Whether you have a Will already, or you’re planning to write your first Will, it really isn’t hard to do. It’s best to visit a solicitor, to make sure your wishes for your family and any charities can’t be misunderstood later on.
Read our frequently asked questions to find out more about leaving a gift to the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust.
Why should I make a Will?
Making your Will is the only way to be absolutely certain that your money and your belongings go to the people and causes you care about. It is also the only way that you can make a legally enforceable gift to charity on your death.
Why would I want to leave a gift to the Wildlife Trust in my Will?
There are many answers to this question, since making a Will is highly personal. Common reasons include:
- A desire to preserve local wildlife and natural places for future generations.
- A way of giving more generously than possible in your lifetime.
- Reducing or eliminating inheritance tax liability.
Should I leave an amount of money or a percentage of my estate?
It’s your choice. Every gift is welcome, and even a small share of your residuary estate can have a great impact on our conservation or education work. If you choose to leave a fixed sum of money to the Trust, do bear in mind that inflation may decrease its value over time.
What effect will my gift have on my inheritance tax status?
Any gift you give to charity in your Will is deducted before your estate is valued for tax purposes. This means that a gift to the Trust will reduce the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries will need to pay. Some people even choose to donate the value of their estate above the inheritance tax threshold to charity – meaning that no inheritance tax at all is payable.
I’ve already made my Will. How can I change it to include a gift to the Trust?
You won’t need to rewrite your Will unless you want to. A qualified solicitor can draft an amendment (called a codicil). It is a simple and inexpensive to make change to benefit wildlife. Do ask your solicitor about this.