Why Consider Leaving a Gift to Charity in Your Will?
Leaving a gift to charity is often called a legacy gift, which allows your values to live on and make a difference beyond your lifetime. It’s a simple way to support a cause that matters to you while still providing for your family and friends. At Lyons Bowe, we help clients structure their Wills so that charitable giving is clear, tax-efficient and fully aligned with their wishes.
Can I Include a Charity in My Will and Still Provide for My Family?
Absolutely. You can do both.
Most people leave a percentage of their estate to charity after taking care of loved ones. This is known as a residuary gift. Alternatively, you can leave a fixed sum of money (a pecuniary gift) or a specific item, such as artwork or shares. Your solicitor will ensure that your Will balances both your personal and charitable priorities.
Do Charitable Gifts Reduce Inheritance Tax?
Yes, and often significantly.
If you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, the Inheritance Tax rate on the rest of your estate can drop from 40% to 36%. Because registered charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax, gifts to them are deducted before your taxable estate is calculated- meaning your donations help both your cause and your family. Lyons Bowe’s private client team can guide you through structuring your gift for maximum impact and tax efficiency.
What Types of Charitable Gifts Can I Leave?
There are several ways to give:
- Residuary Gift: A percentage of your estate after debts and other legacies.
- Pecuniary Gift: A fixed sum of money.
- Specific Gift: An item such as jewellery or property.
- Reversionary Gift: Assets that go to charity after a named person has benefited for life.
Your solicitor will advise which option best suits your financial and family situation.
How Do I Choose a Charity?
Most clients choose organisations that reflect their values or life story from medical research and animal welfare to local community causes. Ensure the charity is registered with the Charity Commission and record its official name and number in your Will to avoid confusion. During Remember A Charity Week, Lyons Bowe partners with leading UK charities to raise awareness of legacy giving and make it easier to include a charity in your Will.
Can I Change or Remove a Charity Later?
Yes. Your Will should reflect your current intentions.
You can update your charitable gifts by creating a new Will or a codicil (a short supplementary document). Lyons Bowe recommends reviewing your Will every three to five years or whenever your circumstances change.
What If a Charity Closes or Merges?
If a named charity ceases to exist, your gift could fail unless your Will includes a “fallback clause.” We draft this automatically so that your legacy is redirected to a similar charitable purpose. That way, your intentions are honoured no matter what happens in the future.
Do I Need a Solicitor to Add a Charity to My Will?
Technically, no, but it’s strongly advised. A professionally drafted Will reduces errors and ensures your gifts are legally valid and tax-efficient. Lyons Bowe’s private client team handles everything from initial drafting to registration and safe storage.
Can I Support Multiple Charities?
Yes, and many people do. You can divide a percentage of your estate between several organisations or create a charitable trust that continues to support causes over time.
How Lyons Bowe Can Help
Our specialist Wills and Probate team make legacy giving simple. We’ll help you:
- Draft or update your Will to include charitable gifts
- Ensure tax efficiency and legal clarity
- Support your chosen charity with professional documentation
- Store your Will securely for future peace of mind
Whether you’re updating an existing Will or starting from scratch, we’ll help you create a legacy that lasts. Protect your loved ones and support the causes you care about.
Get in contact with Lyons Bowe to book your Will consultation today.
