
However, you should be aware that you cannot offset a loss against other gains if the shares you donate have gone down in value. For further information on Capital Gains tax relief, please contact your financial advisor or refer to HM Customs and Excise’s Capital Gains help sheet IR 295.
ShareGift
If you have shares that are worth less than £500 we ask that you pass them to ShareGift, an independent charity share donation scheme. This is more cost-effective and allows us to receive maximum benefit from your gift.
ShareGift
The Orr Mackintosh Foundation
46 Grosvenor Street
London W1K 3HN
Tel: 020 7377 0501
www.ShareGift.org
Share Certificate Transfer
If you hold the share certificates personally, you will need to sign a transfer form to take the shares out of your name and put them into Marie Curie Cancer Care’s name. You can contact the registrars of the company to get a transfer form. Their details can be found on your share certificate, dividend vouchers, the company’s annual report, or their website. You will need to complete the form and return it to the registrars. They will be able to answer any questions about filling in the form.
Please keep a dated copy of your transfer form for your records.
Nominee Account Transfer
If your shares are held in a nominee account, ask your broker to transfer the shares (in certificated form) to Marie Curie Cancer Care. The broker may charge for this service, but you may be able to get tax relief on this cost (in addition to the shares’ value)*.
Sell the Shares
If you prefer, you can sell the shares and donate the proceeds to Marie Curie Cancer Care. It is important, however, that you advise Marie Curie Cancer Care of your intention to sell. In order to gain your tax relief, you will need to provide the Inland Revenue with evidence that you made the gift before the shares were sold, and that Marie Curie Cancer Care asked you to do so. An exchange of letters between Marie Curie Cancer Care and yourself should be sufficient. They must clearly state when you made the gift, and that we asked you to sell the shares on our behalf.
Whether or not you choose to give a cash gift or a share gift is entirely your choice. Marie Curie Cancer Care cannot give you financial advice. If you are considering making a share gift and/or are undecided about whether cash is a better alternative you should consult your financial advisor, accountant or solicitor.
Ethical Policy
Please note: Marie Curie Cancer Care has chosen not to accept shares from businesses that contravene our ethical policy. In practice, this particularly refers to tobacco companies. If you would like further information, please contact Supporter Services on 0800 716 146.
*Eligible Shares
Tax relief only applies to shares and securities listed on the UK Stock Market, the alternative Investment Market and recognised overseas stock exchanges. It is also available for units in a UK trust, shares in a UK open-ended investment company (OEIC) and some similar foreign investments. If you require further information on tax relief or qualifying investments, please contact HM Customs and Excise.
