Five steps to leaving your lasting legacy
1. Consider what you have to leave and who you wish to benefit
In order to advise on preparing your will, you will need to consider the value of your estate including any assets held abroad and who you wish to benefit under your will.
2. Decide which type of legacy is right for you
Your solicitor will be able to advise you on your available options and help you to decide the most appropriate type of legacy gift to leave The Donkey Sanctuary.
The three basic types of legacy are:
A gift of a particular item, e.g. a house, a car, a boat, the contents of a specific bank account, or a piece of jewellery.
A gift of a specified sum of money, which can be index-linked so that it holds its value.
The residue of an estate is what is left over after the payment of debts, funeral expenses, all taxes, administration costs and any legacies. The bequest would be expressed as the whole of the residue or as a percentage (e.g. 25%) or a share (e.g. 1/4).
Many people choose to leave donkeys a residuary gift because it keeps pace with inflation and allows you to ensure your loved ones are well looked after first and foremost.
3. Learn about your tax options
Any amount you leave to charity will usually be exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT). The standard Inheritance Tax rate is 40% but if you decide to leave 10% or more of the ‘net value’ of your estate to charity, a reduced rate of 36% may apply. The net value is the total value as at the date of your death of your assets minus any debts. Not all estates are subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) but it is important that you consider and discuss your tax position with your solicitor.
4. Use our free will service or talk to a solicitor about your will
Your will is an important and personal document. Our free will service is suitable for most simple wills and estates. We recommend the The Law Society or STEP for more information on finding a solicitor.
5. Share our details with your solicitor
Registered name: The Donkey Sanctuary
Address: The Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0NU
Registered Charity number: 264818
Request our guide to gifts in wills
More information
Two-thirds of our work is only possible because of the kindness of those who leave a gift in their will.
We have teamed up with two of the UK’s leading free will writing services, to help you write or update a simple will for free.
Getting in touch
We are here to talk to and answer your questions. You can contact the Gifts in Wills team, who will be very happy to help.
- Contact the Gift in Wills team online.
- Contact the Gifts in Wills team over the phone on 01395 578222.
If you are a solicitor or executor administering an estate that includes a gift to The Donkey Sanctuary, our Legacy Administration team would love to help you.
- Contact the Legacy Administration team online.
- Contact the Legacy Administration team over the phone on 01395 573008.
