A big thanks to all those who are managing to support the parish financially through the different means of financial offerings and contributions during these difficult times.
Like many charities, our church is funded entirely by your donations and while we continue to serve the community, our church needs to be insured and maintained. We are doing our best to save money but we still have to pay contributions to the diocese, salaries and other various expenses.
Without our usual weekly collections during the months of lockdown there was a significant impact on the parish finances and we would greatly appreciate your donations to enable us to continue without financial concern after the current situation is over.
If you would like to support St Agatha’s Church with regular donations please see our gift aid and standing order forms below. The church’s bank details for standing orders or one-off bank transfers directly are:
Our account details are as follows:
Please pay: National Westminster, Kingston Marketplace
For the credit of: RCAS Kingston
Bank details: Account number: 10317821
Sort code: 60-60-02
Please ensure you make the reference (that will appear on our Bank Statement) “your name” followed by “offertory”.
ALTERNATIVE WAY TO DONATE TO THE PARISH:
VIA OUR QR CODE
A new online donation system has been set up so that parishioners and visitors are now able to donate directly to the Parish by scanning a QR code; donations can be made either with or without Gift Aid, just follow the instructions on the screen. You will be able to make a one-off donation or even set up a monthly donation.Use your smart phone camera to scan the QR code and you will be taken to our parish ‘Give A Little’ web donation page.The QR code will appear in the weekly newsletter.
We thank you for your continued support.
What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid was set up by the Government as a way of helping people to give more to UK charities by giving back to the charities the basic rate tax paid on donations by UK taxpayers. It is a scheme designed to encourage donors to sign a declaration form so that all their donations to the Parish, within a tax year, can be treated as Gift Aid donations. The donations can be of any amount, there is no lower or upper limit and they do not have to be of a fixed amount or frequency. By signing the forms, donors can ensure that their parishes get a substantial refund from the Inland Revenue without having to increase their level of giving. For every pound you give, your parish will get back an additional 25 pence from the Inland Revenue. If you pay higher rate tax you can claim extra relief on your donations. If you claim age-related allowances or Tax Credits, Gift Aid donations can sometimes increase your entitlement.
If you do not pay UK tax, Gift Aid is not available for your donations, but this doesn't prevent you making normal, non-Gift Aid, donations so don't worry!
In order for the parish to benefit from your donations:
• You must be a UK Taxpayer
• You must complete a Gift Aid Declaration
• Your contributions must be easily identified as coming from you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does it work?
The parish needs to be able to prove to the Inland Revenue that they have kept proper records of your gifts. If you prefer to give by cash or cheque, then you must use the numbered envelope system (supplied by the parish) or by standing order. In other words, if you put your gift in the plate ‘loose’ i.e. without using a numbered envelope (unique to you), then regrettably the parish would be unable to identify the cash as coming from you and would not benefit from your generosity.
I am already giving to my parish in the Offertory Collection. Will it cost me more to join the Gift Aid Scheme? Is this something extra?
No. It will cost you nothing extra. You are not being asked to give more money, simply to sign a declaration so that the parish can reclaim the tax refund on your giving. The Inland Revenue is only handing back to the parish the income tax you have already paid, so it will not affect you in any way.
Do I have to make a Binding Commitment?
No. Gift Aid is not a binding commitment and the parish will only claim back a tax refund on the actual amount you have given. You will not be asked to make up any missed payments, unless you choose to do so.
What happens if I change my address?
Just inform the Parish Gift Aid Secretary. You do not have to complete a new form.
What if I stop paying Income Tax or wish to cancel?
Inform the Parish Gift Aid Secretary and we will cancel your Declaration.
Can I change the amount I give?
Yes. You can increase or decrease the amount you give at any time.
Is Gift Aid Confidential?
Yes. You do not have to disclose details of your income, savings, pensions or any other personal details.
What if I move to another parish?
If you have already signed a Gift Aid Declaration, all you have to do is to advise your new Parish Gift Aid Secretary of this fact and continue to use a method of payment that is easily recordable by the new parish.
How do I join the Gift Aid Scheme?
Forms can be found at the back of the church or contact our Parish Secretary. It simply asks you to give your name and address and your consent so that all your donations can be treated as Gift Aid donations. You should sign and date the form and return to the parish office. If you wish to donate by standing order, please also complete, sign and return the attached standing order mandate form.
If you require further information about the Gift Aid scheme, please contact the Parish Secretary.
If you would like to donate via standing order, please download the form and hand it to the Parish Secretary..
