Including a charitable gift in a Will is a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact and support causes close to one's heart. This gesture can be motivated by various personal, financial, and ethical reasons. Here are some reasons you might wish to leave a gift to a charity in your Will:

1. Supporting a cause you care about

Many people have causes that they are passionate about, such as medical research, animal welfare, education, or environmental conservation. By leaving a gift to a charity, you can continue to support these causes even after their passing.

2. Leaving a legacy

A charitable gift in a Will allows you to leave a legacy that reflects your values and commitments. It’s a way to be remembered for contributing to something meaningful and making a positive difference in the world.

3. Financial benefits

Leaving a gift to charity in a Will can also offer financial benefits. In the UK, charitable donations made through a Will can reduce the inheritance tax on the estate. Gifts to UK-registered charities are exempt from inheritance tax, and if 10% or more of the estate is left to charity, the inheritance tax rate on the remaining estate is reduced from 40% to 36%.

4. Making a difference

Many people find satisfaction in knowing that their gift will have a lasting impact. Charitable bequests provide essential funding for charities, enabling them to continue their work and expand their reach.

Legacies are a vital source income to the charity sector, generating over £3 billion for good causes each year.

• 6 out of 10 RNLI rescue launches would not be possible without gifts in Wills

• Nearly two out of every three guide dogs are funded by legacies.

• Cancer Research UK, one of the largest beneficiaries of charitable legacies, received 33% of its income from gifts left in Wills.

5. Personal fulfilment

For some, giving to charity provides personal fulfilment and a sense of purpose. It can be a comforting thought to know that you will continue to contribute to the betterment of society even after you are gone.

Leaving a gift to charity in a Will is a powerful way to support causes you care about, create a lasting legacy, and potentially benefit from financial advantages. With a significant portion of UK charities' income coming from legacies, these gifts play a vital role in enabling charitable organisations to continue their essential work.

Whether driven by personal values, the desire to make a difference, or the wish to reduce inheritance tax, leaving a charitable gift in your Will can ensure that your legacy lives on in a meaningful and impactful way.

What will your legacy be?

To organise a relaxed chat about estate planning and inheritance planning, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call 0117 3636 212 or email office@haroldstephens.co.uk