Please consider leaving a gift in your will
In one letter we received recently, the Executor said “I am pleased to be able to tell you that the deceased has left you a legacy in appreciation of your work which has benefited his grandchildren.” Leaving the Society a legacy in your Will is a thoughtful way of supporting our work.
 In recent years, legacy income has become an increasingly important source of our funding. In the year to 31 March 2008, for example, we received just under £69,000 – some from small legacies and some from more substantial ones. All are of enormous importance to us.
It’s a simple matter
Leaving a legacy to the National Eczema Society in your will is straightforward although we do strongly recommend that you take professional advice about the drafting of your Will. Because the Society is a Charity, no Inheritance Tax will be payable on the legacy.
There are different types of legacy but the more popular ones are:
- Residuary legacy – This is usually a percentage of what is left over after all cash gifts have been made and debts, expenses and any inheritance tax have been paid. This type of legacy rises in value with inflation and is the best possible gift you can make the Society.
- Pecuniary legacy – This is a gift of a specific amount of money.
- Specific legacy – This is a gift of an asset. It could, for example, be a house, a piece of land, an item of jewellery or a painting.
The importance of having a Will
A Will is essential to ensure your wishes are honoured. Telling those close to you is not enough. If you are married or living with someone and die without a Will, your partner will not automatically inherit everything. Only with a properly drawn Will can you be certain that your intentions will be carried out. It is not expensive to have a Will prepared and thus to have this peace of mind.
Circumstance may change
If your circumstance or wishes change, you may need to revise your Will to ensure its provisions are still relevant.
Keep your Will safe
A lost Will is just that, lost. You can leave the original with your Solicitor or bank for safekeeping. Alternatively, you can deposit it with:
The Safe Custody Clerk
Probate Department
Principal Registry of the Family Division
High Court of Justice
41-49 High Holborn
London WC1V 6NP
Phone 020 7947 6000 to request an information pack and special envelope in which to place your Will.
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