Corporate claims for charitable donations

When a limited company makes charitable donations specific rules apply. These may include Corporation Tax relief for donations to registered charities or community amateur sports clubs (CASC), as well as capital allowances for equipment donated that has been used by the company.

However, the rules are different if the company is given something in return for making a donation, such as tickets for an event.

Donation amount

Maximum value of benefit

Up to £100

25% of the donation

£101 – £1,000

£25

£1,001 and over

5% of the donation (up to a maximum of £2,500)

These rules apply to benefits given to any person or company connected with your company, including close relatives.

Charity sponsorship payments are different from donations because the company gets something related to the business in return. A company can deduct sponsorship payments from its business profits before it pays tax by treating them as business expenses. 

Payments qualify as business expenses if the charity:

  • publicly supports the company's goods or services;
  • allows the company to use their logo in company’s printed material;
  • permits the company to sell their goods or services at the charity's events or premises; and/or
  • has links from their website to the company's website.
Source:HM Revenue & Customs | 05-08-2024
author avatar
CIGMA Accounting
CIGMA Accounting Ltd is a forward-thinking accounting and tax firm based in London, dedicated to delivering high-quality compliance, tax planning, and business advisory services to entrepreneurs, landlords, and growing SMEs. With offices in Wimbledon and Farringdon, we combine local expertise with a tech-driven approach to simplify accounting. Our services include corporation tax filing, VAT compliance, HMRC investigation support, R&D tax credit claims, capital allowances optimisation, and bookkeeping automation. What sets CIGMA apart is our ability to blend traditional accounting rigour with AI-powered systems that reduce errors, save time, and provide real-time financial insights. Our team ensures that every client - from startups to high-net-worth individuals - receives a bespoke solution aligned with their growth goals. Whether you need strategic tax planning, help with HMRC disclosures, or a full outsourced finance function, CIGMA Accounting delivers clarity, compliance, and confidence.