Share giving

The RNLI can only accept donations of shares that are:

• in UK listed companies

• ordinary shares

• gilts

• unit trusts and bonds

• in the donor's name (please do not transfer shares into the RNLI's name as this causes administration problems).

Yes. We can provide details to donors on how to transfer these to the RNLI's nominee account. Please contact the Philanthropy Team on 01202 333882.

It is the RNLI's policy that, when it receives gifts of shares, they are sold as soon as is practicable. This is because if we held on to them their value might change and we believe that we should not speculate with gifts entrusted to RNLI, but use them as soon as possible.

Income Tax

If you donate shares to RNLI, you can get income tax relief on the donation. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, for instance, and donate £1,000 worth of shares, you will get £400 tax relief. Or, if you pay tax at the standard rate, the relief would be £200. You can claim this on your self-assessment tax form, or by contacting your local tax office.

Capital Gains Tax

Normally, if you sell shares for more than what they were valued at when you acquired them, this is known as making a Capital Gain. You can make gains of up to an annual limit (the allowance for the tax year 20011–12 is £10,600) without having to pay tax on this money but anything above that will be subject to Capital Gains Tax (up to 40%). However, you will not have to pay any of the tax on shares that you donate to the RNLI. This exemption may therefore be important to you if you have already reached, or are likely to reach, the annual limit.

Share donations are an alternative to cash donations and are increasingly becoming a valuable source of income for the RNLI.

All you need to do is print the transfer form from this site and complete the following sections:

• Name of undertaking

• Description of security

• Amount of shares or other security, in words and figures

• In the name(s) of – complete your name and address in this field

• Signature

Then send the form with your share certificate(s) to: Philanthropy Team, RNLI West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ.