If you have already made a will

If you have already made a Will, but would like to leave a gift to the British Red Cross, you can do so by making a simple addition to your existing Will. This is called a Codicil.

If you have not already made a will

If you do not have a Will at the moment, you may need to see a solicitor. Although you will have to pay a fee, you will receive sound professional advice and can be sure that your wishes will be achieved.

Before you see a solicitor it is useful to make a list of all your assets. You can print a checklist, 'How to check the value of your estate' (see download in right-hand column), which is also available in our free legacy booklet in order to help you.

Two ways to give to the British Red Cross in your will

• Pecuniary legacy - You can choose to give a gift of a fixed amount of money. This is called a pecuniary legacy.
• Residuary legacy - Or you can choose to leave a share, or the whole, of what is left of your estate once you have provided for your loved ones.

Tell your solicitor which is the most suitable option for you. The correct wording for each type of legacy is shown below.

For a Pecuniary legacy

"I give free of inheritance tax £X to The British Red Cross Society of 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL, Registered Charity Number 220949, [for its general charitable purposes] [and I declare that the receipt of the treasurer or other proper officer for the time being shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors].

For a Residuary Legacy

"My trustees shall hold my/x share(s) of my residuary estate and the income thereof for The British Red Cross Society of  44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL. Registered Charity Number 220949, absolutely [for its general charitable purposes] [and I declare that the receipt of the treasurer or other proper officer for the time being shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors].

Will you pay tax on your legacies?

Most gifts made during your lifetime are tax-free, as long as you make them at least seven years before your death. If you don't, inheritance tax will be taken from all that you own above the current threshold amount.

A gift to a registered charity, however, is always free from inheritance tax. So a legacy to a charity such as the British Red Cross would effectively reduce any tax you have to pay.