Charitable giving 06 - Shares or securities gifted to charity

You can claim tax relief for any qualifying shares and securities gifted, or sold at less than their market value, to charities.

Qualifying shares and securities are:

• those listed on a recognised stock exchange
• dealt in on any designated market in the UK
• units in an authorised unit trust
• shares in an open-ended investment company
• an interest in an offshore fund

Enter the value of the net benefit to the charity of the shares or securities minus any amounts or benefits received from the charity. Add to that value any incidental costs you bear in connection with the transfer, such as brokers' fees or legal fees.

The net benefit to the charity is usually the market value of the qualifying investment, but special rules apply if the charity is placed under any obligation in connection with the transfer to it of the investment, or if the investment was acquired as part of a scheme to obtain tax relief or an increased amount of tax relief.

Help Sheet 342 - Charitable giving explains in more detail how to complete this section.