Philanthropic Planning Advisor in London
Giving back is one of the most rewarding things you can do—but it’s not just about writing a cheque. To make the most of your charitable efforts, you need a clear strategy that aligns with your financial goals and values. At Pearl Lemon Accountants, we specialise in philanthropic planning advice, helping individuals, families, and businesses create impactful giving strategies that also deliver significant tax benefits.
Whether you’re looking to set up a charitable trust, donate assets, or incorporate philanthropy into your estate planning, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s dive into how we can help you make a difference while maximising your financial efficiency.
Why Philanthropic Planning Matters
Philanthropy is about more than just generosity; it’s about creating a lasting legacy. But without proper planning, your charitable efforts could fall short of their potential. Here’s why professional philanthropic planning is crucial:
- Maximise Impact: Structure your giving to ensure more money goes to the causes you care about.
- Tax Efficiency: Claim tax relief on your donations through Gift Aid, payroll giving, or other schemes.
- Legacy Building: Incorporate philanthropy into your estate planning to create a lasting impact.
- Simplify Complexity: Navigate the legal and financial complexities of charitable giving with ease.
With the right advice, you can ensure your generosity goes further—both for the charities you support and for your own financial situation.
Our Philanthropic Planning Services
At Pearl Lemon Accountants, we offer a range of services designed to help you make the most of your charitable efforts. Here’s what we can do for you:
Charitable Trusts and Foundations
Setting up a charitable trust or foundation can be a powerful way to support your chosen causes. We’ll help you:
- Choose the right structure for your charitable trust or foundation, whether it’s a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) or a charitable company.
- Register your trust or foundation with the Charity Commission and HMRC.
- Manage the ongoing administration of your trust, including preparing accounts and filing annual returns.
Gift Aid Optimisation
Gift Aid is one of the most popular ways to boost the value of your donations. We’ll assist with:
- Ensuring your donations qualify for Gift Aid, including verifying that the charity is registered with HMRC.
- Claiming tax relief on your donations, whether you’re a basic-rate or higher-rate taxpayer.
- Providing guidance on how to complete the necessary paperwork, including Gift Aid declarations.
Donations of Assets and Shares
Donating assets or shares to charity can be a tax-efficient way to give. We’ll guide you on:
- Calculating the tax relief available on donations of assets, including shares, property, and artwork.
- Ensuring the donation qualifies for capital gains tax (CGT) and income tax relief.
- Handling the paperwork and reporting requirements to HMRC.
Inheritance Tax Planning Through Philanthropy
Charitable donations can play a key role in reducing your inheritance tax liability. We’ll help you:
- Make gifts to charity in your will, which can reduce the IHT rate on your estate from 40% to 36%.
- Set up a charitable trust to benefit your chosen causes while reducing your taxable estate.
- Ensure your donations meet the requirements for IHT relief, including the 10% threshold for charitable giving.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategies
For businesses, charitable giving is often part of a broader CSR strategy. We’ll assist with:
- Developing a CSR strategy that aligns with your business values and goals.
- Identifying tax-efficient ways to support charitable causes, such as sponsoring events or donating goods and services.
- Measuring the impact of your CSR initiatives and communicating them effectively to stakeholders.
Philanthropic Estate Planning
Incorporating philanthropy into your estate planning can create a lasting legacy. We’ll help you:
- Draft a will that includes charitable bequests, ensuring your wishes are carried out after your death.
- Set up a charitable remainder trust, which provides income to your beneficiaries during their lifetime and donates the remainder to charity.
- Plan for the long-term sustainability of your charitable efforts, including succession planning for your foundation or trust.
Interesting Statistics About Philanthropic Planning
- £10.7 billion – The total amount donated to charities in the UK in 2022.
- £1.3 billion – The amount claimed through Gift Aid in the 2021/22 tax year.
- 40% – The reduction in inheritance tax liability for estates that leave 10% or more to charity.
- £2.4 billion – The estimated value of charitable donations made through payroll giving in the UK.
- 60% – The percentage of UK adults who donated to charity in 2022.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) offer a flexible and efficient way to manage charitable contributions. We help you set up and manage DAFs, advising on how to allocate funds to achieve the greatest impact.
Our expertise ensures your DAF operates smoothly and aligns with your philanthropic strategy. This way, you can give wisely and with confidence.
Ready to Make Your Giving Go Further?
Philanthropy is a powerful way to make a difference—and with the right advice, you can make your donations work harder for both you and the causes you care about. At Pearl Lemon Accountants, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of philanthropic planning in London.
Let’s talk about how we can support your charitable goals. Reach out to us today, and let’s get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Philanthropic planning allows wealthy families to align their charitable efforts with financial goals, creating a lasting legacy and optimising tax benefits.
Philanthropic planning ensures your contributions have maximum impact, align with family values, optimise taxes, and engage family members in giving.
Strategies include private foundations, donor-advised funds, and impact investing, each offering unique benefits customised to your charitable goals.
Consider the advisor’s experience, expertise, personalised service, confidentiality, and proven track record in helping clients achieve their philanthropic goals.
At Pearl Lemon Accountants, we prioritise privacy and offer customised services. We build strong, trusting relationships to ensure your philanthropic efforts are effective and secure.
