Configure your charity and HMRC details before the first claim

GiftAider uses your organisation and HMRC details when it builds a claim. Check them before you prepare the first claim and whenever your charity’s official details change.

Before you start

Have the charity’s official details and HMRC reference available. Confirm who is currently authorised to act for the charity. Do not use example credentials or another person’s identity.

Your charity must be recognised for tax purposes and set up to use the relevant HMRC online service before it can make a Gift Aid claim. See the official Claim Gift Aid online guidance.

Check the organisation details

Sign in as an administrator.
Open your profile menu.
Select Charity and HMRC Config.
Check the organisation name, address, postcode and country.
Check the regulator and registration number where they apply.
Check the HMRC charity reference carefully.
Review any contact or repayment details shown for your organisation.

Check the authorised official

Confirm the selected person is still authorised to act for the charity.
Check that the person has their own working GiftAider login and email address.
Check that their name and contact details are accurate.
Save any approved change.
Ask affected users to sign out and sign in again before testing permissions.

Expected result

The configuration page saves without an error. When a claim is prepared, the correct authorised official is available for selection. A user who is not permitted to work with claims should not gain access simply by knowing the page address.

Common problems

The authorised official is missing: Check that the person has a standard login with a valid email address and that the authorised-official setting has been completed.

A registration number will not validate: Confirm the selected regulator and number format. If the organisation uses Other, follow the guidance shown and contact support if the screen requests a number that does not apply.

The claim is rejected later: Read the returned message before changing data. A successful upload is not a guarantee that HMRC will accept or pay a claim.

Related guidance

Last updated on: October 5, 2026