Leaving a Legacy

A legacy to The Royal Star & Garter Homes is one of the most precious gifts you can leave to those who have given so much in the Service of their country. Legacies are vital in ensuring we can continue to provide the very special care and support for disabled ex-Service men and women and are an essential part of the Charity’s future expansion programme. All legacies that the Charity receives are recorded in our Commemorative Book of Legacies which is located in the main lobby of the Richmond Home. The names are entered under the date of death and the pages are turned every day so that our benefactors are remembered on each anniversary of their passing away.

Legacies account for almost half of the Charity's voluntary donations and we would be delighted if you remembered us in your Will. You can find more information below about Wills and the tax benefits of leaving a legacy.

In Memory Scheme

Making a donation to The Royal Star & Garter Homes in memory of a friend, relative or loved one is a very special way to remember them. Many people now prefer to make a donation to a worthy cause instead of sending flowers for a funeral. All such donations receive an individual acknowledgement and the next of kin are advised of donors and the total sum of the Memorial Fund. The name of the deceased is entered into the Book of Remembrance, which is on display next to the Commemorative Book of Legacies.

Legacies and Tax

Making a Will ensures that your wishes regarding your money, property and possessions will be carried out after your death. You are able to secure the future for your family and friends by leaving them a particular item or a specific sum of money. You can also consider leaving a gift to causes or interests which are important to you. What’s more any gifts made to a charity, including The Royal Star & Garter Homes, are deducted from your estate before inheritance tax is calculated. The inheritance tax threshold figure changes each year, but from 5th April 2007 it is £300,000, so if the gifts to charity bring the value of your estate below the threshold, it should not be liable for any inheritance tax.
Because inheritance tax can dramatically reduce the value of a large estate, many people find that they can make significant gifts to their favourite charities with no effect on the amount they can leave to family and friends.
There are many factors that can affect the level of inheritance tax and we would recommend that you consult a solicitor for proper advice about your own particular circumstances. Seeking professional help to make your Will can also help to avoid creating all kinds of other problems and uncertainties.