Free Wills Month: How Leaving Money to Charity Can Reduce Inheritance Tax
Every March and October, people aged 55 and over can have a solicitor draft or update a Will free of charge through Free Wills Month.
While many people think of writing a Will only after a significant life change, it can also be an opportunity to review your estate planning and potentially reduce the inheritance tax (IHT) your estate pays by leaving a gift to charity.
Why is a Will so important?
A Will is a legal document that sets out what happens to your money, property and possessions when you die. Having a Will ensures your estate is distribute according to your wishes and can save your family significant time and expense at a particularly difficult time.
Without a Will, your estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy, which can be complicated and may not reflect your intentions.
It also allows you to plan properly for inheritance tax. Without a Will, your estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy, which can be complicated and may not reflect your intentions. This is particularly if you are unmarried, in a blended family, or wish to support causes close to your heart.
How can leaving money to charity reduce inheritance tax?
Many people don’t realise that gifts to UK-registered charities are completely exempt from inheritance tax. This means any amount you leave to charity is deducted from your estate before tax is calculated. In addition, if you leave at least 10% of your net estate to charity, the rate of inheritance tax on the remaining taxable estate reduces from 40% to 36%.
Even modest charitable gifts can make a meaningful difference to both the charity and the tax efficiency of your estate.
What is Free Wills Month?
Free Wills Month takes place twice a year – in March and October – and gives people aged 55 and over the opportunity to have a simple Will written or updated free of charge by participating solicitors.
The campaign is funded by a group of UK charities. They cover the cost of basic Wills in the hope that some participants will choose to leave a gift in their Will, helping to fund vital services such as medical research, care services, community support and conservation work. For many charities, legacy gifts form a significant and increasingly important source of long-term funding.
Free Wills Month generally covers straightforward Wills; if your affairs are more complex, you may need to pay for additional advice or drafting.
There is no obligation to leave a gift, but many people choose to do so. Some leave a fixed sum, while others leave a percentage of their estate. Free Wills Month generally covers straightforward Wills; if your affairs are more complex, you may need to pay for additional advice or drafting.
You can register your interest by visiting the Free Wills Month website:
https://freewillsmonth.org.uk/.
Written by Michael Owens
Information is accurate as of 18.02.2026. Opinions constitute the adviser's judgement as of this date and are subject to change without warning. This material may not be distributed, published or reproduced in whole or in part. With investment, capital is at risk.