Are gifts to charity in a will free of Inheritance Tax?

Yes, gifts to UK charities are exempt. If you leave 10% or more of your estate's net value to charity, the estate can pay Inheritance Tax at 36% on some assets instead of 40%.

Can I leave a gift in my will to Shine?

Yes. Shine AI Ltd isn't a charity, so the gift isn't exempt from Inheritance Tax and doesn't count towards the 10% charity rate. Speak to a solicitor and email anna@shineai.tech if you're interested.

What's the difference between a legacy and a donation?

A legacy (or gift in your will) is passed on after you die. A donation is given during your lifetime.

Leave a gift in your will that helps young people into work

A gift in your will, also called a legacy, lets your values carry on. Here's who your gift could help, how legacy giving works, and how to talk to us. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Who your gift could help

981,000 young people aged 16–24 in the UK (13.0%) were not in education, employment or training in April to June 2026 (Office for National Statistics). Many tell us they have no experience, no contacts, no CV, or don't know where to start.

A gift to Shine keeps free support open for them: a personal career map, help writing a first CV, and checked job, apprenticeship and training opportunities.

Interested? Email us

If you'd like to leave a gift to Shine, email anna@shineai.tech. We'll give you our full legal name and company number for your solicitor and talk through how your gift would be used.

Shine AI Ltd (company no. 16414940) is a purpose-led UK company, not a registered charity. Gifts to Shine don't qualify for Gift Aid or charity tax relief.

Types of gift

Residuary: a share of what's left after other gifts and debts.
Pecuniary: a fixed sum of money.
Specific: a particular item, such as property or shares.

Inheritance Tax and charities

Gifts to UK charities are free of Inheritance Tax. Leaving 10% or more of your estate's net value to charity can reduce the rate on some assets from 40% to 36% (GOV.UK: Inheritance Tax — leaving money to charity). These reliefs only apply to charities. Gifts to companies such as Shine don't get them.

How to do it

Use a solicitor (Law Society: find a solicitor) to write or update your will. Use the organisation's full legal name and registration number. Outside the UK, local inheritance rules apply.

A positive cause: young people's first steps into work

Shine helps 16–24 year olds in the UK build a CV, plan a route and find real roles. Free for young people. Sponsorship from £25 pays for that support. You can give from anywhere in the world by card.

Shine AI Ltd (company no. 16414940) is a purpose-led UK company, not a registered charity. Gifts to Shine don't qualify for Gift Aid or charity tax relief.

Sponsor a young person Talk about a larger gift

Common questions

Are gifts to charity in a will free of Inheritance Tax?: Yes, gifts to UK charities are exempt. If you leave 10% or more of your estate's net value to charity, the estate can pay Inheritance Tax at 36% on some assets instead of 40%.
Can I leave a gift in my will to Shine?: Yes. Shine AI Ltd isn't a charity, so the gift isn't exempt from Inheritance Tax and doesn't count towards the 10% charity rate. Speak to a solicitor and email anna@shineai.tech if you're interested.
What's the difference between a legacy and a donation?: A legacy (or gift in your will) is passed on after you die. A donation is given during your lifetime.