How do I include the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society in my will?
You will find the preferred wording below both for a pecuniary (fixed sum) and a residuary (share of the balance of your estate after payment of debts and other specific gifts) bequest. If you already have a Will you can make a gift by signing a simple form of codicil. You can download our Codicil form here. Copies of the form are also available from the Membership Secretary. However, we recommend that you take legal advice since it is important that the document is signed and witnessed correctly. Any codicil must be kept with but not attached to your Will. If you feel comfortable sharing this information with us, please let us know if you have left us a gift in your Will. It will help us plan for the future, and we’d like to thank you for your generosity.
As the Society is a registered charity, no inheritance tax is payable on the amount of your gift. Changes to inheritance law from April 2013 mean that if you leave at least ten per cent of your estate to a charitable cause in your will, your tax contribution will fall from 40 per cent down to 36 per cent. For further information please consult a professional adviser. For general information about making a will, you may find the guide produced by the Law Society helpful: please visit www.lawsociety.org.uk.
Leaving a Pecuniary bequest
I give to the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society, Registered Charity number 274022 the sum of pounds (£ ) and I direct that the receipt of the Hon. Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said Society shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the same
Leaving a Residuary bequest
I give to the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society, Registered Charity number 274022 [ ] % of my residuary estate and I direct that the receipt of the Hon. Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said Society shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the same
Form of Codicil
A codicil is quite simply an addition or change to your will. If you would like to add a simple bequest for a specified amount you can use the form of codicil link below. This form can be completed at any time and like a will it becomes a legal document when it is signed in the presence of two adults who, at your request and in the presence of each other, add their names as witnesses. The codicil should remain with, but not attached to, your will at all times and be kept in a safe place.
The following notes might be helpful to you:
- Fill in your full name and address together with the amount of the legacy in the relevant space. Do not sign or date the codicil at this point.
- Find two adults to act as your witnesses. Your witnesses may be related to one another but must not be related to you or anyone mentioned in your will.
- In the presence of your witnesses, insert the date of the codicil and sign your name.
- In the presence of each other and you the witnesses must then sign the codicil and state their name, address and occupation.