Giving Through Your Self Assessment Tax Return

If you are one of the unfortunate individuals required to do so, bear in mind that the deadline for preparing and filing your self assessment tax return (2007/08) draws closer.

When do I need to file my Tax Return?

The due date for filing the return, depending on the date on which the notice to complete the return was issued by the tax authorities, will probably be as follows:

• Filing a paper return – on or before 31st October 2008
• Filing online – on or before 31st January 2009

If, when you prepare your return form, you find that you are entitled to a repayment of tax, don’t forget that you can elect to nominate either the Diocese (which is a registered charity) or your Parish to receive all or part of your repayment.

How does it work?

You should refer to pages TRC 1 and TRC 2 on the return form, completing the boxes 1-7 inclusive as appropriate.

If you tick box 6, the repayment will be treated as a Gift Aid donation – the repayment will be treated, as indeed all Gift Aid donations are, as being paid net of basic rate Income Tax. The repayment will then be grossed up.

You will need to sign and date the declaration at the foot of page TRC 1 confirming that you pay at least as much Income or Capital Gains Tax for 2008/09 as the amount of tax to be repaid to the Diocese or Parish as your nominated charity.

The grossed up amount will then be deposited into the bank account of the Diocese or the Parish, being treated as an anonymous donation.

If you are doubtful about your personal tax position, please refer to your professional agent for advice.

Is the Diocese of Middlesbrough (and its Parishes) able to receive such a donation?

Yes. Diocesan funds and all of the parishes within the Diocese of Middlesbrough have been registered as a nominated charity for the purpose of this extension of the Gift Aid Scheme.

Details of the individual codes allocated to the Diocese and the Parishes, which you will need in order to make the appropriate entry in box 5 on page TRC 1, can be found on the website of HM Revenue & Customs (www.hmrc.gov.uk). Alternatively, you can contact the Diocesan Gift Aid Officer for the relevant details – he can be contacted by telephone (01642) 850505, ext 234 or e-mail. His e-mail address is: giftaid.legacy@dioceseofmiddlesbrough.co.uk