Many people don’t realise that they can support the causes they care about through their Will, without taking anything away from the people they love. In fact, leaving a gift to charity in your Will can help reduce Inheritance Tax and leave a meaningful legacy long after you’re gone.

Despite this, research shows that while 1 in 3 supporters over the age of 40 say they’d consider leaving a gift to charity, most never do, simply because no one asked them to.

At SLS Wills and More, we want to help change that.

Why consider a charitable gift in your Will?

Charitable legacies help fund thousands of vital services across the UK, from cancer research and animal rescue to local hospices and community support. Even a small gift can make a big difference.

You don’t have to choose between family and charity. With careful planning, you can support both.

A charitable gift could also reduce the Inheritance Tax payable on your estate. If you leave at least 10% of your net estate to charity, the overall IHT rate on the remainder of your estate may be reduced from 40% to 36%. This can mean your chosen causes benefit, and your family still receives more than they might otherwise.

What can you leave?

There are several types of charitable gift you can include in your Will:

1. A fixed sum (pecuniary gift)
E.g. “I leave £1,000 to Cancer Research UK.”

2. A specific item
E.g. A painting, a piece of jewellery, or even shares.

3. A share of your estate (residuary gift)
E.g. “I leave 5% of my estate to Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex.”

Residuary gifts tend to have the most long-term impact and are often the simplest way to make a difference. It should also be noted that the examples above may not be legally binding and propert advice and wording should be used. When we draft Wills, we use the correct language and gift structures.

How to choose a charity

You might already have a cause close to your heart – one that supported you or a loved one, or something you’ve always admired. If not, consider what values matter most to you. Do you want to support medical research? Help animals? Protect the environment? Support a local group?

You can leave gifts to national or local charities, and we can help you ensure your Will includes the correct charity name and registered number to avoid any confusion.

Making it simple

At SLS Wills and More, we’ll guide you through the process so your charitable wishes are clearly set out and legally sound.

We also offer guidance on talking to family about your plans, so everyone understands what matters to you and why. These conversations can be incredibly positive and give loved ones peace of mind.

Leaving a legacy:

If you’re thinking about including a charity in your Will – or just want to explore the idea – I’d be happy to chat. You don’t need to make a final decision straight away.

Let’s talk about how your Will can reflect your values and create a legacy that lasts.