HMRC publishes UK charity tax statistics

Following some delay due to Covid-19, HMRC has published interesting statistics relating to charity tax in the year 2019-2020. The commentary to the data published by HMRC notes that the statistics are unlikely to have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic as it only covers the period to 5 April 2020.
Key points from the data are that tax reliefs on donations to charities increased to £5.7 billion, from £5.5bn the previous year. The amount of gift aid received by charities increased by around 4% to £1.4bn, however the number of charities claiming the relief fell by around 2%. Business rates relief continues to be the largest single source of tax relief paid directly to charities. It had risen to around £2.3bn, an increase of £40 million from the previous year. Stamp Duty Land Tax relief increased slightly to £280 million for the year.
Data regarding individual donors is only available for the tax year ending April 2019. The total number of donors declaring a donation via Self-Assessment has remained at around 1.2 million, however the value of donations continues to grow and was £3.2 billion. Over 65s were the most likely to declare a donation. The amount donated through payroll giving has remained steady at around £130 million.
The next release of statistics, for the year ended April 2021, should provide an interesting picture of giving to charities during the height of the pandemic.
Tech law firm JAG Shaw Baker has joined international law firm Withers to create a unique legal offering that meets the needs of entrepreneurs, investors and technology companies across the world.