The most tax efficient way to donate to school

[ReceptionMum]

Hi, would appreciate some advice please... We are thinking of donating some money to our daughter's school (state) for some extra equipment/activities. How can we process this the most tax efficient way for us & the best value for money for the school ?

Myself & DH both work, both high tax rate payers. DH has also got a small business registered as a Ltd company. We are talking about £300-£400 donation.

I believe using DH's Ltd company (rather than as our personal donation) would be the best way. However, is there any opportunities to stretch the money even further - e.g. saving on VAT by school ?

Many thanks

Hi

Did you ever get an answer to your question elsewhere? I have exactly the same question. Many thanks.

Hi, user1467828776

No, didn't get any advice. The time was "of the essence" as the school needed money "now" to be able to proceed with the purchase so I decided to go the least complicated way - transferred money as my personal donation. I believe a few other parents did the same as well.

If you manage to get any advice please share it in here.

I think tax implications vary depending on whether the school is a registered charity.

Our school (state) asks parents for a dd of at least £5 a month per child and they sent out a tax relief form that we signed. I think most local schools do the same, did the school not tell you? Most schools round us have a business manager now and are hot on stuff like that!

Easy peasy
if the school has a PTA, is likely to be a charity.
Donate to the PTA with a gift aid form (they can download one from the NCPTA site)
and as its in the PTA funds its immediately free to go to the cause you want.

THe school itself CANNOT do a tax relief form - donating to government is not charitable

BUT
if its an academy, they may well have a charitable arm you could use
but the money might get sucked up to the suits at head office

accountant and former PTA treasurer

Thanks for the replies. The school is indeed an academy and I've asked about this, following your reply.

Many thanks for the replies. Will know what to do/ask for next time. Was mainly my fault, should have invested more time to make sure I got all info from the school.