Leaving a Gift through your Will
Income from legacies is hugely important to the MS Society Scotland. Each year, we receive many legacies - large and small - from a wide range of people. Some who supported the Society in their lifetime and some who did not. Some affected by MS and some not. Without them, we could not continue to help everyone in Scotland affected by MS to lead as full a life as possible until we find a cure. Leaving a gift in your will is a wonderful way to make a genuine impact on a cause that you hold close to your heart. This year, for the first time, the Society has developed a very useful and simple guide to sorting out your will, called 'Famous Last Words'. We have carefully designed this booklet to encourage as many people as possible to not only make a Will, but to remember the MS Society Scotland within it. It includes: - Some legal wording for you and your solicitor
- A taste of our past
- Our vision for the future
- What some of the jargon means
- A classic example of a generous gift
We do understand that some may feel legacies should be kept private, but in order for the Society to realise our ambition of developing world-leading MS research and services within Scotland for those affected - with no government funding - we must constantly seek more ways in which those committed individuals who believe in our work can offer their support. If you would like a copy of 'Famous Last Words', our 12 page guide to making and/or changing your Will, then please call Vanessa Rhazali on 0131 335 4050 or email the Fundraising Team.
 Wills don't have to be taxing
One thing you should consider when making your will is how to minimise the burden of Inheritance Tax on what you leave. You don't have to be extremely wealthy for your assets to be subject to Inheritance Tax. The current tax threshold (as at April 2008) is £312,000. Estates worth more than this amount are taxed at 40%. (This does not apply to assets which are transferred directly to your husband or wife). Don't forget the value of any property is included. One of the best ways of reducing the tax burden is to leave a legacy to charity, because the legacy itself is exempt from Inheritance Tax. Your solicitor can discuss any queries on this subject and will advise you on the most tax-efficient way of making your will.
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