If you would like to leave a legacy in your will, this section offers some help and advice.
A bequest from a donor’s will is a traditional form of giving to charity.
Residuary bequests mean that once family and loved ones have been
provided for, the remainder or a proportion of the deceased’s estate is pledged
to one or more charities. Pecuniary bequests means the deceased
pledges a specific sum of money to a particular charity.
Anyone can make a bequest to donate a sum of money however small,
medium or large.
Benefit for potential taxpayers
- Many people become a higher-rate taxpayer after they have died, if they exceed
the Governments Inheritance Tax (IHT) level. Your estate will include the value
of your house, your savings and your investments.
- To avoid this least popular tax, since most feel tax has already been paid on
these possessions, you should be aware that:
- Gifts to a charity in a will are exempt from IHT immediately.
- Gifts of up to £3,000 annually are exempt during your lifetime.
N.B. Of course you do not have to be a taxpayer to give in your will.
Choose where your money goes
Within the Diocese of Brentwood are many good causes. You can make a donation to
your parish or select a diocesan cause you wish to support.
Here are just a few examples:
- Retired & sick clergy – for those priests who gave so much in their pastoral ministry
and need our support to enjoy their twilight years.
- House of Prayer – providing for those seeking spiritual renewal, guidance and
promotion of the Catholic ethos. Offers residential retreats and days of recollection.
- Walsingham House – helping young people to discuss, reflect on and deepen their
Catholic faith in schools, parishes and on pilgrimages.
"Give and you will receive back one hundred fold."
For more information, please contact the Diocesan Gift Aid Office
(Tel. 01277 265282) for a further explanatory booklet.