Could CGT changes boost your charity?

Paul Mathias
Director, Wealth Manager – Charities
RBC Brewin Dolphin

Several challenging years have pushed voluntary organisations to deliver more for less. As such, most are now understandably looking for additional ways to generate income.

One source of funding that’s somewhat overlooked is donations of investments from individual donors. Donating investments can be a tax-efficient way of supporting charities, and it has become more so following changes to capital gains tax (CGT) rules. This article highlights these tax advantages and how charities can leverage them to increase their fundraising.

How CGT works

Charities are exempt from CGT, as those with existing investment portfolios will know. For individuals, however, CGT is levied on the profits (gains) made when selling, gifting, transferring, or exchanging certain assets. These assets include shares, collective investments, personal possessions (worth £6,000 or more), and property that isn’t the individual’s main home.

CGT is only paid on gains that exceed an individual’s annual CGT exemption, not on the total value. The rates payable increased in the Autumn Budget, and from 30 October 2024, higher and additional rate taxpayers saw CGT increase to 24%; while basic-rate taxpayers saw CGT increase to 18%.

Changes to the CGT exemption

The CGT exemption was reduced to £3,000 from April 2024. This regime is more restrictive than in previous years and for the first time in 35 years, the level has reduced to the lowest point year on year since 1981.

This has significant implications for individual investors. As unrealised capital gains accumulate within taxable investment portfolios and taxfree allowances decrease over time, managing assets without incurring tax becomes increasingly challenging.

Similarly, the annual dividend allowance (the amount an individual is allowed to receive tax-free from dividends) fell to £500 from April 2024. These changes mean a greater proportion of the income generated from stocks will also be subject to income tax.

The choice between incurring tax liabilities today or holding assets in anticipation of a more favourable tax regime presents a conundrum for an investor. However, amid these changes lies a real opportunity to support charitable causes through the gifting of investments.

Unlocking the power of donating shares

A tax-efficient strategy for donors seeking to optimise their philanthropic endeavours is to donate investments that would be subject to taxable capital gains. An individual would enjoy two significant tax reliefs for doing so:

1. The primary benefit is that there is no CGT for the individual to pay on land, property or qualifying shares donated to a charity. A higherrate taxpayer is therefore able to donate up to an additional 24% to a charity, when compared to selling the asset in their own name and then subsequently deciding to transfer the cash to charity.

2. Additionally, income tax relief is available. In a given tax year, donors can pay less income tax by deducting the value of their donation from their total taxable income in the ‘charitable giving’ section of the self-assessment form. If the value of the gift exceeds taxable income, it may be more beneficial to consider Gift Aid options.

Maximising charitable contributions

Charities are not subject to CGT upon the sale of donated shares or property. Once the transfer of these assets to the charity is completed, they can either be sold or held to use the income generated to further the charity’s mission. This assumes, of course, that the asset complies with the parameters of the charity’s investment policy statement – most notably its responsible investment policy.

The process of a donor transferring shares into a charity portfolio with RBC Brewin Dolphin is straightforward, especially given most private shareholdings are now held electronically, rather than as certificates. Once notified of the donor’s intentions, our dedicated transfers team liaises with the donor’s investment manager, facilitates the transfer and then manages the investment according to the agreed strategy.

Seeking professional advice

Navigating the intricacies of tax regulations and optimising charitable giving requires careful consideration and, potentially, professional advice for the individual. Every individual donor’s personal tax situation will of course be different. Many individuals will, for example, hold investments in tax-efficient vehicles such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) or pensions that don’t attract CGT, where these observations are less relevant.

With pensions also set to become subject to inheritance tax from 2027 (a major change to the current regime), individuals will no longer see pensions as part of their estate planning strategy, and more estates will be pushed over the taxable threshold, creating a bigger incentive to make gifts in their lifetime to reduce their potential liability.

The recent changes to the UK’s tax regime have therefore prompted a need for individuals to reevaluate the tax efficiency of their investment strategies and their options for charitable giving. By harnessing the benefits of donating shares to charities, individuals could make a lasting impact while enjoying significant tax advantages – and it’s important that charities are well-equipped to make potential donors aware of this.

Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Investment values may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations. Performance is quoted before charges which will reduce illustrated performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views held throughout RBC Brewin Dolphin. Forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future performance. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. You should always check the tax implications with an accountant or tax specialist.