IHTM11135 | Procedure: categories of gift accepted as exempt in limited circumstances
From HM Revenue & Customs · Inheritance Tax Manual
Gifts to bodies in the following categories may or may not be charitable (IHTM11112), depending on the precise terms of the gift. However it has been agreed with HMRC Charities that a gift to an organisation within the following categories may be accepted as charitable provided:
The gift is of a reasonable amount,
the organisation is based in the UK, and
the gift is straightforward (IHTM11124)
You should follow the procedure at IHTM11130 and contact the taxpayer or agent s if these conditions are not satisfied or there is any doubt about whether the body falls into one of the following categories. You will also need to be sure of the identity of the beneficiary of the gift.
Category 1
Cathedrals (including those described as minsters or abbeys and the friends of cathedrals etc)
Diocesan Boards of Finance
Church officers (including the minister, rector, vicar, church wardens) where the gift is for the upkeep of the church.
Parish churches which may also be minsters or abbeys
Parochial Church Councils
Churches of recognised denominations including chapels and mission halls
Missionary societies
Moral welfare associations
Sunday Schools
Category 2
Child welfare associations
Children's homes
Community centres
Convalescent homes
Homes for the blind
Hospital homes
Groups for people with learning disabilities
Old people's welfare committees
Orphanages
Groups for disabled people
Category 3
Some bodies within this category may come within the Sch 3 exemption (IHTM11221) for health service bodies (IHTM11227).
Area health authorities
Hospices
Hospitals (including private hospitals)
Hospital management committees
Leagues of friends of hospitals
Medical research funds
Nursing associations
Patient amenity funds attached to hospitals
Samaritan funds attached to hospitals
Category 4
Any branch of any organisation which is governed by Royal Charter and which itself is acceptable as charitable. Notable examples are:
Boy Scouts
British Red Cross
Girl Guides
Royal British Legion (branches not clubs)
St John Ambulance Brigade
Sea Cadet Corps