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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us to submit a question.
Gift Aid
- What is Gift Aid and how does it affect the EI?
- Gift Aid is tax relief on money donated to UK charities. The EI is a registered charity. The Inland Revenue (HMRC) treats donations as if the donor had already deducted basic rate tax from them. The EI can then reclaim this tax to increase the value of your donation in the form of your membership subscription.
- Does it cost me any more?
- No – you pay only your membership and registration (e.g. CEng) fees
- Is there any other benefit to me?
- Yes, you can claim higher rate tax relief on the Gift Aid payment on your self-assessment tax return.
- What do I need to do then to ensure the EI makes the most of my subscription?
- You need first to be eligible under the HMRC rules. These state that· You must be a UK taxpayer and resident in the UK (You also qualify if you are Crown servants or members of the UK armed forces serving overseas.) · You must pay enough UK income tax and/or capital gains tax to cover the amount of tax the EI will reclaim. · You must provide the EI with a gift aid declaration. This is always printed on the membership renewal letter sent to you every November and can be downloaded form the EI website
- I recall sending in a form before now. Do I need to send another?
- If you have not already sent one during 2009, then yes you should, to Membership, the Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7AR. This is because it is best practice for EI to refresh the Gift Aid forms that we have
- Can the EI make backdated claims?
- Yes we can. For 6 years, from the date of the first claim after you you’re your Declaration, provided you have been eligible during that time.
- I reclaim my subscription from my employer. Am I still eligible?
- Unfortunately, no, whether you pay upfront and reclaim your subscription or whether your employer pays it direct but if you start paying your own subscription, we can claim from that date
- Are you able to register me with a business address?
- No, under HMRC rules we need you to provide a home address. If you still want your EI correspondence to be sent to your business address, we shall still do so.
- I work overseas. Am I still eligible?
- The important test is whether you pay UK tax sufficient to cover your subscription
- I am retired; can you still claim Gift Aid relief?
- Yes, the important thing is whether you pay enough UK tax to cover your subscription
