Have you ever considered the lasting impact you could make by leaving a gift to charity in your Will? Thoughtful estate planning isn’t just about managing assets - it’s also a unique opportunity to reflect your values, honour your passions, and create a legacy of kindness that lives on for generations.

Across Scotland, more and more people are embracing the power of philanthropy in their estate planning. By doing so, they’re blending compassion with careful planning to ensure that the causes they care about continue to thrive.

Why Leave a Gift to Charity?

Whether you've supported charities during your life or are inspired to leave a legacy of generosity, a charitable gift in your Will is a powerful way to keep your values alive. Many people choose to support medical research, local hospices, educational initiatives, or causes that have touched their lives personally. It’s a powerful way to make the world a little better.

There’s also a practical advantage: gifts to registered UK charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT). In fact, if you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, the IHT rate on the remainder of your taxable estate may be reduced from 40% to just 36%.

Simple Ways to Include Charitable Giving in Your Will

Adding philanthropy to your Will is easier than you might think, with several flexible options available:

• Fixed sums (Pecuniary Legacies): e.g. £2,000 to a cancer research charity
• Specific items (Specific Legacies): such as a property, artwork, or shares
• Residuary gifts: a percentage of your estate once other gifts and debts are settled
• Charitable trusts: ideal for larger or long-term giving or larger estates

Each approach offers different advantages. A solicitor can help tailor your plans to ensure they reflect your wishes and make the greatest possible impact.

Choosing a Charity That Matters to You

With so many appeals and legacy campaigns in the media, it can be overwhelming to decide where to give. But at the heart of it all, your legacy should reflect your personal values and experiences.

Here’s how to make a confident choice:

• Focus on causes that genuinely resonate with you, rather than those with the loudest marketing.
• Check charitable status with OSCR (in Scotland) or the Charity Commission.
• Use the charity’s registered number and full details in your Will to avoid confusion.

Your solicitor can help ensure your gift is directed exactly where you want it to go, avoiding any ambiguity.

Is It Difficult to Do?

Not at all. With expert legal guidance, including a charitable gift in your Will is a straightforward process. If you already have a Will, a simple amendment (called a codicil) may be all that’s needed. If you’re writing a new Will, your solicitor can help you include charitable legacies alongside provisions for your loved ones

Starting the conversation with a solicitor

At Paris Steele, we’ve been helping generations of clients with thoughtful, well-structured Wills that reflect their values and wishes. We offer expert guidance on how to leave gifts to charity, ensure your plans are tax-efficient, and help you avoid any pitfalls.

Get in touch with our friendly team today - we’ll make the process clear, personal, and rewarding.